John BenosHave you spotted telltale flakes in your hair or can’t seem to stop the itchiness of dry scalp? The problem you’re witnessing is dandruff and the first time you notice it is when it appears on your hair or the shoulders.
Dandruff is a hair condition that affects more than 40% of the male population and causes white and grey flakes of skin in the hair and on the scalp. If you’re reading this, you’re definitely not alone.
Tackling dandruff on a daily basis can become an exhausting task for many. Whether you’re in a meeting or on vacation, dry white flakes on your shoulder and hair can lead to distress.
To find the solution of any problem, one must understand every aspect of the situation and find the best possible route to success.
What is dandruff?
In simple words, Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells that originate in your scalp over time. As the skin cells start to deteriorate, normal flaking occurs, but some people experience unusually large amounts.
Dandruff is a common scalp disorder that affects almost half of the population and is not related to any certain age or ethnicity.
Dandruff might get adverse during the winter season or when the climate conditions are dry than usual. It reaches its peak in the teens or early twenties and declines after that. Even though there is no cure for dandruff, treating your hair with certain products can result in a decrease of the flakes.
Most men who suffer from acute dandruff condition might also get irritation and flakiness in their beard -also known as beardruff.
There are usually simple symptoms of dandruff that includes flakes of skin ranging from yellow to white, and greasy. You might experience abnormal itching in beard or sculp, and even around hairline, nose, and ear. It is when you know that you’re suffering from dandruff, which requires specially formulated hair and care products.
What Causes Dandruff?
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Dandruff is a common hair ailment that is easy to spot with highly visual symptoms. Even though the precise reason of this condition is still unknown, but there are several factors that contribute to dandruff. Some of the most common reasons are mentioned below.
Few of them are hereditary and cannot be avoided, but most are common everyday mistakes that you can easily avoid.
Scalp fungus
Malassezia is a type of scalp fungus that reproduces in the scalp where oil glands are most active and result in white flakes known as dandruff. This fungus can also be present on healthy scalps, but with regular shampooing, an easy barrier will be created that prevents flakiness.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrhea is a red rash that occurs on the scalp, face with a beard, or any other part of the body with hair.
It is the yeast that often lives on the skin and produces scaling, which can result in dandruff.
Skin Conditions
Psoriasis and Eczema are some of the skin conditions that can cause over production of flakiness and results in scalp dryness.
As dry skin causes dandruff, most of the skin conditions result in dandruff.
Stress
It is the most common reason for dandruff is stress that can worsen any skin condition, including hair. Whether you get a beard rash or dandruff when you spend a stressful week at work, you’re triggering the itchiness that causes flakes.
Less Shampooing
Even though you must have read many articles concerning the bad effects of shampooing too much, but if you’re showing the symptoms of dandruff, then this might do you more good than harm.
Specialized dandruff shampoos are designed to clear the oil glands in your scalp and keep them clean, to avoid the formation of fungus like Malassezia.
Unhealthy Diet
Healthy skin and hair are connected with foods we eat, and certain foods might trigger dandruff inducing reasons. Foods consisting of high calories from saturated fats and trans fats can produce more oil, which can make dandruff worse or trigger the condition.
Hair Styling Products
Using way too much hair styling products way too many times can make your scalp the best breeding ground for fungus.
Products like styling pomades, hair clays, styling gels and hair sprays can build up on your scalp and leave little or no room for the skin to breathe.
How to Cure Dandruff?
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Just like any other skin condition, you can always find some great and effective treatments for dandruff.
There are many cures that you can try – from drugstore shampoos and high-end treatments to home remedies.
Take a look at what works the best for you and cure your scalp of all the flakiness. Here are 9 natural remedies to treat dandruff:
1. Aspirin
The salicylic acid available in medicated dandruff shampoo is also present in high amounts in aspirin. Simply crush two tablets into a fine powder and add it to your normal shampoo, every time you shampoo.
2. Baking Soda
If you’re looking for an itch-free and normal scalp than baking soda powder might just be the answer for you!
Rub a handful of baking soda on your wet hair and rinse. Don’t shampoo after this session and repeat this when necessary. You will see softer and dandruff-free hair in some time.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Purchase concentrated tea tree oil and add a few drops every time you shampoo, to improve the condition of your hair.
You can also search for hair care options that have at least 5 percent tea tree oil.
Therefore, it’s no coincidence that tea tree oil is found in beard oil and beard shampoo as it’s been proven to be effective not only against dandruff but also dry skin, and hair eczema and many other skin related problems.
4. Coconut Oil/Olive Oil
When it comes to skincare and hair care, coconut oil holds a great importance.
It moisturizes the scalp and also provides relief from itching, which is a common symptom of dandruff.
For the same reason, coconut oil is found in beard balms very often as one of their core ingredients. It’s able to soften the facial hair as well as moisturize the dry skin under beard.
5. Garlic
With its antimicrobial properties, garlic can help in the elimination of dandruff—causing bacteria.
Apply a mixture of crushed garlic and honey to your scalp wash your hair, as usual, to get some relief.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known to be the best natural cooling agent that brings softness and relief in the affected areas.
Apply natural Aloe Vera into your scalp and massage before shampooing.
7. Salt and Lemon
Lemon and salt make a great natural remedy for dandruff in men. Simply mix equal portions of lemon and salt and apply to your scalp before shampooing.
The acidic levels of lemon will balance the pH level, and the salt will help you get rid of the flaky skin.
8. Fenugreek Hair Pack
Fenugreek seeds contain protein, lecithin and nicotinic that work great against dandruff and a variety of scalp problems.
To make Fenugreek anti-dandruff pack, soak the seeds in water overnight. Following day, make the paste of these seeds and apply on your scalp. Let it sit for 1-2 hours and then rinse off using a mild shampoo. Use this pack once a week for better results.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar helps kill the fungus and bacteria causing dandruff on the scalp.
Make sure you dilute apple cider vinegar with water in 1:3 ratios. Apply the mixture on your wet hair before shampooing. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse if off using a mild shampoo.
You can use this remedy every time you shampoo your hair to keep dandruff at bay.
How to prevent dandruff from coming back?
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Before taking precautions to prevent dandruff from coming back, learning about the reasons of its reoccurrence plays a vital role in the treatment. Once you treat your hair with natural or market remedies to cure dandruff, most of the users will notice it coming back after a few days.
Your scalp will get itchy, and you will see those white flakes on your shoulders again.
The reason behind this is simple – the fungus causing the dandruff is starting to develop again. The scalp is getting oily again, and the embarrassing social situations come closer. There is a way to prevent your dandruff from coming back, once you have been successful in the treatment.
To prevent dandruff from coming back, all you have to do is stay regular with your treatment plan. Whether you’re using a natural remedy, hair care products, or both, regularly treating your scalp for dandruff is the best way to prevent it.
Now, to prevent the oil formation in your scalp, shampoo regularly and avoid direct sun exposure to your hair. It not only makes your roots weak but also creates a perfect breeding place for fungus.
Most dandruff shampoos and products work by eliminating or significantly decreasing the levels of fungus production. By regularly caring for your hair, you can easily keep those white flakes off your hair and shoulder.
Best hair care products for dandruff
Selsun Blue Medicated Dandruff Shampoo
The Selsun Blue Medicated Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best-selling anti-dandruff shampoos in the USA market.
Its active ingredient – Selenium Sulfide is proven to be very effective in treating itchiness and dandruff on the scalp. It makes your hair soft and more manageable than before. The good news is that this shampoo treats Seborrheic dermatitis in areas other than the scalp.
Other major ingredients are menthol, citric acid, water, fragrances, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate and more. The actual content is perhaps the bluest shampoo content existing. You can freely use it on chemically-treated hair.
Some people claim that it stops dandruff completely, which is certainly a great thing to know. The smell is pleasant and the results seem to be more than satisfactory.
This shampoo comes in a blue-colored bottle with a flip-top cap that makes it a travel-friendly and mess-free product. When it comes to price, normally it’s very reasonable, keeping the qualities of this anti-dandruff shampoo in mind.
Shake well before using Selsun Blue Medicated anti-dandruff shampoo and rinse with normal water. Use it twice a week for best results, or as directed by your physician.
Kenra Dandruff Shampoo
People who color their hair -or beards, frequently and facing dandruff problem might want to take a look at Kenra. A dandruff shampoo that is can keep your hair color bright and your scalp dandruff and itch free.
This shampoo not only removes white flakes and itchiness in the scalp, but it also controls the recurrence of dandruff symptoms on our head.
Its major ingredients are Zinc Pyrithione, which is a bactericide proven to control overactive cell reproduction; Sodium Myreth Sulfate – a highly concentrated and mild cleansing ingredient that produces rich, dense lather; natural and aromatic Jasmine oil that helps to alleviate itchy and dry skin.
Jasmine oil also provides a long lasting therapeutic aroma. It also contains chamomile oil known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
It comes in an elegant white container with a black cap making it easy to use. That being said, to use this shampoo in a right manner, first, shake the bottle well. Then wet your hair and apply the shampoo. Massage the shampoo in your hair for a while, while building the rich lather and lastly, leave the shampoo on hair for several minutes before washing off. Wrap it up with a lukewarm water rinse and repeat if required.
For best results, use this shampoo at least twice a week to maintain healthy, dandruff-free hair. You can also follow the shampooing with Kenra condition for added moisturizer and softness to your strands.
Neutrogena Daily Control 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo Plus Conditioner
Neutrogena is a therapeutic hair care brand that top dermatologists recommend to follow.
Just a single application of this awesome shampoo is enough to flaunt dandruff free scalps throughout the week.
T/Gel formula of this shampoo is very rich that makes it immediately work against itchiness, flaky scalp, and dull hair.
T/Gel formula treats three types of scalp conditions: build up of dead skin cells to form Dandruff; Seborrheic dermatitis, which is a common inflammatory condition with symptoms of red and irritated skin, or increased large-sized flakes; Psoriasis that is a chronic immune disorder with symptoms of severity and inflammation on the scalp skin.
This T/Gel therapeutic shampoo is effective in providing instant relief from all these scalp conditions right from the first use.
The active ingredients in this shampoo work differently to deal with various scalp conditions. The salicylic acid and 1% pyrithione zinc soothe the itching, inflammation, redness and flakes to help you maintain a healthy scalp.
Not only this, but Neutrogena shampoo also helps to add shine to hair strands and strengthens the hair roots. The shampoo comes in an easy-to-carry bottle with a blue flip-top shampoo dispenser to allow easiness.
Lastly, the shampoo comes at a decent price -you can check the latest price on the link above, for the 8.5 fluid ounce bottle, which is a great deal for this functional anti-dandruff shampoo.
AG Hair Control Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
The major cause of dandruff is a dry skin condition. If you think you also have dry skin, which is the major cause of dandruff on your scalp, then you must go for AG Hair control anti-dandruff shampoo.
This wonderful and top-rated product helps eliminate dandruff and relieves dry scalps by providing required moisturization without making your strands look greasy.
When it comes to dandruff-combating ingredients, AG hair control, anti-dandruff shampoo contains twice the active anti-dandruff ingredients. Zinc pyrithione found in this shampoo offers a mild and effective anti-dandruff. Aloe Vera content reduces scaling and inflammation of the scalp. The beta-carotene and vitamins A and C found in Cucumber extract soothe and moisturize the scalp.
Its coconut derived surfactants work so gently for all types of hair and are 100% color safe. Vitamin E heals the scalp against any condition. Silk and keratin proteins found in this product add strength, shine, and elasticity to your hair. Also, the powerful NaPCA – and Panthenol help heals the scalp.
Just a few drops of this shampoo create a rich lather that cleanses your hair and scalp well. It also leaves behind a sophisticated fresh fragrance and gives you healthy as well as moisturized hair.
Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff & Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo
Use head and shoulder clinical strength dandruff shampoo if you want amazing, 100% flake-free hair.
It is rated as the number one anti-dandruff shampoo by dermatologists due to its effective results. This shampoo is clinically proven for severe dandruff protection and seborrheic dermatitis. This shampoo comes with a zinc formula holding the maximum strength.
The major content of this shampoo includes the following: Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycol Distearate, Zinc Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Magnesium Carbonate Hydroxide, etc.
This shampoo comes in a blue color container and a flip-top shampoo dispenser that makes the product a ravel-friendly companion for healthy hair.
Head and Shoulder is a gentle and pH balance dandruff shampoo that helps prevent flaking, itching, scaling, and redness caused by dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It also contains 1% selenium sulfide that helps to provide effective relief even in the case of the toughest dandruff.
Closing Thoughts
Dandruff is widespread. You can’t get rid of this problem forever, but you can prevent it from occurring by giving regular maintenance. Dandruff comes with symptoms that include itchiness, scaling, flaking, and redness on the scalp.
Fortunately, there are many natural and marketed solutions available to deal with stubborn dandruff. You can hit your kitchen pantry for anti-dandruff ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, Aloe gel, baking soda and the list stacks up.
However, if you opt for store-bought products, read the labels for ingredients and reviews on the popular sites. It will help you choose the best anti-dandruff hair care product.
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