Dandruff

What is dandruff?

Normally the skin sheds the outer shells and renews itself and this process goes on constantly but unnoticed. Similarly the skin of the scalp also sheds the skin cells. When this process becomes noticeable it is called dandruff.

In a normal scalp, the process of getting off old cells and producing their replacements is very orderly and complete. In the dandruff scalp, there is chaos and quite often the departing cells are not dead when they are shed.

Mild dandruff is caused if the skin is too oily.

Home remedy

Take 6 spoons of water and mix two spoons of vinegar in it. Apply on the scalp, cover your head with a towel and leave it on for the whole night. Wash it the nextday and rinse with vinegar water after shampooing.

Apple cider vinegar has been found to be useful by many.

Take a lot of aloe vera gel and rub onto your scalp. After 15 minutes wash your hair with a regular shampoo. Do this every day.

Rub your scalp with lime juice, leave it for 10 minutes and wash as usual.

Soak 2 tablespoons fenugreek (menthi) seeds in water overnight. In the morning grind into a fine paste. Apply all over scalp and leave for about 30 minutes and then wash it off.

Mix almond oil with olive oil and apply it on the scalp. After sometime there might be a slight burning sensation. Leave it for 5 more minutes and then rinse your hair.

Take some coconut oil and warm it up. Mix the juice of two lemons to this coconut oil. Take this warm cocolut oil on your palm and rub the scalp especially the places where dandruff is more. After two hours wash with a mild shampoo.  Repeat this every alternate day.

Take four galsses of water and boil a handful of neem leaves in it. Cool it, filter it and use it for rinsing hair.

Take 6 spoons of water and mix two spoons of vinegar in it. Apply on the scalp, cover your head with a towel and leave it on for the whole night. Wash it the nextday and rinse with vinegar water after shampooing.

 
Allopathy

Medicines containing the following may be prescribed:

For mild dandruff
zinc pyrithione
selenium sulfide
sulfur and salicylic acid or tar shampoo

For severe dandruff
hydrocortisone cream
ketoconazole cream

Ayrveda

Dandruff may be a sign that circulation is blocked. Massage the scalp with sesame oil for five to ten minutes once a week and wash it off.

Take the herb fenugreek cooked or uncooked with honey. Take a teaspoonful daily.

Ayurveda divides the people according to their constituencies which may be Vata, Pitta or kapha. Fenugreek works best for people with vata or kapha doshas and is less effective for pittas.  

Homeopathy

Sulphur, Oleander and Sepia are prescribed for dandruff depending on the type of dandruff you have. You need to take them three times a day for up to two weeks.

Sulphur is prescribed if your dandruff is thick, you scratch your head a lot at night, your scalp burns and washing your hair makes your scalp even drier. 

Oleander is good if there are moist, smelly spots behind your ears, your itching is worsened by heat and you feel as if there were insect bites along the hairline of your forehead.

Sepia is the homeopathic medicine for you if your scalp is moist, greasy and sensitive near the hair roots.

Aromatherapy

Massage your hair after shampooing and drying it with a few drops each of rosemary and lemon essential oils.

Diet Tips for Dandruff Free Hair

Drink at at least 2 litres of water every day.

Zinc and essential fatty acids prevent dandruff. So eat pumpkin seeds, nuts and vegetable oils.

Eat lots of salads, green vegetables and fresh fruits.

Avoid fried food as much as possible.

Reduce fatty food, sea food and peanuts.

Reduce chocolates and sugars.

Biotin – Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. A typical dosage for dandruff is 3,000 mcg two times per day. Food sources of biotin include brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, whole grains, nuts, egg yolks, sardines, liver, cauliflower, bananas, and mushrooms.

Other nutritional supplements used for dandruff are:

Vitamin B complex, especially vitamin B1 and B2 and Vitamin A

Omega fatty acids, especially omega-6

Zinc

Topical Treatments

Grapefruit seed extract – A few drops of grapefruit seed extract can be added to shampoo.

Tea tree oil – Look for a tea tree oil shampoo or add a few drops of tea tree oil to shampoo.

Apple cider vinegar – Pour apple cider vinegar onto your hair and scalp and wrap your head in a towel. Remove after one hour and wash hair.

Selenium-based shampoo – Selenium acts as an anti-fungal agent.

Flaxseed oil or vitamin E oil – Apply these oils to the scalp nightly and wash off in the morning. They can soothe and nourish the scalp. Use an old sheet or towel to protect your pillow.