Dandruff is a common problem that can be irritating and a bit embarrassing at times.
The tiny white flakes that always seem to appear on your dark-coloured shirts, or the itchiness of your scalp, is a battle we all know too well.
But the good news?
You don’t have to live with it.
In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of dandruff through simple but effective techniques that address drying out and treating the underlying causes of dandruff.
When it comes to fighting dandruff, you will discover that it does not have to be complicated, from daily habits to natural remedies and tested products.
Keep reading to find out how you can get relief from the itch and feel like yourself again with a healthy, flake-free scalp!
How to Get Rid of Dandruff Fast
Dandruff is one of the most common problems of the scalp area to make you uncomfortable and feel conscious.
However, with some patience and the proper technique, you can reduce it — or even eliminate it completely.
These are some of the most dependable methods to avoid the flakes.
Choose the Right Shampoo
First up in the battle against dandruff is a super flake-fighting shampoo — ideally one that’s dedicated to scalp health.
Choose shampoos rich in zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide to deal with it.
All of these ingredients possess anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that can help decrease dandruff in the long run.
Use the shampoo on a regular basis, two to three times per week, and results should be seen.
Dandruff shampoo needs to have its work done, so the rest of the hair products must be avoided on such days.
Give Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse a Try
ACV is not just for recipes but a scalp saver too.
It is your scalp’s pH balancer, as the acidic properties of vinegar help restore the natural pH level, limiting the growth of yeasts that can cause dandruff.
How to Use: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and massage it into your scalp.
Apply it on and let it stay for 15 mins followed by rinsing with lukewarm water.
Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a potent anti-fungal with anti-inflammation properties, and is frequently used as a natural treatment for dandruff.
Combine a few drops of tea tree oil with your standard shampoo, or utilize a shampoo that contains it.
For scalp application, be sure to dilute it, the acid can be too aggressive for sensitive areas.
Practice Good Scalp Hygiene
Washing your hair is just one aspect of scalp care.
Regular scalp exfoliation can prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells and ultimately help prevent dandruff.
Lightly scrub with a soft-bristled brush or a scalp scrub, which helps circulation and opening the follicles.
Eat a Balanced Diet
It might also help if your scalp is healthy as your diet matters too so if you focus on a more nutritional diet your dandruff might go away as your body may combat it from the inside out.
Incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables and omega-3-rich foods like salmon and walnuts, as they feed the skin and can help keep dryness and inflammation at bay on the scalp.
Vitamin B, zinc and biotin are also key for scalp health, so include supplementation if your diet is lacking these.
Manage Stress Levels
Many skin problems, including dandruff, are directly related to stress.
Excessive stress can trigger flare-ups and even worsen scalp irritation.
Try to lower your stress through methods like meditation, controlled deep breathing, resting more, and so forth.
This small step could lead to a significant improvement in your scalp’s condition.
Limit Styling Products
Some products, like hairspray, gel, and mousse, can eventually build up on your scalp.
This residue can make dandruff worse by trapping hair follicles and irritating or clogging your scalp.
Cut back on these products, or choose more organic, lightweight options that contain no harmful chemicals.
What Causes Dandruff to Get Worse?
There could be number of causes for dandruff and some factors can worsen dandruff over the time.
Knowing what these factors are can help you adjust your habits in order to keep dandruff in check.
Environmental Factors
Especially in winter when the air is cold and dry, the scalp can dry out and thus have a higher tendency to shed flakes.
A hat should also be worn when going outside or have a humidifier in the house to keep the scalp moistened.
Product Sensitivity
And, occasionally the shampoos or conditioners we apply may be overly strong leading to discomfort or perhaps hypersensitivity.
If you suspect sensitivity, consider using a hypoallergenic or sulfate-free product.
Poor Hair Hygiene
The longer you go without washing your hair, the more oil, sweat, and dead skin cells accumulate on your scalp, which can contribute to dandruff buildup.
Just washing your hair regularly according to your hair type can help avoid buildup.
More Tricks to Manage Dandruff
- How Often Should You Shampoo?
How often should I wash my hair if I have dandruff? (Hair type and severity of the dandruff will affect the answer, but you could aim to wash your hair no more than two to three times a week as a general guideline.)
More frequent washing may be needed with a gentle shampoo if your scalp is oily.
- Are Natural Oils Bad for Dandruff?
Certain oils — coconut oil, for instance — may even offer some relief as they tend to calm and hydrate the scalp.
Just try to use it gently and be careful if you have sensitive skin.
- Can Sun Exposure Help Dandruff?
Although some sunshine helps reduce mild dandruff, excessive sun can dry the scalp out and make dandruff much worse.
To avoid this, exposure to sunlight should be short and mild, and of course avoid intense sunlight hitting your scalp directly.
Using these methods you can avoid excessive dandruff and keep your scalp healthier and more balanced.
Stay consistent, and with some much-needed trial and error, you will find what works for you.
Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?
Dandruff alone does not lead to hair loss, but in some situations, it will result in the loss of hair.
Scratching your scalp constantly because of dandruff can actually weaken your hair roots, and eventually cause it to fall out.
In addition, the inflammation related to dandruff can also put the hair follicles under some stress, which eventually can lead to hair loss as well.
How to Prevent Hair Loss from Dandruff
- Avoid Excessive Scratching
For instance, scratching can harm their scalp and make hair roots weak. Stale itched in test with clearing communications such as anti help player, shampoos or dual action developed for scalp oils.
- Use a Moisturizing Shampoo
When the skin is dry it can exacerbate dandruff, which in turn can increase scalp irritation. Choose a shampoo that moisturizes and prevents dandruff-forming flakes from forming on your scalp.
- Treat Inflammation Promptly
In case you have any inflammation or soreness on your scalp, you should absolutely go with the anti-inflammatory ingredient products like tea tree oil or aloe vera to soothe the scalp and stop hair loss.
