Hair Care

Tips to stay dandruff-free

Is it true that you are disturbed by an itchy dry scalp that forces you to dig your nails into your hair?
Do you avoid wearing black tops due to white flacks on your shoulders?
Annoyed with excessive hair fall each time you brush your hair?

Well, you have got a typical scalp condition called dandruff that one out of five individuals have globally. though tough to treat, there are many remedies that can be used to handle this condition. But first, we must understand how to treat this condition, let us get it all that able to around dandruff and its common causes.

What is Dandruff and What Causes it?

Different causes lead to dandruff by alteration of the pH of the scalp. The common causes of dandruff include:

• Sensitivity to certain hair care products


• Continuously working in an environment that is air conditioned


• Dandruff causing microorganisms on the scalp


• Hormones


• Medical and genetic conditions

Poor Hair Care Regimen

Hair washing and drying everyday causes dandruff to flare-up. On the other hand, in case you are not washing your hair or exfoliating your scalp routinely, there's an aggregation of dead skin cells and oils, leading to dandruff. Yeast called Malassezia, that live on your scalp feed on these oils and release skin irritants, leading to shed dandruff flakes.

Not washing hair styling products rightfully such as gels, dyes, mousses, waxes, and sprays, , can adversely influences scalp health. These products over time chemically break down into skin irritants, trapping dirt and oils, worsening dandruff. Skin sensitivity reactions caused by several ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, dimethicone, propylene glycol & parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.

We spend a long time indoors in our comfortable air-conditioned environment. Persistently working in an environment where there is dry, cold air blowing can also activate the onset of dandruff. An air-conditioned environment dries out ones’ scalp making it itchy and helping the Malassezia fungus to grow as well.

Stress & Unbalanced Diets

Stress is the main reason behind dandruff overproduction and itching, as stress lowers your body’s natural immune system making it unable to deal with the Malassezia fungus. over and above sweating that may occur due to stress, allows fungus to grow further.

The higher is the stress levels in your body, the greater is the hormonal imbalance. Hormones that control sebum production, tend to overproduce under stress leading to further growth of Malassezia fungus and dandruff.

Our diets contribute in the growth of dandruff. Consuming foods rich in fat, sugars or spice, adversely influences the scalp. This includes food items such as coffee, chocolate and alcohol. Lack of Vitamin B, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and proteins diet, is also a key factor that gradually results in poor scalp health. Although the causes for dandruff are many, there are many options available out there that can help manage this condition in an effective manner.

The Proper Shampoo for Healthy Hair

Use mild and non-irritating shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, amongst other ingredients to get rid of dandruff.

Haircare routine is suggested for you

Leave the shampoo in your hair for at least 5 minutes before rinsing, use moisturizing conditioners and let your hair air dry. Try alternating your anti-dandruff shampoo with a moisturizing one to avoid drying out your scalp completely.

Try Naturals!

Mixing tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar in your shampoo while washing your hair can help lower the severity of dandruff. Antibacterial and antimicrobial properties present in them can gradually help you tackle dandruff. Applying soothing aloe Vera can help reduce itchiness that is caused due to dandruff. Exfoliating your scalp with a healing clay mask that contains a mixture of bentonite clay and essential oils such as Argan or jojoba oils, dries out excessive sebum produced on the scalp, removes dead skin cells and improves scalp health.

Eat Healthy for Stronger Hair & Cleaner Scalp

Ensure that your diet has a good helping of eggs, fish, chicken, spinach, green leafy and meat as they are rich in protein and iron, which can result in stronger hair and help combat hair loss due to dandruff. Fish, avocado and nuts, contain Omega-3 fatty acids, helps keep the skin nourished and moisturized, even that on the scalp. Another important nutrient that one must not skip out in meals is zinc. Zinc in cereals, legumes and whole grains, helps protect the scalp and ensure its optimal health

Breathe In & Breathe Out

Keeping a calm and clear mind, practicing mindfulness, living healthy through yoga or simply doing something you love to keep yourself relaxed is a step in the right direction to keep your mind stress-free and your scalp healthy.

SEEK FOR DOCTOR’S ADVICE

We would advise you to consult your dermatologist if general over the counter medicated shampoos do not help. Your doctor can provide you with holistic treatment and advice on what would be the best anti-dandruff treatment suited to your scalp condition. Furthermore, your doctor can also help you identify if your flakes are caused by any other condition such as psoriasis, eczema, tinea capitis, seborrheic or contact dermatitis.
Do not let dandruff steal your peace of mind away, follow these steps for shinier and healthier hair!