4 Ways To Combat Dandruff And Itchy Scalp
Most people struggle with several hair problems every day; they worry about the texture of their hair, its length, volume, and style, among other things. Add to this the problem of dandruff and dry scalp, and they become instantly frustrated and helpless.
While you can use Vichy anti-dandruff shampoo and other effective products to deal with dandruff, there are other ways as well. But before we delve into the remedies and treatments, it would help to examine the problem briefly.
Dandruff And Its Causes
Dandruff is a widespread scalp condition where pieces of dry skin flake off the scalp. People with dark hair and those wearing dark colours may notice these flakes in the hair or on the shoulders. Most of them use products like the Vichy dercos shampoo to deal with it.
The Malassezia fungus is most commonly held responsible for causing dandruff. It lives naturally on the skin for most people, but an imbalance or overgrowth in the fungus can lead to dandruff. An overgrowth in Malassezia can be attributed to factors such as stress, hormones, or age.
People with sensitivity to specific hair products, skin problems like psoriasis or eczema, and commonly dry skin are also susceptible to dandruff and itchy scalp. It is generally believed that the condition worsens during cold weather or if you are stressed out and sick.
Dealing With Dandruff And Itchy Scalp
By following the below tips to the best of your abilities, you can reduce dandruff and also be free of it gradually.
1. Follow A Healthy Diet
Studies have linked improper diet to hair loss, sudden weight gain or loss, high stress, and other unpleasant health conditions. It is imperative to avoid poor nutrition at all costs. You should not consume foods especially high in carbohydrates as they promote the buildup of glycogen in your skin. Dairy and sugary food items tend to overwork the sebaceous gland, resulting in your skin becoming oilier than usual. So, avoid sugar and carbohydrates if you want to control dandruff.
2. Maintain Scalp And Hair Hygiene
When hair isn’t washed for long periods of time, it will inevitably worsen the dry scalp condition. Leaving oil on your hair and scalp will do the same thing. That’s why it is crucial to wash your hair regularly and lessen the risk of severe dandruff. Rinsing the hair at least a couple of times a week can decrease the dry skin buildup by a vast margin.
Also, gently exfoliating your scalp can remove the top layer or dry flakes. Most scalp exfoliators use dissolvable granules or small quantities of salicylic acid. You can use them twice a week. Only, remember to read the instructions carefully to leave it on for the right amount of time.
3. Use Good Quality Anti-Dandruff Products
Products like Vichy anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner can effectively reduce and keep dandruff in control. So, when investing in hair and scalp care products, ensure to buy good quality ones that won’t harm you. Most dermatologists advise massaging and washing your hair and scalp with an antibacterial anti-dandruff shampoo at least twice a week. If you have an extremely oily scalp, you can wash your hair daily, but use a mild shampoo. Remember to buy the products from a reliable source.
4. Effective Home Remedies
Note that besides using products like Vichy dercos shampoo, you can use certain home remedies to ensure you have a dandruff-free scalp. You can try some of the following for starters.
- Hot Oil Massage
Warm some coconut oil and massage it onto the scalp gently. Leave the oil on for approximately an hour and rinse off thoroughly. If the condition is severe, you can mix about eight to ten drops of tea tree oil into the coconut oil. Leave this in the scalp overnight and wash it off in the morning. You can leave it on for thirty minutes if hard-pressed for time.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider is known for its antibacterial properties and can kill the fungus that causes dandruff. So, diluting apple cider with equal amounts of water and substituting it for your shampoo can help control the issue.
- Lemon Juice
Freshly extracted lemon juice contains acids that can help break down the dandruff-causing bacteria. Massage two teaspoons of lemon juice into your scalp and leave it on for thirty minutes before rinsing.
- Green Tea
You can easily make an effective hair mask by combining green tea, white vinegar, and peppermint essential oil. These ingredients have antibacterial properties and antioxidants that promote scalp and hair health. Massage the mixture gently into the scalp for five minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Conclusion
Remember, it may take a while to treat irritating and often painful scalp conditions like dandruff, especially if it is very severe. Therefore, patience and perseverance are vital to the process.
