Scanning Electron Microscope picture of freshly prepared human dandruff sample. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
A flaky scalp is prone to dandruff. Dandruff results from the immoderate shedding of dead cells from the surface skin of the scalp in form of white flakes. Flaky scalp in children is very common. Dandruff can be a symptom of such scalp problems as psoriasis, seborrhoeic and lice. Normal dandruff can be treated with an anti-dandruff shampoo. The best dandruff shampoo is rich in antifungal properties.
Various causes of flaky scalp
Flaking of the dead cells from the scalp is a natural and normal phenomenon. Dandruff results when irritation of the scalp or some skin allergy causes excessive flaking. Dandruff is also caused by excessive perspiration and fungal infection of the scalp. The formation of yeast on the scalp is also a dandruff cause.
Another cause for dandruff and dry scalp is cold weather. The scalp surface becomes dry in cold weather. It then easily flakes off and sheds its dead skin cells that in turn, result in dandruff. Allergic reaction to some food and nutritional deficiency in the diet can be major reasons for dandruff. Deficiency of omega 3 acids and B-complex vitamins can cause the dead skin cells of the scalp to flake off excessively. Excessive use of chemically rich hair cosmetics like gels, sprays, dyes and coloring chemicals causes flaking of the dead skin cells from the scalp by leading to roughness and dryness of the scalp.
How to Cure Dandruff
To remove different kinds of dandruff, it is very important to know how to treat dry flaky scalp.
- External Treatment – It includes the use of an anti-dandruff shampoo. Some anti-dandruff shampoos are herbal in nature with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Massage of the scalp with some specific natural oil is one of the dandruff home remedies.
- Nutritional Treatment – A diet that contains nutritionally rich food provides nutritional treatment for dandruff. An intake of liquids like juice, water in plenty keeps the skin of the scalp away from dryness. A diet is balanced when it includes fruits and salads. Feeding on a balanced diet is a natural cure for dandruff. Natural treatment also includes taking a good night sleep for seven to eight hours.
- Relaxation Treatment– It includes yoga and meditation. Practicing yoga and meditation on regular basis is relaxing and refreshing for the body and the mind. It keeps flaking of the scalp in check by reducing stress and stress-related effects on the skin.
- Allopathic Treatment – Allopathic treatment is required for severe dandruff. Certain drugs and oral medicines that a certified physician prescribes can help you combat dandruff
- Natural Treatment – The “Soothing Scalp Remedy” liquid is enriched with the natural extracts of lavender, rosemary, jojoba oil, neem oil and tea tree oil. This concoction is an ideal treatment for dandruff.
The Natural Remedies for Dandruff
Make a mixture of some curd and lemon juice. It is a homemade dandruff cure. Massage the scalp with it properly. Use a mild shampoo to wash it after keeping it for half an hour.
Add some dust of poppy seeds to milk. Apply the solution all over the scalp and then wash it after some time using shikakai with water.
Prepare a liquid solution by boiling tea leaves in water. Add some lemon juice to the liquid and then let it cool. Massage the scalp with it one hour before you take bath.
A paste that is made of fenugreek flour soaked in water is one of the natural remedies for dandruff. Put the paste to the scalp and wash it out with lukewarm water after half an hour.
Make a mix of the white portion of one egg and some lemon juice. Apply it on the scalp. Then wash it off using some vinegar in water after an hour.
Slice a lemon into two halves. Take one half and rub it on the scalp before you take bath. Use this remedy occasionally.
You can use salt for the massage of the scalp before shampooing the hair. This can help you get rid of dandruff.
Take some nettle leaves in a bowl and then pour some hot water into the bowl. Mix a spoon full of cider vinegar with the water. Massage the scalp with it two times a day. This homemade dandruff cure is beneficial for red dandruff.
Prepare a mix of lemon juice, cider vinegar, and witch hazel. Massage it on the scalp and apply to the hair. Use a mild shampoo to wash it off after half an hour.
Take some olive oil in a jar and soak rosemary leaves in the oil. Cover the jar and keep it in the sun for two days. Then, take the leaves out of the oil. Use the oil for scalp massage once a week.
Mix olive oil and honey in the ration of 1:3. Apply the mixture on the scalp and use a hot towel to wrap over it. It is one of the good dandruff home remedies.
Take some warm coconut oil and lemon juice in a bowl. Note that they must not be mixed uniformly. Massage it on the scalp before you go to bed at night and wash it off with shampoo in the morning. You can also use the juice extract of onions as a homemade dandruff cure.
Dandruff is a common condition of the dry and flaky scalp. It usually occurs in dry and cold weather. It is not a serious cause for concern about the scalp, even if dandruff becomes severe. This problem of the scalp is not remediless. You can choose from numerous natural remedies for dandruff. Treating dandruff becomes easier with a homemade dandruff cure.
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