We all have been through the phase where our hands were always in our hair, scratching the scalp away and our dark-colored clothes covered with white flakes. Some of us are still going through it while some may have found a temporary solution to the problem.
However, removing the problem from its roots should be our main concern and that’s what we should do, learn to eliminate dandruff from our hair and put this knowledge to use.
But before we get into the solution, let’s understand more about what our issue is.
What is Dandruff?
Skin cells on the scalp continually renew themselves just like any other part of the body. So, when new skin cells occur on the scalp, the old ones are moved to the surface and come away from the scalp. This procedure is known as flaking, but in the case of people suffering from the condition of dandruff, the skin renewal process is revived, which means that more dead skin is shed hence the white flakes are more evident. Dandruff is not really connected to your hair, or how you wash your hair, but it is all about your scalp skin and how you treat it to alleviate dandruff.
A very typical cause of dandruff is a fungus called Malassezia globosa. This fungus resides on the scalp of most healthy adults without inducing any problems. While in some individuals’ dandruff may overreact to that fungus and can become an ailment.
What Causes Dandruff?
Dandruff may have numerous causes and vary from person to person, while the most common causes are
- Aggravated and oily skin
- Not retaining clean hygiene and not shampooing enough, as it results in skin cells accumulating and creating flakes and itching
- A response of our immune system to a type of yeast that lives on the skin called a Malassezia globosa
- Hormonal problems may be involved because dandruff is mostly found after puberty in young adults
- Sensitivity to hair care derivatives.
- Other skin ailments, such as psoriasis and eczema
How Vitamin Deficiency Affects Hair Dandruff
Vitamins, though essential in a balanced diet for various reasons like eyesight and better energy, also help in maintaining healthy hair. Here are the crucial vitamins that help you fight hair dandruff:
- Vitamin A regulates the oil secretion process which moisturizes the scalp. Vitamin A depletion can lead to dandruff hair loss. Carrots, pumpkin, spinach, and kale are sources of Vitamin A.
- Vitamin B includes Biotin which can improve the creation of red blood cells and add nutrients to the scalp. It is found in almonds, meat, fish, and whole grains. Vitamin B complex may assist in controlling dandruff.
- Vitamin C aids in building collagen essential for hair development. It is a good antioxidant and delivers nourishment to the hair follicles. Citrus fruits, strawberries, and papayas have good quantities of Vitamin C.
- Vitamin D deficiency can result in hair loss or alopecia. It plays a significant role in hair production. Boosting your Vitamin D intake can prove to be good for dandruff treatment. Consume fatty fish, cod liver oil, and mushrooms for Vitamin D.
Other Nutritional supplements help in dandruff control
Zinc may help govern dandruff. Anti Dandruff Shampoos that comprise tea tree oil or an active compound like Zinc Pyrithione aid in dandruff prevention as well as decreasing it. It is solely due to the antifungal and antiseptic properties of Zinc Pyrithione. This compound can be found in several dandruff control shampoos that are available on the market.
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseed oils) may help ameliorate flaking dandruff and an itching scalp, as well as eczema and psoriasis of the scalp.
Omega-6 fatty acids found in Evening primrose oil may assist control of dandruff.
Tea Tree oil shampoos may be helpful as they may stop dandruff by eradicating fungal damage to the skin. Tea tree oil is antiseptic, antibiotic, and antifungal and it is suggested to wash hair daily with tea tree oil shampoo as the remedy for dandruff.
Homemade Tips For Dandruff Removal
Aspirin
The readily available Aspirin can play an important role in keeping Dandruff at bay. Granulate two Aspirin into a fine powder and put it n your regular shampoo. Shampoo your hair with this mix and wash after two to three minutes. The Salicylic Acid present in Aspirin helps to deal with Dandruff efficiently.
Yogurt
A fresh bowl of yogurt too can work in calming down an itchy scalp. All you are required to do is shampoo your hair, apply the yogurt, and let it sit for 15 minutes or so. Rinse with water and wash again with a little amount of your regular shampoo. Yoghurt is a treasure trove of friendly bacteria and thus assists you in preventing flaking of the scalp area. You can also put in black pepper to the yogurt since it too retains antifungal properties.
Lemon
This is by far the most comfortable method of them all! Squeeze a full lemon and massage the juice into your scalp. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes and wash it off with regular shampoo. You can also add lemon juice to a cup of water and use it as the last rinse after your hair wash session. Frequently repeat it till dandruff vanishes. The acidic nature of the Lemon helps to balance the pH of your hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a useful natural remedy to get rid of dandruff. It is acidic and aids in removing dead skin cells on the scalp. It also staves off the growth of fungus. Make a solution using two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in a mug of water. Rinse your hair as usual with shampoo. Then pour this solution into your hair as the last wash.
Conclusion
With the intake and application of the best hair growth vitamins and best hair growth products, one can get rid of dandruff easily. However, one must follow the hair care routine regularly to work effectively and prevent dandruff.
