How to deal with dandruff at home

One of the problems people face, especially women, is dandruff. An itchy scalp and greasy white spots are the common signs of dandruff.

Semeni Shija, an aesthetician based in Dar es salaam tells Your Health that dandruff is mostly caused by dry scalp, when that is not cared for properly, it ends up with accumulation of dry and dead skin cells which result into formation of dandruff.

She adds, “Another reason which leads to dandruff is dirty scalp. It attracts a lot of germs and bacteria, which result into dandruff because dirty scalp can cause formation of yeast and fungal growth.”

The symptoms of dandruff include white flakes of dead skin in the hair, they are itchy and red, they are usually scattered throughout the scalp.

Ms Shija advises that one can take care of their scalp while at home by using natural remedies or using the right products to avoid dandruff. “Dandruff is harmless but it can get embarrassing and itchy, so it is better to take care of your scalp before the condition worsens. There are natural ways that can be used to avoid dandruff,” she says.

According to Ms Shija, the best way to avoid dandruff is by using the right shampoo, conditioner and oil for the scalp, she also says the scalp should be kept clean always in order to avoid yeast that cause dandruff.

“Some people are very dirty, they don’t wash their hair often, this is not good for the scalp because it produces germs and pimples which cause itching,” she says.

She advised on washing hair twice a week, and for those with artificial hair, to avoid staying with them for a long time. Keep the scalp wet most of the time by using the right oil or conditioner.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil improves scalp’s hydration and prevents dryness which results into dandruff. It also help into treating eczema, a skin condition which may result into formation of dandruff. Coconut oil and its compounds also contain antimicrobial properties which treat fungus that cause dandruff.

2. Use of aloevera

Alovera has anti-bacterial and anti-fungus properties, which reduces inflammation and helps protect against dandruff. Most of us have an aloevera plant at home or at our neighbour’s. Try to apply it once or twice a month.

3. Wet scalp

Make sure the hair or scalp is always wet. One of the causes of dandruff is dry scalp; when the scalp is dry, it is easy for bacteria to go through the skin and create an environment for them to live, it is better make sure your scalp is always wet by spraying rose natural water or pure water.

4. Avoid chemicals

Products are more safe when they are used natural and they don’t have chemicals that can damage your skin. Some ready-made products have sulphate or mineral oil which are bad for the hair and scalp.

5. Hair treatment

Blockages on scalp can give way to many problems including pimples on scalp or irritation. It is better to do a scalp detox in order to clear these impurities. There are two types of hair and scalp treatments; one is moisturiser and second is protein. This can be done at least once in a week or once in two weeks. In doing this, we should use the right kind of shampoo and conditioners to keep scalp fresh, clean and free of problems.

6. Use of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has ant- inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungals properties which reduce itching caused by dry skin. Frequent use of apple cider vinegar can relieve an itchy scalp and prevent the skin from dandruff.

7. Meditation

It is not a surprising matter to do activities which relieve stress such as meditation, this is the best and effective way to eliminate itchy scalp caused by anxiety or eczema.

Dandruff can often be a chronic condition but it can be controlled with the proper treatment such as non-medicated shampoo, massaging scalp firmly and then rinsing well.

A shampoo removes flakes, reduces oiliness and prevents dead skin build-up.