No one wants to see the dreaded white flakes of dandruff on their shoulders; it can be embarrassing, and it can damage one’s self-esteem and confidence. Dandruff is not a disease; instead, it is a symptom of dryness of the scalp.
Contrary to popular belief, dandruff isn’t caused because of bad hygiene; different genetic, environmental and internal factors are responsible for increasing the risk of dryness and dandruff. As far as the symptoms are concerned, dandruff can be detected easily. You will see the dry skin flakes in your hair and on your shoulders. The dryness is also accompanied by itching at some times.
If you have dandruff, then you are in the right place. In this post, we are going to share some of the most effective ways to counter scalp dryness and eliminate dandruff. So, stick around to learn more.
Start using coconut oil:
Oiling your hair regularly is essential for a healthy scalp. Though people use many different kinds of oils, coconut oil is undoubtedly the most effective. It can replenish the dry scalp and prevent dryness.
In a recent study, the effects of coconut oil and mineral oil, on dry skin conditions like, atopic dermatitis were judged. The results showed that applying coconut oil on the affected areas reduced itchiness and flakiness of the skin by 68%, while the mineral oil was only able to decrease the symptoms by 38%. The study suggests that coconut oil can be an effective remedy for many other skin conditions that are characterized by dryness.
So, get a bottle of extra virgin coconut oil and start applying it on your scalp regularly.
Improve your diet:
Like any other problem in the body, dandruff is also impacted by our daily diet. The deficiency of certain nutrients and minerals can increase the risk of dandruff. Moreover, not drinking enough water is also a significant contributor to skin dryness and dandruff.
Physicians classify dandruff as a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, which is a skin condition caused by the increase of oil and yeast in the body. Foods with high levels of carbs can increase the level of glycogen in the body, which yeast feeds on. So, you should try to decrease the intake of high carb foods.
Adding certain food items to your diet can also aid in combating dandruff. Firstly, you need to increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are an essential nutrient that is crucial for the healthy operation of our immune system and other vital organs.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also increase the nourishment of the scalp and decrease dandruff, but most people don’t get the required amount of this amazing nutrient in their diet. Fish is the most common and readily available natural source of these fatty acids, so make sure that you eat at least one meal with salmon, mackerel or trout in a week.
Adding apple cider vinegar to your diet can also improve your scalp health. Natural apple cider vinegar is known to regulate the PH of the skin, which can diminish the growth of certain fungi that increase dandruff and damage the scalp. So, add a couple of teaspoons into your shampoo, or mix the vinegar with coconut or any other hair oil.
Use cannabis to improve scalp health:
Cannabis is known for many health benefits, but very few people understand that marijuana is also beneficial for our hair. The vitamin E that you get from cannabis helps in the reconstruction of damaged hair, and it also increases softness.
Thanks to the gamma-linolenic acid, which is a chemical compound of cannabis, you can also combat dryness and moisturize your scalp. There are many marijuana-infused hair products such as shampoos, conditions and styling creams that you can try. You can also mix CBD oil, with the oil that you use for your scalp.
Hence, look for a cannabis dispensary in Camrose, where you will easily be able to purchase some fantastic cannabis-infused hair products.
Apply Aloe Vera to your hair:
Aloe Vera is a common ingredient used in skin ointments, cosmetics, lotions and shampoos because of its incredible benefits for the skin. Many studies have indicated that aloe vera gel can be useful in the treatment of numerous skin conditions like psoriasis, cold sores, dryness, and burns.
Aloe Vera is proven to have specific antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can also aid in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. You can apply Aloe Vera gel, directly to your hair, or add it to your shampoo. Natural Aloe Vera leaves can be purchased from a plant nursery, or you can also get the gel from dispensaries in packaged form.
Change your shampoo:
Washing your hair with the wrong shampoo frequently can also lead to dandruff. Our scalp releases certain natural oils, which are beneficial for our scalp, but when you wash your hair with chemical-filled shampoos every day, this oil is washed off, and the scalp is damaged.
Firstly, you need to reduce the number of times you shampoo your hair. Washing your hair three or four times a week is enough. Secondly, when you do wash your hair, use a shampoo and conditioner that is suited to your skin type. Furthermore, you shouldn’t change your shampoo too often, find one brand that suits you and stick to it.
Don’t apply too much hair products:
Using too many hair products for styling can damage your hair and scalp, and the use of appliances like blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons can also lead to damage in the long run.
Chemical filled products such as pomade, hair wax, spray or gel may make you look good, but they don’t do any favours for your scalp. These products are a significant cause of dryness and dandruff. Therefore, you should limit the use of these products, and if you have to style your hair, use high-quality natural products with lesser chemicals.
Dandruff is a problem that is faced by more than half of the world’s population. It can cause severe damage to the scalp and lead to hair fall as well. However, there are numerous solutions that you can employ to combat dandruff. Some of these remedies are mentioned in this post. We hope that you find them productive and useful.
Author Bio:
Currently a student of English Literature, in her final years, Carolina Martel is passionate about writing her thoughts in words. She takes up writing projects in her leisure time to accompany her studies. Generally, she understands the essence of writing on every topic but especially those that relate to her field. She regularly writes at https://shadedco.com/.
