Snow on your shoulder can be embarrassing when it comes from dandruff. Dandruff can be caused by an excessively dry or oily scalp, by sensitivity to hair and scalp products (color, perms, sprays, conditioners, etc.), by fungal overgrowth, and by stress, trauma, and illness. Simple dandruff (pityriasis) manifests as dry, flaky scalp, especially when the hair and scalp are brushed. Seborrheic dermatitis results from overactive sebaceous glands causing an oily scalp and can range from small scaly dandruff to large patches. The best remedies for dandruff are good nutrition and hygiene.
BEST SHAMPOOS FOR DANDRUFF
Look for shampoos and conditioners that contain tea tree, lavender, or rosemary essential oils, all of which are antifungal. Selenium in dandruff products helps remove scalp buildup and control itching and flaking. Sulfur when used in dandruff products can help restore damaged hair. Zinc is often included in shampoos to relieve dandruff, as it is immune enhancing.
A folk remedy to treat dandruff is to mix the juice of ginger with an equal amount of cold-pressed coconut oil. Apply before bed and shampoo it out in the morning. Jamaicans rub aloe vera juice into the scalp until the dandruff disappears. In Burma, coconut oil is used in the same way.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Dandruff that is fungal-related can be contagious, so avoid sharing towels, combs, hats, or other materials that come in contact with the head.
GOOD TO KNOW!
The following anti-dandruff aromatherapy rinse works great!
2 tablespoons (10 ml) apple cider vinegar
5 drops essential oil of rosemary
1 cup (235 ml) pure water
Mix together the ingredients and apply to the scalp after every shampoo. Leave on for at least five minutes, but ideally just leave it on.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Make a facial mask with mashed ripe avocado, banana, or carrot pulp. Just mash up the fruit, apply to the face, and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse well and apply moisturizer.
Jojoba oil helps to dissolve imbedded sebum in the scalp, so look for jojoba-based hair care products.
BEST FOOD FOR DANDRUFF
It is normal to experience some flaking of the scalp, but if it’s excessive, your diet may be too rich in sugar, fat, dairy products, and fried foods. A tablespoon (15 ml) of cold-pressed hemp seed oil or two omega-3 oil capsules daily will help the body better metabolize fats and help balance both dry and oily scalp conditions. Broccoli and onions are both high in selenium and sulfur, which help curb dandruff from within. Drink a quart (950 ml) of nettle herb tea daily for its high antifungal sulfur content.
This Dandruff Home Remedies article is taken from :
The Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Brigitte Mars
