Dandruff is a problem that affects thousands of people in the world, it is a health problem, but it also represents a very uncomfortable aesthetic problem.
What is dandruff and why is it produced?
Scalp cells (like all skin cells) tend to die and be replaced by others. That is a natural process. In the case of a healthy scalp, this occurs once a month and the dead cells are discretely removed in the wash or brush without being noticed. However, what we know as dandruff is a phenomenon that occurs with the presence of a fungus.
It is the yeast or fungus Malassezia. A microscopic natural inhabitant of the healthy human head. It feeds on the fatty oils secreted by the hair follicles of the hair. Sometimes, for reasons that are still unknown, the fungus multiplies out of control causing a skin irritation that accelerates the cellular renewal of the scalp. As a result, the normal process of cell turnover advances. It usually takes a month, although in these circumstances it may take less than two weeks.
What factors can predispose to the appearance of dandruff?
Stress
Extreme weather
Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Inappropriate shampoos
Hormonal imbalance
Oily skin
Wash your hair constantly, especially with shampoos with a lot of detergent
Lavarse constantemente el cabello, sobre todo con champús con mucho detergente
What are the symptoms of dandruff?
The easiest way to detect dandruff is to look for it if you have scales on your shoulders. But there are also other signs, such as the following:
-Itch
- Redness
-Dry scalp
All this can be due to irritation, since sensitive scalps react to the microbe that causes dandruff.
Some very effective home remedies to eliminate dandruff
1-White Vinegar.
This ingredient has 5% acetic acid, which can create in the scalp an 'environment' not suitable for the growth of the yeasts and fungi that cause dandruff.
To say goodbye to dandruff with this home remedy you will need to wash your hair for about 4 minutes with a mixture that has a part of white vinegar and three parts of water.
If dandruff persists you can try applying the mixture directly on the hair, wrap it in a towel and let it work all night. In the morning you will only have to wash your head with your natural shampoo to check how dandruff will have disappeared with this home remedy.
2-Aloe vera.
The many benefits of aloe vera for the skin are well known, but what many do not know is that it is also one of the most effective home remedies for dandruff. This plant also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help control dandruff and treat seborrhea.
Apply the juice of a cut leaf of aloe vera directly on the scalp. Massage it and let it act for a few minutes so that it penetrates.
Then rinse the hair and wash it with a mild shampoo. Repeat this procedure daily to say goodbye to dandruff with this home remedy.
3-Olive oil.
Dandruff often appears because of the dryness of the scalp. The regular use of olive oil will help keep your head oiled and thus avoid the dreaded dryness and desquamation.
To make this homemade remedy effective for dandruff, just warm a little olive oil until it is slightly warm. Then use it to massage the scalp and leave it for 30 minutes in the hair wrapped with a towel. To finish you will only have to brush your hair to remove the scales and wash it twice with the shampoo you normally use.
4-Aspirin.
Although it seems lie, aspirin, is one of the most effective home remedies for dandruff. Acetylsalicylic acid, one of the essential components of this medicine, is also one of the most common ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos.
To say goodbye to the dandruff with this home remedy you will have to crush two aspirins and mix them with a little of the shampoo you use every day until you get a paste. Then wash your hair with the mixture while massaging the scalp and rinse it regularly. If you are looking for more powerful home remedies for dandruff try mixing the aspirins with a little vinegar and apply it on your head for a few minutes.
5-Sodium bicarbonate.
Like aloe vera, baking soda not only has a multitude of health benefits, but also for dandruff. Sodium bicarbonate changes the pH level of the scalp and eliminates the fungi that cause the dreaded dandruff.
Mix a little baking soda with the shampoo you normally use until you get a paste. Then, for this home remedy for dandruff to take effect, you will only need to massage the scalp with the mixture and rinse it.
Once the dandruff has disappeared, how can you prevent it from appearing again?
1-Keep your hair clean.
If you leave your hair dirty, you will have itching of the head and when scratching you will produce more dandruff. You must wash your hair every day, with a shampoo of pH between 4.5 and 5.5. You should also clean the accessories you use (such as brushes, hair ties, etc.) and not share them with other people.
2-Beware of the tincture.
Many hair dyes are very strong which, depending on your individual reaction, can cause a great itching and irritation of the scalp. Try to choose a tincture that does not hurt you or tell your hairdresser that you have dandruff.
3-Use lemon.
Lemon is very effective in reducing dandruff, so you can rub the peel of a lemon on your scalp and let it act for 15 minutes. You can also include lemon juice in the water with which you will rinse afterwards. Then apply your usual shampoo and you will see how your dandruff diminishes.
4-Use a good shampoo.
There are shampoos medicated especially to reduce the dandruff, that will help you to diminish it quickly. You can also make a natural shampoo with a mixture of tea tree oil, olive oil and coconut oil, which is very useful for curing dandruff.
5-Massage your scalp.
The scalp massages are very useful to reduce dandruff, since they increase blood circulation in the area. You can apply coconut oil in the massage, camphor or olive oil and let them act for a few minutes. Massage with vinegar is another option that can help you, either making a mixture of water with vinegar or letting it act at night.
6-Improve your nutrition and avoid stress.
Dandruff is often due to poor nutrition or stress, so you can reduce it by eating healthy and incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Vitamins can also be helpful if you consume them as a nutritional supplement. Practicing relaxation techniques will make you manage your stress and, therefore, dandruff will decrease.
I hope these tips are useful.