HERO
How To Treat Dandruff
(Dec 08 2014 at 11:04am)Dandruff is an extremely common problem, though
that doesn’t make it any less annoying. Dandruff is
actually a scalp disorder called seborrheic dermatitis
and it is caused when a yeast-like fungus, malassezia,
grows out of control. Malassezia actually occurs
naturally on the human scalp, living off of the fatty oils
produced by hair follicles.
Scientists don’t yet know what causes malassezia to
suddenly start growing wildly, but when it does, it
causes irritation that speeds of the process of skin cell
shedding that normally takes place over the course of a
month. It causes so many dead skin cells at one time
that they clump together with the body’s oils and form
masses that are large enough to be seen by the un*lad
eye. Of course, the question is “How do I get rid of it?”
Luckily, there are several home remedies that can solve
your flaking problems.
Tea Tree Oil
As an antifungal and antiseptic, tea tree oil is a proven
remedy for dandruff. You can purchase dandruff
shampoo that contains tea tree oil, but nothing works
better than the actual oil by itself (plus, it’s usually
cheaper). To use, massage tea tree oil into your scalp
(make sure it gets to the scalp and not just in your hair)
and let it sit there for 30 minutes before shampooing.
With frequent usage, you should see a reduction not
only in dandruff but the side effects associated with it,
such as itchiness, greasiness, and scaliness.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal qualities that
fight dandruff. It also breaks down proteins, most
notably in this case, dead skin cells. By reducing the
amount of dead skin cells, aloe vera reduces the amount
of dead skin clumps that constitute dandruff. Use aloe
vera juice or gel in your hair regularly, making sure to
massage into the scalp. Leave it in your hair for at least
15 minutes, then wash it with a mild shampoo.
Thyme
Thyme is another substance that is both an antifungal
and an antiseptic. However, it differs from the previous
two remedies in that it is not an oil, but an herb. To use
thyme as a hair treatment, mix 4 tablespoons of dried
thyme in 2 cups of water, boil it for 10 to 15 minutes,
strain it, and let it cool. Then massage it into the scalp,
let it sit for a several minutes, then rinse your hair well.
Yogurt
This remedy is messy, but effective. Yogurt contains
“good bacteria” which controls the growth of yeast and
this is why it is also a fabulous home remedy for yeast
infections, but instead of putting it in your hair, you eat
it.
For this cure, you want to make sure and get live
culture (not pasteurized) plain yogurt. Spread it on
your scalp. Wait an hour, then wash it out.
Side note: For yeast infections, you need the same type
of yogurt; if you can’t stand the taste of plain yogurt, a
few drops of honey will vastly improve it.
Lemon
The acidity of lemon help restore the pH balance of the
scalp. A lemon remedy can actually be prepared in two
ways br />
Mix lemon juice and coconut oil (your mixture should
be one part lemon juice and five parts coconut oil) and
then apply it to your scalp. Let it sit for at least half an
hour, then wash it out with a mild shampoo. Coconut oil
will condition your hair and has antibacterial qualities,
so it is a great addition to any DIY hair remedy.
Boil the peels of 3 to 4 lemons in hot water. Cool down
the mixture then apply it to the scalp, letting it sit
before rinsing it out.
Fun fact: Lemon remedies like these can also be used to
help with acne and blackheads.
Rosemary
Not only is rosemary effective at eliminating dandruff, it
also smells quite wonderful, so not only will you be
treating dandruff, but you will be giving your hair a
lovely scent as well. Rosemary works on dandruff
because it combats fungi and bacteria. Simply boil 1 tsp.
of rosemary in 1 cup of water, let it sit for a few
minutes, strain, then use it to rinse your hair daily until
the dandruff is gone.
Vinegar
Both apple cider vinegar and regular white vinegar work
as dandruff remedies. Vinegar, like lemons, has acidic
properties that help restore the pH balance of your
scalp. Apple cider vinegar specifically has clarifying
qualities and helps clean out clogged pores and hair
follicles. There are several different ways to use vinegar
br />
Apply vinegar directly to the scalp, wrap it up in a
towel, and let it sit for several hours, preferably
overnight. Rinse your hair the next morning.
Mix vinegar and water and use it as a hair wash.
Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water, then add 15 to
20 drops of tea tree oil. Massage this onto your scalp
and let it sit for a few minutes, then wash it out. Repeat
this process 3 or 4 times a week until dandruff is gone.
Indian Lilac (Neem)
Depending on where you live, neem may be something
you have never heard of, but it is often used in Indian
home remedies for hair and skin problems. Its
antibacterial and antiseptic qualities make it a natural
treatment for dandruff, as well as scalp acne, hair fall,
and itchy scalp. Simply boil the neem leaves in water,
strain the solution, let it cool, then use it as a hair rinse
several times a week until dandruff is gone.
Dandruff Cures or Cooking Essentials?
It is incredible that so many effective natural home
remedies for dandruff can be found either in the
grocery store or already in your cupboard at home.
If the best dandruff shampoos and store-bought
treatments either do not appeal to you or have not
worked for you, take the natural route with some of
these recipes and free yourself from the itch, flake, and
embarrassment of dandruff.
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