Dandruff - causes & Remedies

Dandruff - causes & Remedies

 

Dandruff can be a rather annoying malady of the hair and scalp (not to count embarrassing) and the condition is characterized by silvery scales that separate from the scalp and build-up in the hair. The symptoms of dandruff are aggravated when the hair is combed or brushed, as the flakes tend to fall off on clothes and may appear as lumps on the hair and scalp. Excess oil, dirt, grease or product build-up complicate symptoms and make the problem appear worse than it is. Dandruff may be accompanied by itchiness or redness. Determining the causes of dandruff can help people find appropriate remedies.

 

Causes of dandruff

 

Any kind of health impairment is reflected on the health of one's hair as well. Intake of wrong food products, constipation or any infectious disease can lead to dandruff. Toxic conditions due to intake of wrong food products are considered a major cause of dandruff. Also application of harsh chemical hair products or harsh shampoos can also lead to dandruff problems. Other causes include extreme climatic conditions, emotional stress, general exhaustion or use of damaging shampoos. Physiologically, scalp psoriasis, scalp acne, and poor hygiene or overactive sebaceous glands can lead to clogged pores, infection, bacteria and generally poor scalp health.

 

 

Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff treatment with Fenugreek seeds

 

Fenugreek seeds are considered to be a very effective "home remedy" in the treatment of dandruff. Soak 2 tablespoons of Fenugreek seeds in water and leave overnight. Grind this into a paste and apply all over the scalp and leave for half an hour. Wash off hair thoroughly using soap-nut (ritha) solution or shikakhai.

 

Anti-dandruff hair care products

 

There are a wide variety of anti-dandruff shampoos available in the market today which are also effective in the treatment and prevention of dandruff. It is important to go in for a reputable brand and ensure that the shampoo is not too harsh for your hair type. Deep cleaning dandruff shampoos with Zinc PCA combined with Fenugreek are found to be the best at cleansing the scalp and hair. Zinc PCA helps regulate the sebaceous gland - reducing oils that lead to bacteria, dirt and infection. Emu Oil active ingredients are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial and help ward-off bacteria and fungus.

 

Using lime for the treatment of dandruff

 

A teaspoon of fresh lime juice in the last hair rinse combined with a light weight conditioner can also be effective to treat dandruff. Furthermore, this adds much needed luster to the hair as well.

 

Beet for dandruff

 

Boil both the top and root in water and massage this water into the scalp every night. White beet is even more effective to treat dandruff.

 

Brush hair daily and thoroughly

 

Brushing your hair on a daily basis improves blood circulation to the scalp and removes any kind of flakes. Massaging the scalp helps improve circulation and should be done after brushing. Massaging stimulates circulation and dislodges any flakes and promotes hair growth.

 

For the "do-it-yourself-er", home remedies can be very effective. An organic stimulant, Fungreek stimulates circulation that feeds the bulb and hair follicle. Other natural remedies work equally as well. However,dandruff shampoo formulations often are developed to provide added benefits. As mentioned, Zinc PCA reduces oil secretion and deep cleans the scalp, Emu Oil helps moisturize and heal the scalp as well as provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties - both vital components when fighting dandruff.