Dandruff : Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

Dandruff is a condition in which flakes and chunks of dead skin are shed from a persons scalp. Contrary to popular belief, it is not always caused by a dry scalp, many people with oily scalps are also afflicted.

Causes

1. Dry scalp
Often caused by overly dry environmental conditions or the overuse of cheap hair care products, this condition can be cured by moisturizing.

2. Oily scalp
People who have oily scalps can also get dandruff. The exact cause has not yet been proven, but has been speculated to be due to the excessive oil promoting the growth of yeast and fungi that can irritate the scalp.

3. Seborrheic dermatitis
It is a skin condition that effects the scalp, face and upper-body. Symptoms include scaly or flaky skin that is itchy and red. It is believed to be caused by the fungus.

4. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause silvery, flaky patches of skin on different areas of the body. It is commonly seen on the scalp, creases of the nose, eyebrows, elbows, knees and arms.

5. Environment
Dry environments that lead to dryness of the scalp. Consider humidifying your living space if you have dry skin elsewhere on your body.

6. Food allergies
Poor nutrition and food allergies have been blamed for dandruff .

7. Cheap hair care product
The use of cheap hair care products that dry or irritate the scalp as well as chemical and mechanical over styling.


Treatment



1. Dandruff shampoos
Use anti-dandruff shampoos which used active ingredients such as Zinc pyrithione, Ketoconazole, Selenium sulfide, Coal tar and Salicylic acid .

2. Tea tree oil
Massage the mixture into the scalp and let it sit for 15 minutes prior to rinsing clean.

3. Vinegar rinses
Rinse your hair with white or apple cider vinegar prior to bathing. It may have something to do with correcting your hair’s PH balance.

4. Aloe Vera
Put aloe Vera gel into the scalp and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Then shampoo your hair with baby shampoo.

5. Coconut oil
Massage the scalp with coconut oil once or twice a week before shampooing.

6. Olive oil
Massage the scalp with olive oil for 10-15 minutes before shampoo your hair.