how to get rid of dandruff

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff Fast

You've noticed the first signs of those embarrassing white flakes on your shoulders.

Your scalp is itching - it sounds like you may have dandruff.

In this article, we're giving you the complete guide on treating men's dandruff.

What causes dandruff?

Dandruff is a condition that accelerates the rate at which dead skin cells on the scalp shed.

One of the main reasons for dandruff is Malassezia - a yeast-like fungus that lives on our scalps.

For people with dandruff, this fungus feeds on oils, which then produces oleic acid.

During this process, skin cells regenerate rapidly, causing flakes.

The other reason believed to cause dandruff is oily skin, which can result from not washing your hair enough.

how to get rid of dandruff

How to tell if you have dandruff?

Did you know there is another condition that causes your scalp to flake?

It's called dry scalp, and it's essential to know which condition you have to treat it properly.

As you probably guessed - dry scalp gets its name from your scalp being dry. A lack of oil causes a dry scalp.

This lack of oil caufses dryness, itching, and flaking, which is why it's common for men to assume they have dandruff automatically.

Some reasons for dry scalp include drier air during the winter, over-washing, using cheap detergent based shampoos, a build-up of styling products in the hair/scalp that isn't water-soluble, and even skin conditions like eczema.

Dry scalp vs. Dandruff

There is a way to tell the difference so you can get the right treatment. It boils down to the appearance of the flakes.

  • The appearance of Dry Scalp Flakes: Small white flakes. Also common to have dry skin on your body.
  • The appearance of Dandruff Flakes: Oily looking flakes with a tint of yellow.

Is it bad to have dandruff?

Dandruff is embarrassing, sure. Nobody likes small white flakes on their clothes (especially if you wear dark colors!).

But it's also harmless. Dandruff is not contagious, you can't pass it on to anyone, nor can you get it from anyone.

It doesn't mean you're not clean. But you should probably explore different shampoos and ingredients that you put on your hair while showering, or when styling your hair.

Is dandruff a sign of balding?

While a lot of people think that balding and dandruff are closely related, that is actually not the case.

Some people with dandruff go bald. That's a fact. But is dandruff the one to blame?

Well, it is and it isn't. Dandruff per se is not the cause of balding, but the itchiness that happens due to dandruff can lead to scratching, which further damages your scalp and can cause bald spots - but not entirely bald head.

How do you get rid of dandruff?

There are two ways to go about treating dandruff:

  1. Naturally
  2. Chemically

 

When we speak about chemicals, we are referring to over-the-counter products such as dandruff shampoos.

These dandruff shampoos using take about 15 washes to show results.

The downside of dandruff shampoos is that there could be a loss of effectiveness over time, and you may have to try different kinds to see what works.

If chemicals are a turn-off, there are plenty of natural ingredients available.

Natural ingredients can be just as effective as dandruff shampoos. They also take about two weeks to show results.

The appeal of using natural ingredients is the there are no unnatural, harsh chemicals used in the process.

Is dandruff shampoo toxic?

Before you buy any product, flip that bottle over. Do you see any of the following chemicals listed?

  • Coal Tar
  • Zinc Pyrithione
  • Salicylic Acid
  • Sulfur
  • Ketoconazole
  • Selenium Sulfide

If you care at all about your health, it would be smart to avoid these ingredients.

Your skin is a sponge, and anything you put on it goes straight into your bloodstream.

Side effects associated with these chemicals include unpleasant smells, sensitivity to the sun, irritation, burning and peeling of the scalp, dry scalp, tingling, change in hair texture, the appearance of small bumps, and even hair loss.

How can I permanently get rid of dandruff?

While dandruff is very difficult to cure, there are many ways to get it under control and treat it.

If you have dandruff, it is vital to use ingredients that help control oil, soothe the scalp, and stop fungal growth in its tracks.

One way is to use natural ingredients that can help provide relief from dandruff symptoms without the harsh effects of chemicals.

Let's take a look at some natural ingredients that can help with dandruff!

Can aloe vera get rid of dry scalp?

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that grows in tropical climates.

It has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and is most common for treating sunburn.

When directly applied to the skin, Aloe Vera works wonders to moisturize dry skin and reduce inflammation and irritation.

Apply Aloe Vera to the scalp a few times a week before showering. After allowing it to sit for an hour, gently rinse and shampoo as you usually would.

Is tea tree oil good for dandruff?

Tea Tree Oil comes from the leaves of the Australian Tea Tree.

It has anti-fungal properties - making it perfect for fighting the yeast that causes dandruff.

It moisturizes the scalp to help with flakes and soothes to help deal with irritation.

An easy way to use Tea Tree Oil is by adding 5-10 drops to your current shampoo so long as it’s a quality pH balanced shampoo.

Can coconut oil get rid of dry scalp?

Coconut Oil is not only for cooking. Like Tea Tree Oil, Coconut Oil has anti-fungal properties, which also help fight against yeast that causes this condition while calming inflammation.

It also contains vitamins and essential fatty acids, which help remove excess oil.

Coconut Oil can either be added to shampoo and conditioner or can be combed through the hair and left on to help fight dandruff and nourish hair throughout.

Should you apply blue cypress oil if you have dandruff?

Derived from the Cypress Tree, Blue Cypress Oil is an excellent choice of oil for treating dandruff.

Having anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties works against fungus and helps relieve symptoms of an itchy, flaky scalp.

Place a few drops into your shampoo or mix 1 part Blue Cypress Oil to 2 parts Carrier Oil and apply directly to the hair.

Does apple cider vinegar help with dandruff?

Apple cider vinegar is known for having a plethora of uses.

It is an excellent choice for treating dandruff as it can help restore your scalp's pH balance. It also helps stop the continuation of fungus and removes dead skin cells.

Dilute a few tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar into warm water. Once you have shampooed your hair, pour the mixture over the scalp and massage it in.

how to get rid of dandruff sea salt

Does sea salt get rid of dandruff?

Sea salt - which contains magnesium - benefits the skin by providing hydration and improving texture.

It is the perfect ingredient when treating dandruff as well.

Its coarse texture helps to absorb excess oil on the scalp and works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.

The removal of extra moisture ensures the fungus, which causes dandruff is not able to grow.

Before shampooing, part your hair in several sections - rubbing the sea salt directly onto your scalp.

Is witch hazel good for dry scalp?

Witch hazel water is a liquid distilled from dried leaves, bark, and twigs.

Its natural anti-inflammatory properties help with scalp sensitivity and dryness, making it a smart choice for dandruff symptoms.

Part the hair into sections. Take a cotton ball saturated with witch hazel and dap onto the scalp, then massage it in.

Is orange good for dandruff?

oranges dandruff treatment

Another natural remedy that helps with dandruff is sweet orange peel oil.

One of its most significant benefits when treating dandruff is that it is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

It helps soothe irritation, giving your scalp some relief.

Sweet orange peel oil is not only helpful for dandruff, but it smells great too!

Mix a few drops with a carrier oil and massage into your scalp. You can leave it in and go about your day.

Can you put patchouli oil on your hair?

Made from leaves of the Patchouli plant, this oil is another excellent option for treating dandruff.

This aromatic plant belongs to the same family as Lavender, Mint, and Sage.

It has a masculine aroma that men love.

Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it perfect for relieving symptoms of dandruff.

Like Blue Cypress oil, You should mix patchouli oil with a carrier oil such as Avocado oil, Almond oil, or Olive oil, and then you can apply it directly to the scalp.

Is argan oil good for dandruff?

The anti-fungal properties of argan oil make it the perfect candidate for treating dandruff.

It works by attacking yeast-like fungi that grow on the scalp and cause the condition in the first place.

Massage Argan Oil into your scalp for a few minutes. Wrap your head in a towel and leave it on overnight.

In the morning, wash your hair as you usually would.

How do you use baking soda for dandruff?

We usually think of baking when we hear "baking soda," but this popular household item can also help fight the fungus that causes dandruff.

It holds anti-fungal properties and helps to remove excess oil and skin on the scalp.

It can remove buildup and dry out your scalp. Use sparingly. Over time, it can irritate your scalp and strip your hair of its natural oils.

Place about a tablespoon in your shampoo and massage in before rinsing. Or sprinkle about a tablespoon into your hair while it's wet and massage in. Let sit for a couple of minutes and rinse.

Can lemon remove dandruff permanently?

It’s not surprising that lemons would aid as a treatment against dandruff as they contain citric acid.

With their antimicrobial properties, lemons help stop fungal activity in their tracks.

With no harsh chemicals, your scalp is free from additional irritation.

Massage lemon juice onto the scalp. Let it sit for a minute or so and then rinse out. Repeat daily for best results.

Can you rub saw palmetto to the scalp?

Saw Palmetto comes from the Serenoa Repens tree, commonly found in southern states in North America.

Its Fruit Extract is beneficial to men with dandruff as it contains antioxidants that help to calm inflammation.

For best results, mix Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract with a carrier oil and apply directly to your scalp.

Does honey help dandruff?

Honey is both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, which helps control fungal activity on the skin.

Because it contains a lot of sugars, it keeps the scalp hydrated, which relieves itchiness and dryness.

For relief from dryness and itchiness due to dandruff, rub honey through your hair, concentrating on the scalp.

Leave on for about an hour and rinse with warm water.

Products that naturally fight dandruff

As you can see, there are plenty of natural ingredients to help in the fight against men's dandruff.

You could try your luck hunting down some of these unusual ingredients and mixing up concoctions in your sink, or you could make your life easy and try our Oily Hair and Dandruff Treatment Kit.

These products use a combination of Orange Peel Oil, Coconut Oil, Patchouli Oil, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Australian Sea Salt, Argan Oil, Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract, and Blue Cypress Oil, which work to rebalance the scalp so you will be left feeling clean and refreshed.

Summary

While there are many ingredients out there that can help control and relieve dandruff symptoms, natural ingredients are always a safer path to take to avoid harsh reactions that can be caused by chemicals.

 

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