It’s not just snow that is flaky this winter. Dandruff can be a pretty embarrassing situation for those who have a dry scalp. Those little flakes sitting on your shoulder along with an itchy scalp can easily dampen your mood, confidence and chances of a date. You might want to look up for dandruff cure in such a situation.
A dandruff flake as seen under a microscope
Know dandruff causes:
Also known as Pityriasis simplex capitis, dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia that feasts on the dead cells in the scalp and sebum ( the oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in the scalp). This fungus, though a part of the normal scalp flora, may turn problematic as it breaks the sebum into fatty acids that irritate the scalp. Other causes of dandruff include ― dry cold weather, eczema, psoriasis, sensitive scalp, not enough nutrition etc.
DIY Dandruff treatment:
Several anti dandruff shampoos come with a long list of ingredients; some like zinc pyrithione can help restore the balance in your scalp while many can be harmful and can make the scalp more sensitive.
Fear not! We had our experts give the perfect remedies for dandruff-free hair to make you winter-ready!
- Vinegar
Why not? It can actually be a dandruff treatment, as it addresses the root cause (pun intended!). Vinegar acts a mild fungicide that kills the fungus and will wash off all the dead flaky cells and open up the clogged pores.
Mix equal parts of vinegar with warm water in a cup (total amount can vary depending on the length of your hair) and pour it on your scalp for a good dandruff cure. Scrub your hair gently and rinse with regular water. Wait for 8 to 10 hours before your normal bath. Repeat it twice a week. Make sure you don’t do this before a business meeting as your hair could smell like vinegar.
- Baking soda
Baking soda acts like an exfoliant for your scalp. It will help remove all the flakes and kill the fungus hence working as a dandruff cure. Use baking soda and water in 1:1 ratio; a tbsp for every cup of water. Use this in place of shampoo and enjoy the effects.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is well known for its fungicidal properties and is soothing for the scalp too. Add a few drops of this fragrant oil in your shampoo or in a cup of warm water and use it on your scalp. Rinse well after.
- Fenugreek
This staple Indian spice has a lot of medicinal properties. Fenugreek contains rich portions of protein that help ward off the flakes and reduce itching. Lecithin, a protein found in fenugreek, makes the hair stronger. Soak 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them into a paste the next morning for curing your dandruff. Apply thoroughly on scalp while massaging. Leave it on the scalp for around an hour and wash it off with a mild shampoo.
- Neem leaves
Consider neem leaves for all round natural dandruff control. It is a great fungicide and antibacterial for your scalp preventing the growth of fungus. Boil 2 -3 handfuls of neem leaves in water. Allow the water to cool. Strain the liquid and rinse your hair with it. You can also make a paste of the leaves to make a quick DIY hair mask.
Some tips to get rid from dandruff
- Switch shampoos. Find 2-3 anti dandruff products that work for your hair and rotate amongst them every 3 months to avoid building up tolerance.
- Shampoo often. Regular shampooing can help wash off the flakes and keep your scalp oil-free. Wash at least 2 times a week.
- Rinse twice. many shampoo companies write this at the back of the bottle. It’s time we took them seriously. So remember to Rinse.Lather.Rinse.Repeat.
- Eat healthy food. A diet rich in proteins and minerals can keep your hair shiny and smooth.
Winter is coming. Are you ready?
You can chat with with one of our dermatologists for free on Visitapp.
