Dandruff Remedies
What is Dandruff? Dandruff, also called scruff, is caused due to the extreme shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. It is normal for skin cells to die and flake away. A small amount flaking is usual; however, large amount of flaking is chronic and is often accompanied by itching and redness. The result is that dead cells are shed in large, oily clumps, which come out as white or grayish patches on the scalp and skin.
What are the Types and Causes of Dandruff? Dandruff generally spreads through sharing combs, towels, hairbrushes, and soaps. There are two types of dandruff: dry dandruff and waxy dandruff. Dry dandruff is characterized by small scales which are loosely scattered in the hair. Waxy dandruff occurs when scales of dead skin from the epidermis mix with sebum and become attached to the scalp. It is caused by poor nutrition, excess intake of junk and oily food. It could be due to a deficiency of zinc, yeast infections, and fungus, or overuse of soaps and shampoos with harsh chemicals.
How to Prevent Dandruff? There are plenty of home remedies for dandruff. You can try hot steam baths which are helpful for the hair and scalp. Massage some hot oil onto your scalp and then wrap a hot damp towel on your head for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can immerse lemon peels in some coconut oil. Leave the peels in the oil for 8 to 10 days in the sun. Strain the oil and apply on the hair.
You can massage warm oil into the scalp at bed time and in the morning you may rub lemon juice mixed with a little vinegar and apply on the scalp. Continue this for once or twice a week for three months. Curd is another good remedy for dandruff. Allow a small quantity of curd to ferment for two to three days. Apply this curd to the scalp and hair. Dry it for one hour and wash it off.
You can soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight and grind it to a paste and apply this every morning. Leave it on for some time and wash with soap nut or shampoo containing shikakai. The gel of aloe Vera can be applied and left overnight and washed. Try using one teaspoon of lime before the last rinse while washing your hair. This will keep your hair glowing and also prevent dandruff.
You can apply ginger juice mixed with beetroot juice on the scalp. This is effective in treating dandruff. You may heat 300ml of coconut oil with a teaspoon of pepper. When it starts boiling stop heating; sieve and store in the bottle and you can use it every day before washing hair. You can add some cumin seeds too. This will condition your hair and also remove the heat from the body.
The best thing to do is to eat ample amounts of vegetables, fruits and drink plenty of water. Remember to comb your hair and brush it well before going to bed as this increases blood circulation. Avoid harsh cosmetic products on your scalp and hair. Follow a healthy diet and keep dandruff away and your hair lustrous.
