If you’ve ever had to avoid wearing dark colors due to flakes constantly sitting on your shoulders, then you know dandruff takes the lead as one of the most annoying hair and scalp problems.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common condition that affects a large percent of people around the world. It causes the skin on your scalp to dry, become itchy, and flake. While it isn’t necessarily harmful and isn’t contagious, it’s an inconvenience and often takes time to treat.
What Causes Dandruff?
Unsure of what’s causing those annoying flakes? Read on to find out.
Sensitivity to Hair Products
Have you switched over to a new shampoo or conditioner recently? The ingredients of your hair care products might be causing an allergic reaction. Not rinsing your hair thoroughly can cause product buildup on your scalp, further adding to the irritation. Make sure to rinse well with clean water after every shower.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is one of the most common causes of dandruff. The temperature, hair treatments, and a number of factors can contribute to dry skin and scalp but an important one to keep in mind is chlorine. Since chlorine strips your hair of its natural oils, swimming pools or your shower water may be contributing to your dandruff.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
If you suspect your scalp irritation to be another symptom of itchy scalp instead of dandruff, refer to our guide on the causes and easy home remedies for itchy scalp.
However, if it’s dandruff you’re dealing with and you’d like to get rid of those tedious flakes, follow these simple home remedies.
Consume More Omega-3
Omega-3 is very beneficial for your skin as it helps regulate its oil production, keeping your skin and scalp moisturized, and alleviating symptoms of dandruff. The only problem with massaging fish oil into your scalp is the fishy odor, but you can opt for fresher ways to make use of this natural remedy. Incorporate more salmon into your diet, or consume omega-3 dietary supplements.
Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is commonly used as an ingredient in many hair care products and can be used alone to naturally moisturize your scalp. Studies show that its antimicrobial properties can potentially improve skin hydration and reduce symptoms of eczema and dandruff.
Exfoliate with Baking Soda
Contrary to what its name implies, baking soda isn’t only used for baking. Thanks to its rough texture and anti-fungal properties, sodium bicarbonate can also be used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and product buildup on your scalp that might be causing dandruff.
Install a Shower Filter
Since dandruff may result from a quick dip in a chlorinated pool or continuously taking showers in chlorinated water, you can alleviate the symptoms by installing a shower filter at home. Pure Blue’s shower filter eliminates 98% of the chlorine and heavy metals from your shower water, leaving you with moisturized hair and skin.
Thanks to these easy natural home remedies, your scalp will be free of those frustrating flakes.
