No, dandruff is not permanent. It is a common condition that can be caused by various factors, such as dry skin, oily skin, fungal infections, or certain skin conditions. With proper treatment, dandruff can be managed and controlled, but it may reoccur if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Causes of dandruff.
Dandruff may have several causes and differ from person to person, while the most common causes are
- Irritated and oily skin
- Not maintaining clean hygiene and not shampooing enough, as it causes skin cells to accumulate and create flakes and itching
- A reaction of our immune system to a type of yeast that lives on the skin called a Malassezia globosa
- Hormonal issues may be involved because dandruff is most found after puberty in young adults
- Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
- Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.
The Symptoms Of Dandruff.
- Dandruff is marked by an irritated and itchy scalp, which is followed by white skin flakes. These white, oily flakes accumulate in your hair and on your shoulders and get worse during the cold weather when the air is dry.
- The signs and symptoms may be more severe if you are stressed, and they tend to flare in cold, dry seasons.
- A red rash due to itching can also be seen around the scalp, forehead, and ears or forehead that if you are suffering from dandruff.
- Constant hair loss is a commonly found symptom in cases of dandruff.
Preventive Measures Against Dandruff.
Prevention is better than cure, and in the case of dandruff, it is very apt because a good hair care routine can avoid the onset of dandruff. The following steps can help with dandruff prevention:
- Regular brushing of hair and washing them at least three times a week with a good quality shampoo that suits your skin type is necessary. After washing your hair, it is recommended to rinse it thoroughly to get all the shampoo out.
- Anti Dandruff Shampoos that contain tea tree oil or an active compound like Zinc Pyrithione helps in dandruff prevention as well as reducing it. It is because of the antifungal and antiseptic properties of Zinc Pyrithione which is also one of the major ingredients in Head and Shoulders shampoo.
- Gently massage your scalp and do not scratch your scalp when using shampoo. It can damage your scalp that can result in an infection.
- Chemical-based products should be avoided on your scalp. The chemicals can wash away the good bacteria that are present on your scalp. These bacteria help fight against dandruff causing yeasts.
- Hair products such as hair gels and hair sprays can adversely react to your skin type and these products are also responsible for building up oils that can irritate your scalp. Hence, it is advised to always check if the product is suitable for your skin type by avoiding the use for some time to see if your dandruff improves.
- Stress is a major cause of creating an imbalance in the normal functioning of the body and immune system, hence reducing stress can also reduce your risk of getting dandruff. Stress can make existing dandruff worse or it can also trigger the condition of dandruff.
Treatment for dandruff.
The first line of defence against dandruff is using a good anti-dandruff shampoo that contains active anti-dandruff compounds that can fight against the overgrowth of yeast or dandruff-causing fungus. A wide variety of these shampoos are available in the market with specific anti-infective and antifungal ingredients to treat conditions affecting the skin and scalp. Each ingredient is known to have a specific effect as mentioned below:
Zinc Pyrithione
Zinc Pyrithione is an antifungal treatment that reduces the production of yeast and acts as a great dandruff cure. It is one of the fastest and most common ways to treat dandruff and this compound is easily available in Head & Shoulders shampoo available across every supermarket shelf.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid belongs to the family of keratolytic agents, this active agent softens the scalp and sheds the skin cells by making it dryer, but it is always advised to consult a doctor before taking this treatment.
Coal Tar
Coal tar is also one of the effective compounds for treating dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is a thick, black liquid that is extracted from coal. While it is hight effective there are many factors to consider before you use this treatment:
- Its odour is like road tar, which is very unpleasant.
- Coal tar creates a black film on your head hence the chances of getting sunburnt are higher for a certain period.
- It cannot be used for long periods without consulting the skin doctor.
Effective Home Remedies To Treat Dandruff.
There are many home remedies that you can use on a daily basis and this will help you get rid of dandruff permanently. However, in order to get all of this done, you need to get certain ingredients ready and mix all of it in an appropriate manner. Once this is done, there is a prescribed way that you need to apply it and this will help you get rid of those disgusting flakes that lower your confidence levels. Here is a list of home remedies that will help you get rid of dandruff completely:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
Treating dandruff at home requires a way in which the ingredients must be mixed. Once you have mixed all of the ingredients in the right way, you can go about applying it. ACV is said to be one of the best natural remedies to treat severe dandruff. However, there is a prescribed way in which you need to prepare the paste. Here are some easy steps you need to know for preparing apple cider vinegar.
Preparation of Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Add some apple cider vinegar to water (Equal parts) and keep it aside.
- After washing your hair, apply the mix to your wet hair.
- Gently massage your hair with the mix
- Leave to dry for 15 minutes and then rinse it off.
Note: You can do this every time you have a head shower. Also, keep in mind that you cannot excessively use apple cider vinegar over your hair and this means that do not apply it every day. Once every two days is the best way to use this home remedy for fighting dandruff.
2. Apply Mehndi:
You can cure dandruff using mehndi. Mehndi works well on your hair and softens it. Here is how you prepare the mehndi mix for your hair.
Preparation of Mehndi: Mehndi needs to be prepared the right way and this mix has a prescribed manner in which it needs to be prepared.
- Firstly, mix mehndi with curd and a little bit of lemon juice
- Once this is formed as a paste, keep the mixture aside for 8 hours.
- After 8 hours you can apply it on your hair
- Let it dry over your hair for two hours and then you can wash it away.
Note: Follow the above-listed pointers well and you will see the difference. Mehndi is natural and this is one simple way that you can get rid of dandruff easily.
3. Coconut Oil with Lemon:
Coconut oil is said to keep your hair nourished and when this is mixed with little lemon juice, it can cure dandruff. This is also an easy home remedy to get rid of those tiny flakes that pull your confidence down. Follow these simple tips and get rid of dandruff permanently.
Preparation of Coconut Oil with Lemon:
- Firstly you need to heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix it equally with some mixture of lemon juice.
- Once this is done, you can apply this on your scalp and massage your hair gently with it.
- After this is done, leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with some shampoo.
Note: This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of dandruff on your hair. You need to keep in mind that all of the above-listed procedures need to be followed in the prescribed manner.
4. Fenugreek Seeds:
Fenugreek seeds are used as a preventive cure for dandruff. Also known as methi seeds, this procedure needs to be followed in the right way possible.
Preparation of Fenugreek Seeds:
Fenugreek is said to benefit people suffering from low blood sugar and boosts testosterone and also milk production for mothers. Fenugreek has multiple benefits such as regulating cholesterol levels and keeping your appetite in control. Here are some simple tips that you need to keep in mind while preparing fenugreek seed to get rid of dandruff.
- Firstly, you need to put some fenugreek seeds in a small bowl of water and let it soak overnight.
- Once you wake up in the morning make sure that you mash the seeds to a paste-like substance. Then add little lemon juice to the paste and mix it well.
- Once this has formed into a paste, apply it to your scalp and hair and leave it to dry for 30 minutes.
- After this is done you can wash your hair with shampoo and allow your hair to dry.
5. Curd:
Following a home remedy at home to treat dandruff may be a tough task to do, especially curd makes it very messy. Curd applied to your hair makes it very effective to treat dandruff.
Preparation of Curd to Cure Dandruff:
Here are some easy tips for curing dandruff using curd. Here is how you do it.
- At first, you need to apply little curd onto your hair including your scalp.
- Let it dry for an hour or so.
- Make sure you rinse it off in an hour’s time with some shampoo.
6. Neem Juice:
Neem is a very good cure for dandruff and this has been found in most shampoos as one of the main ingredients. The method of using neem juice on your hair doesn’t make it messy like curd being applied to your hair.
Preparation for Neem Juice:
Here is how you prepare neem juice mix before applying it to your hair and this will help cure dandruff.
- Firstly you need to crush some neem leaves till it forms a thick paste.
- Next, you need to apply this paste onto your scalp and hair and let it dry for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Once this is done, you can wash it away with some water.
7. Orange Peel:
Orange peel is said to work well as a very good remedy for treating dandruff at home. But you need to keep in mind how you need to prepare this mix.
Preparation of Orange Peel:
Orange peel is said to contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and dietary fibers which are good for your body. However, when it comes to your hair and curing dandruff, orange peel must be made in the following manner and applied to your scalp and hair to get rid of dandruff. Here are tips that you need to follow in order to get rid of dandruff.
- Take the orange peel and then squeeze some lemon juice onto it.
- Add all of this to a grinder and grind it till it turns into a paste.
- Then apply the paste to your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes
- After this is done, you can wash it away with some anti-dandruff shampoo.
Note: You can follow all of the above-listed procedures at least thrice a week and this will help you get rid of dandruff at home.
8. Vinegar:
Vinegar has medicinal properties that can kill bad fungus and this can be seen as an easy remedy to get rid of dandruff the easy way. This also helps in treating various skin-related problems like acne and itchiness in the scalp.
Preparation of Vinegar:
Here are some easy steps that you need to keep in mind while preparing vinegar mix to get rid of dandruff.
- Firstly you will need 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of water as the major ingredient.
- Next, you will have to boil both cups of vinegar and keep it aside to cool.
- Then mix one-eighth cup of water with the vinegar.
- Once this is done, you can use this to clean your scalp and you can rinse it away with shampoo.
Note: You will have to do this usually in the morning before you apply shampoo in your hair. Vinegar will reduce the dryness and remove the itchiness that you are facing.
9. Egg Yolk:
Egg yolk contains biotin which is the major vitamin that treats dandruff. Egg yolks can act as conditioners for your hair which can make it healthier.
Preparation of Egg Yolk:
In order to prepare egg yolk, you will have to remove the white layer that surrounds the yolk. Always remember that the yolk is more beneficial than the white layer surrounding it. Here are some simple steps that you need to follow when you are making egg yolks.
- Firstly you need to keep your hair and scalp dry and then apply yolk on your hair.
- Once you are done applying the yolk, you will have to cover your hair with a plastic bag for an hour.
- Wash your hair gently using shampoo. Sometimes you will have to wash your hair twice to remove the bad odor.
Note: You can follow this treatment for dandruff in the morning while having a bath or anytime when you have a bath. Always remember that it needs to be followed only thrice a week.
10. Green Tea:
Green tea contains a lot of antifungal properties and it is an antioxidant that can restore the health of your scalp. All you need to cure dandruff is by applying some cooled green tea on your scalp and you can witness the difference.
Preparation for Green Tea:
In order to get rid of dandruff, green tea can be used by following these simple steps.
- Firstly you will require 2 green tea bags and some hot water as the major part of your ingredients.
- Then you will have to put the green tea bag into the hot water for 20 minutes till the decoction dissolves in it and then allow it to cool.
- Once it cools, you can apply the green tea to your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes gently rinse your hair with water.
Note: This can be followed in the mornings when bathing. This is one of the easiest ways in which you can cure dandruff naturally at home.
11. Basil Leaves:
Basil leaves are one of the natural ways in which you can cure dandruff. This is because these leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can cure you of heavy dandruff. These leaves can also help your scalp become strong and stay healthy.
Preparation of Basil Leaves:
Here’s how you prepare basil leaves for curing dandruff and other hair-related problems.
- Firstly, you will require some basil leaves, 2 teaspoons of amla powder and just 2 teaspoons of water.
- Mix all of these ingredients together and this will form a clean paste.
- Once the paste is formed, apply it gently over your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes rinse your hair with some water.
Note: You need to follow this on a daily basis and you will witness the difference. By doing this, the strength of your hair will increase and this will help curb hair fall too.
12. Olive Oil:
Olive oil can do a lot of good to your hair. All you need to do is to apply olive oil to your hair and this strengthens your scalp.
Preparation of Olive Oil:
Preparing olive requires a prescribed format that needs to be done in order to get rid of dandruff. Here are some easy ways in which you can get rid of dandruff.
- Firstly, apply some olive oil to your hair.
- After 10 minutes you can wash your hair gently with shampoo.
Note: In some cases, you can apply some olive oil before you go to bed. Wrap your head with a towel and let it absorb the remaining oil.
13. Banana With Apple Cider Vinegar:
Banana and apple cider vinegar makes a good choice for curing dandruff. This is because bananas are rich in vitamin B and this helps in improving blood circulation and keeps your skin healthy. On the other hand, apple cider vinegar is known as a fungicide and a germ killer and this helps in curing dandruff.
Preparing Banana with Apple Cider Vinegar:
Follow these simple steps and you will get rid of those disgusting dandruff.
- As a major part of your ingredients, you will need 1 full banana with 2 cups of apple cider vinegar.
- Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, you will have to peel the banana and put it in a small bowl. Along with this, you can add some apple cider vinegar.
- Once the mix is done make sure you mix it well till it becomes a perfect paste.
- Then, apply the paste to your hair and gently massage the mixture into your scalp and ensure that the paste covers your hair completely.
- Allow it to dry for 20 minutes and then rinse your hair with normal water and some shampoo.
Note: You can use this method early morning if you have the time or in the night before having your shower.
15. Garlic:
Garlic has a good source of antifungal properties that have the tendency to eliminate certain dangerous microbes that are responsible for causing dandruff.
Risk factors.
Almost anyone can have dandruff, but certain factors can make you more susceptible:
- Age. Dandruff usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. That doesn’t mean older adults don’t get dandruff. For some people, the problem can be lifelong.
- Being male. Dandruff is more prevalent in males than in females.
- Certain illnesses. Parkinson’s disease and other diseases that affect the nervous system also seem to increase risk of dandruff. So does having HIV or a weakened immune system.
Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It isn’t contagious or serious. It looks harmless but dandruff causes itch and embarrassment. It is a very common condition that is responsible for the constant flaking of scalp skin.