Treating the hair menace dandruff
Almost 1 in every 2 persons on earth has had to deal with some flaky, often, whitish or greyish scaly substance on the scalp of the head. Dandruff is a constant disturbance that is oftentimes accompanied by itching. This itching could be very discomforting and some people have been known to itch till the scalp finally breaks, leading to sore scalp. Dandruff is caused by excessive dryness of scalp, excessive production of hair on scalp, irritated skin, fungal and bacterial infections leading to dry and itchy scalp that is characterized by excessive formation of dry skin flakes. Other causes are infrequent shampooing, eczema, stress, improper diet and improper and irregular brushing of hair.
It is not uncommon to find people that never have to bother about dandruff, but even if you do, it is also not uncommon. It is even normal to have small amounts of dandruff. The good news is that it can be treated naturally. Before we go into that, let me state that one of the biggest causes of dandruff is when an individual does not wash his/her hair well. It is important to wash with shampoo and if you have a dry scalp, dry properly before applying hair cream. It is also important that your diet is balanced and fortified with vitamins especially vitamins A, D and E.
Some Easy Ways to Treat Dandruff
Much of what is here is dependent on what you have in your region or what is easily available and within your reach.
- Using Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has antibacterial properties due to it acidic content that makes it possible for it to break down the fungus that normally causes dandruff. Freshly squeezed lemon juice should be used for this therapy. It is mild to the hair and scalp and because it is completely natural, it does not cause harm to the hair and scalp. In addition it leaves you smelling clean and fresh. The best time to do this is before you hit the shower
How to go about it
- Massage two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice into your scalp and let it stay for about a minute.
- Mix one teaspoon of lemon juice in one cup of water and use the mixture to rinse your hair.
- This should be repeated daily until all your dandruff is gone.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an amazing antifungal food that is can completely cure one of dandruff. Probably because it is rich is antioxidants that benefit the hair and improve hair and scalp health. It is also 100% natural and has been used effectively with lemon juice and tea tree oil. Here we will be looking at it in combination with tea tree oil.
How to go about it
- Mix between 5-10 drops of pure tea tree oil with 5 tablespoons of coconut oil
- Apply the mixture on your scalp just as you do when you oil it. All that is important is that the scalp is well oiled.
- If you notice that you need more oil, add more oil, but remember to keep the ratio of the mixture constant.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is superb for relieving of an itchy scalp while eliminating dandruff after a few days of application. This could be used once you need to wash your hair. It is used in place of shampoo.
Dilute the vinegar with water in the ratio of 1:1. That is, one cup of vinegar to one cup of water. Use the mixture to wash your hair as you would with shampoo.
5. Use of Orange Rind or Peels
Orange rind or orange peels have acidic properties that can help limit excess oil at the same time acting as a conditioner. Using this treatment will take care of your scalp eventually. Continue this treatment for 2-3 times a week over 3-4 weeks, until you notice the dandruff on your hair has been eliminated.
You will need to get lemon juice and shampoo in addition to the dry orange rind.
- Blend a few dry orange peels with 5-6 tablespoons of lemon juice in a mixer until it forms a smooth paste.
- Apply the pasty mixture to your scalp, and allow it to stay for about 30 minutes
- Rinse off with your shampoo. Preferably a mild one.
5. Shampoo
Shampoo your hair properly whenever you choose to wash your hair. When the hair is not properly washed, it allows for dead cells and oil to accumulate on the scalp. So washing the hair and scalp properly, is the first step to healthy hair. Conditioner, if and when applied should be applied in such a way that it avoids the scalp. It should have an application allowance of about 1 inch from the scalp.
Other handy ingredients you could use for treatment of dandruff are;
- Neem Leaves (or Neem with Olive Oil)
- Baking Powder
- Aloe Vera
- Lavender Oil
- Yogurt Cud
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Jojoba Oil
- Egg Yolks
- Basil Leaves