Treating dandruff
Dandruff is the excessive flaking of dead skin cells. Like rest of our skin, our scalp also sheds dead skin cells during the renewal process of cells. There are two different causes of dandruff — internal and external:
- internal causes: hormonal imbalance, poor health, poor hygiene, allergic hypersensitive, lack of rest, emotional stress, excessive consumption of sugar, fat and starch, improper nutrition and heredity predisposition
- external causes: excessive use of hair sprays and gels, improper use of hair-coloring products or excessive use of hot hair curlers or curling irons, cold weather and dry indoor heating, stress and anxiety, infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair.
There are many anti-dandruff products, such as, shampoos, creams, oils, etc, that promise to do away with the problem. Dandruff can be eradicated with the help of natural and simple home treatments too. Read further to know about how to cure dandruff.
Wash your hair regularly. Getting rid of excess oils and flakes through daily shampooing may be the easiest way to eradicate dandruff.
Switch shampoos. If your regular shampoo doesn’t work, even with daily washing, it’s time to switch to an antidandruff shampoo. Check the ingredients in over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, and look for one that contains zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or ketoconazole.
Use three different kinds of shampoo. Your favorite dandruff shampoo may stop working after a while, and flakes may return which means that you have built up a resistance to its active ingredient. To prevent this, try rotating three brands of dandruff shampoo (each with a different formulation), using each for a month. In other words, use one shampoo for a month, then switch to a second brand for a month, then to a third brand for a month, then back to the original shampoo for a month, and so on.
Lather twice. The first lathering and rinsing gets rid of the loose flakes and the oily buildup on your hair and scalp. It clears the area so the second lathering can get to work. Leave the second lathering of shampoo on your hair at least five minutes before rinsing it off so that it penetrates the skin cells and work more effectively.
Try a tar shampoo. If the antidandruff shampoos aren’t working, it’s time to use a tar one. The tar decreases cell turnover quite effectively, though there are some drawbacks. Tar shampoos have a strong odor, may stain the shaft of lighter-colored hair, and may irritate the skin. Remember, anyway, that some people shouldn’t use a tar shampoo because it can irritate and inflame their hair follicles.
Use a rinse. If you decide to go with a tar shampoo, rinse your hair with lemon juice, a conditioner, or creme rinse to get rid of any lingering odor from the shampoo. Using a hair conditioner after washing with any antidandruff shampoo is a good idea anyway, because the medicated shampoos tend to stiffen hair and make it less manageable. Many of them also dry the scalp, which can add to flaking; a conditioner can help seal in nourishing moisture.
Don’t touch your hair! No comments.
Shower away sweat. After exercise or strenuous work that makes you perspire, shower and shampoo as soon as possible. Sweat irritates the scalp and speeds up the flaking of skin cells.
Don’t overuse mousses, sprays, and gels as they can contribute to oily buildup.