Reduce Hair Dandruff

Hair dandruff may not be a life threatening condition, but the presence of an irritated and flaking scalp can be uncomfortable and bothersome. For this reason, people suffering with dandruff will often take steps to control the situation. There are a number of ways to go about reducing hair dandruff, including some strategies that involve using products that are already found around the house.

Steps

  1. See a doctor. The first step to reduce dandruff is to determine the underlying cause for the problem. Since some physical ailments can cause skin to dry and flake, it is important to eliminate those possible underlying factors before attempting to find the ideal solution for the problem.
  2. Check your stress level. Stress interferes with a number of body functions, and can lead to skin problems that produce dandruff. Some people find that the incidence and severity of dandruff begins to ease off once the underlying causes for the stress are addressed and resolved. Implementing the use of exercise or other means to alleviate stress may be especially important if it is not possible to resolve the stressful issues.
  3. Consider your diet. Without the inclusion of foods that provide a sufficient supply of nutrients, the scalp will be more susceptible to dryness and flaking. Pay close attention to the types of fat you ingest, and make sure there is plenty of the water-soluble B vitamins present in the foods you consume. Also include foods that offer an equitable amount of zinc as part of your daily diet.
  4. Enjoy some time in the sun. Sunlight does more than promote the production of vitamin D3; it also helps to promote the production of healthy oils in the skin when exposure is kept within reasonable limits. Make it a point to spend a few minutes in the sun each day, but take precautions to protect the exposed skin of the face and arms from too much exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays.
  5. Change your styling products. Some gels, hairsprays and other styling products can not only damage hair but also cause the scalp to dry and flake. Try cutting back on your use of the products as well as switch to products that are infused with nutrients that help feed the scalp.
  6. Shampoo with the right type of product. There are a number of medicated shampoos on the market today that help to reduce hair dandruff by fighting the underlying causes for the skin irritation and flaking. Along with over the counter products, physicians can also provide access to prescription only formulas for advanced cases. Use the products according the instructions for the best possible results.

Using Yogurt and Oil

  1. Get a container of plain yoghurt. Pour it in a mixing bowl and add a couple tablespoons of olive oil.
  2. Combine the ingredients. Use a fork or spoon to beat the yoghurt and oil into a smooth mixture.
  3. Apply a generous amount of the mixture to your hair. Put on a shower cap and leave it in for 30 to 40 minutes. For best results, use a blowdryer to apply heat for 5 to 10 minutes during this process.
  4. Wash your hair. It may take one or two round of shampoo to get the mixture completely out.
  5. Repeat this process regularly. For best results, do this at least once a week.

Tips

  • Wash hair at least 3 or 4 times a week.
  • A common home remedy with a fair amount of anecdotal evidence involves the use of baking soda or bicarbonate of soda as a treatment. Moisten the hair and work the product down to the scalp. Initially, this approach tends to dry the hair but in a few weeks the treatment stimulates the production of essential oils that help leave the scalp relatively flake free and make the hair soft and manageable

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Sources and Citations