If dandruff is hitting hard on you and ‘how to remove dandruff’ is all what goes in your mind, then read this myth-breaking article concerning dandruff causes and dandruff remedies.
The truth about dandruff
Dandruff is normal. Most commonly, it is an appearance of a healthy yeast-like fungus called malassezia that dwells in everyone’s heads. As a consequence of many health conditions or lifestyle choices, the fungus can grow in excess. This fungus leads to the production of irritants which are able to feed on the excess oil present on your scalp and leads to faster than normal shedding of skin cells.
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Myths about dandruff
Even though this is such a widespread problem, there is still a lot of incorrect information being passed around about this condition. Have a look at a few of the myths going around dandruff.
Dandruff flakes are caused by a dry scalp
Dandruff and dry scalp are two different conditions. A dry scalp occurs due to too much loss of natural moisture of the scalp whereas; dandruff is associated with build up of too much oil on the scalp. Thus, dry scalp can’t be counted as one of the dandruff causes.
Dandruff can cause hair fall
Dandruff leaves your scalp itchy which increases your tendency to scratch frequently. Excessive scratching causes breakage in the hair which may induce hair fall.
Dandruff is contagious
Dandruff can’t be caught from another person. The most common dandruff cause, which is the malassezia fungus, is present on everybody’s scalp and anybody who is naturally sensitive to the condition, develops it.
Dandruff is caused by poor hygiene
While washing your hair helps, this is a commonly mistaken belief. It’s actually our inherent predisposition to irritation, oil and a micro-organism that resides on our scalp which is the real dandruff cause. Of course, while dandruff isn’t simply a result of poor hygiene, washing your hair regularly with dandruff can certainly make a big difference.
Dandruff only occurs on the scalp
It’s true that your scalp is the place that experiences dandruff most commonly, but it’s not the only possibility. Some people also experience it in areas such as the eyebrows, ears, and around the nose. If this is the case with you, simply apply small amounts of dandruff shampoo to the affected areas after you’re done with the scalp.
Dandruff can be cured
The sad news is that there is no such dandruff treatment which could completely cure this condition however, dandruff can be controlled. Still, you don’t have to wait for flakes to appear to start a dandruff treatment instead; you can take defensive action to shun flare-ups.
Along with anti-dandruff shampoos, you can also include these homemade dandruff remedies under in dandruff treatment plan:
Aspirin
The active ingredient present in aspirin is salicylic acid, which is also there in many medicated anti-dandruff shampoos.
Next time when you shampoo, add the fine powder of two crushed aspirin tablets to your shampoo. Apply, massage and leave the mixture on your hair for 1-2 minutes and, then rinse well. Wash again with only shampoo.
Tea tree oil
Shampoos with a percentage of tea tree oil as low as 5 percent have reported a significant improvement in the severity of dandruff. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo as you wash normally.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a handy and effective dandruff remedy for relief from an itchy and flaky scalp.
Wet your hair and then massage your scalp with a handful of baking soda. Rinse your hair with water without using shampoo. Baking soda removes overactive fungi that can cause dandruff.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a promising dandruff treatment as the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar makes it difficult for yeast to grow on your scalp.
Mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water and apply on your scalp. Wrap a towel around your head and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour. Then wash your hair normally. Do this twice a week.
Lemon
The acidic nature of lemon helps balance the pH of your scalp and keeps dandruff at bay.
Just rub 2 tablespoons lemon juice on your scalp and wash with water. Then mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat this daily until your dandruff goes away.
Garlic
Garlic has potent antimicrobial properties that are perfect for removing dandruff-causing microbes.
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Crush garlic and massage it into your scalp. To avoid that potent smell, mix crushed garlic with honey and massage into the scalp before washing as usual.
Conclusion: Dandruff is commonplace but may make you feel embarrassed while you shake-off those flare-ups in a meeting, or a party. Although dandruff is incurable, it can be managed well with the above mentioned dandruff treatments. These dandruff remedies are safe and effective.
