What Is Dandruff?
When the skin cells on our scalp constantly replace themselves with new ones and push the old skin cells to the surface. When our skin cells replace themselves at a faster rate they accumulate on the scalp, in the form of flakes, we call dandruff. There are two types of dandruff, the dry dandruff (pityriasis capitis simplex) and, the greasy, waxy type (pityriasis steatoids).
Home Remedies for Dandruff
If you have a mild case of dandruff, just shampooing more should get rid of your dandruff. Cleansing your scalp with dandruff shampoo keeps the dandruff from building up but if you have a severe case, your doctor should be able to prescribe you some medicated shampoo.
One natural remedy you may want to try to get rid of dandruff is lime juice. Simply shampoo your hair, rinse, shampoo again, condition rinse, add the lime juice and finally, rinse again.
Another method you can use to fight dandruff at home, is to take some apple cider vinegar and dilute it with an equal amount of water. Shampoo your hair, rinse, and take an application brush (or cotton) and apply the mixture to the scalp. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Rinse, shampoo again, rinse, condition, rinse and with the apple cider vinegar mixture rinse your hair one more time.
Hair should be brushed daily to improve circulation
Your hair should be brushed every day. Brushing your hair every day not only helps get rid of flakes but it improves circulation and promotes hair growth.
Keeping your hair and scalp clean helps keep your dandruff from building up. Most doctors recommend dandruff sufferers use a medicated shampoo daily, rubbing your scalp well and leaving the lather on for at least five minutes. Lather and rinse and repeat.
Other Treatments for Dandruff
Not all dandruff shampoos are alike, so you may need to experiment with them to find the one that works best for you. Here are some examples of some effective over-the-counter shampoos you can try.
• Zinc pyrithione shampoos, such as American Crew Anti Dandruff Shampoo and Head & Shoulders, contain an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent (zinc pyrithione) which has been shown to fight the fungus that causes dandruff.
• Selenium sulfide shampoos, such as Selsun Blue, can prevent cell turnover and may help control the malassezia fungus. These types of shampoos may discolor blond or gray hair and can cause significant discoloration in chemically treated hair, so follow the directions carefully and rinse well.
• Ketoconazole shampoo, like Nizoral, contains a broad antifungal agent.
• Tar-based shampoos, such as Neutrogena T / Gel, contain coal tar, which slows cell turnover and reduces the formation of scaly flakes.
Picking the right shampoo for your hair can be a process of trial and error, try out different shampoos to see which one works best for you and also rotating shampoos periodically can be good for your hair.
You may need to alternate between different types of shampoos if one type initially controls the dandruff but later loses its effectiveness. If you find that you are still scratching and shedding after trying over-the-counter preparations, see your doctor. You may be using the wrong shampoo for your condition. For really stubborn dandruff cases you may need to try a prescription shampoo.