Beauty

Say goodbye to annoying dandruff with these helpful tips and boost your confidence in communication.

Anyone can experience dandruff, and there isn't just one cause for it. Let's delve into the topic to find out more.

25 February, 2024

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Causes of dandruff

Skin inflammation

Scalp inflammation is a condition where the scalp turns red, with white, thin, and sticky flaky skin on the forehead and scalp that can spread all over the head. Inflammation also appears on the face with red patches with flaky skin and clear boundaries.

Dry skin

Dry scalp occurs when there is not enough oil and moisture, leading to disorder, irritability, peeling, and the formation of small white flakes.

Hair care products

Shampoos, styling gels, hair dyes, hair perm products, or hair care cosmetics containing cleansing and preservative ingredients… These products affect and disrupt the pH of the scalp, disrupt the moisture balance, and make the scalp dry.

Stress

If you are experiencing prolonged stress, it not only affects your overall health but also makes you prone to some skin problems.

Diseases

Some diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema… are direct factors that affect the scalp and cause dandruff.

How to get rid of dandruff

Proper shampooing

The common frequency of shampooing for most hair types and scalp is 2-3 days per week. If the scalp produces a lot of oil or is frequently active, sweating during exercise, you can shampoo every day. You should note using anti-dandruff shampoo and scalp soothing products 2-3 times a week. The shampooing process is using shampoo twice: the first shampoo removes dandruff flakes, the second shampoo allows the active ingredients to penetrate into the scalp.

Exfoliating the scalp

After combing and separating the hair, use your fingertips to apply the exfoliating mixture. Or you can also use a brush or a designed glove to exfoliate the scalp. If using physical scalp exfoliants, gently rub in circular motions. However, you should only exfoliate the scalp once a week.

Increase zinc intake in the diet

Zinc balances the amount of sebum on the scalp and prevents dandruff. Supplementing zinc in the diet can have a miraculous effect on preventing dandruff. Only 8mg per day for women and 11mg per day for men is suitable. Foods that provide zinc for the body include legumes, oysters, chicken, pork, beef, and various nuts.

A diet rich in Omega-3

The omega-3 rich food group should be added to the daily diet, including salmon, trout, tuna, flaxseeds, walnuts, red beans, soybeans…

Simple home remedies for dandruff treatment

Apple cider vinegar: Twice a week, apply a mixture of 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of water to clean hair for about 30-60 minutes, then rinse with water.

Coconut oil: Prepare about 5 tablespoons of coconut oil, then wet the hair and evenly apply the coconut oil to the scalp. Gently massage to help the coconut oil penetrate the scalp and leave it on for about 20 minutes, then shampoo thoroughly.

Baking soda: Mix 20g of baking soda with warm water, then directly apply this mixture to the scalp and gently massage to evenly distribute the baking soda. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse with clean water.

Frequently asked questions

There are several effective ways to combat dandruff. Firstly, maintaining a consistent hair care routine is crucial. This includes regular shampooing with a gentle, anti-dandruff shampoo, conditioning, and brushing your hair gently to distribute your scalp’s natural oils. Additionally, incorporating natural remedies like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, or aloe vera can help soothe the scalp and reduce flakiness. It’s also important to manage stress levels, as stress can trigger or worsen dandruff. A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins can also contribute to a healthy scalp.

Managing dandruff involves a combination of proper hair care and lifestyle choices. Besides a consistent hair care routine, ensuring your hair and scalp are dry before going to bed can help prevent dandruff. Avoiding excessive use of hair products, especially those containing harsh chemicals, is important. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can contribute to scalp health. Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques or exercise can help, as stress is a common trigger for dandruff.

Yes, there are several effective natural remedies for treating dandruff. Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antifungal and antibacterial agent, making it an excellent choice for combating dandruff. Simply add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or apply it directly to your scalp. Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy; its acidic nature helps balance the pH of your scalp, creating an environment less conducive to dandruff. Aloe vera, known for its soothing properties, can also be applied directly to the scalp to reduce itching and flakiness associated with dandruff.

Stress is a common trigger for dandruff, as it can negatively impact the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to skin problems. When stressed, the body produces higher levels of the hormone cortisol, which can influence the production of oil and skin cells, potentially leading to dandruff. To manage stress, incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine. Regular exercise is also an effective stress reliever, as it releases endorphins and improves overall well-being. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can help improve scalp health and reduce dandruff.

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining scalp health and reducing dandruff. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, avocados, and walnuts, as they help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy scalp. Ensure sufficient intake of zinc, found in lean red meat, poultry, and legumes, as it supports the immune system and helps maintain scalp health. B vitamins are also essential for healthy skin and hair; include whole grains, dark, leafy greens, and citrus fruits in your diet. Staying properly hydrated by drinking enough water is another simple yet effective way to support scalp health.