You’ve landed here because you’re probably having an itchy and flaky scalp that’s uncomfy af. We, too, have been there, done that, and can feel your pain. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of treatments to get rid of dandruff, alongside some common causes and myths that the victims of these pesky lil’ flakes should take note of.
Dandruff is triggered by excess oil on your scalp which causes an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. If you’ve been consuming extra oily food and skipping hair wash days, you might create the perfect oily environment for this yeast to feast on.
That said, dry skin can also lead to a flaky scalp since your scalp is an extension of your face. It could also be because you’ve recently switched to new hair products that your scalp disagrees with. Or, your dandruff is actually caused by your eczema or psoriasis.
Symptoms of dandruff include itchiness, along with white or grey flakes on your scalp, hair, and eyebrows.
If you’re experiencing dandruff, steer clear of products containing parabens, sulphates, silicone, and fragrance. These ingredients can irritate your scalp, disrupt its pH balance, and worsen the flakes.
While your dandruff is acting up, it’s also a good idea to incorporate more greens and less oil and salt into your diet. It’ll be beneficial for both your skin, scalp, and overall health.
Take note of the top tips to get rid of dandruff so you can have shiny and pretty hair without the flakes.
Zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole are the holy grail ingredients that can kill the extra yeast and fungus on your scalp. Find them in medicated shampoos that can be purchased over the counter, such as Nizoral to bid farewell to white flakes all over your shoulders.
For a milder approach, opt for shampoos containing salicylic acid that can soothe redness and irritation on your scalp – just like how it does wonders for your skin.
Deploy the help of a scalp scrub to remove dead skin cells and product buildup. You can either purchase drugstore products such as The Body Shop Tea Tree Scalp Scrub ($33) or DIY scrub at home by mixing baking soda with coconut oil and water. Just make sure you gently massage the formula with your fingertips to avoid irritating your delicate scalp further.
A coconut oil scalp mask can also help to treat dandruff, especially if it’s caused by an overly dry scalp.
The malic acid content in apple cider vinegar is so powerful it can cut through the toughest product buildup on your roots and leave your scalp squeaky clean. Just make sure you dilute one part of vinegar using five parts of water to avoid damaging your delicate tresses.
After shampooing, simply drizzle the solution on your scalp, rake through your roots, and let it sit for 30 seconds before rinsing and conditioning.
If topical products aren’t cutting it, it might be a good idea to try to heal from within by increasing your zinc and omega-3 intake. These are available in the form of supplements that can be easily found at drugstores. Or, you can add more nuts, seeds, plant oils, and salmon into your daily diet which your body will thank you for.
Both sugary and spicy food can trigger inflammation in your body. This can worsen your itchy and flaky dandruff situation. That said, not all sweet stuff is bad. A sweet potato, for instance, is rich in vitamin B, zinc, and magnesium, and should be consumed in place of simple carbs like rice.
We get it – dandruff can be a handful to deal with, especially when you’re unclear about the cause. It could have been your questionable diet, overexposure to sunlight and pool water, new hair products, or a potential episode of eczema. Whatever it might be, you can seek some relief by applying the dandruff treatments above.
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