How To Get Rid of Dandruff? What You Need to Know About Dandruff & How to Keep Your Scalp Healthy and Clean
Dandruff is one topic that is rarely addressed in the natural hair community. Most are concerned with natural hair care maintenance, how-tos and don’ts of natural hair. But I want to share with you a secret, dandruff affects all ages from newborn babies to mature adults and it affects 15 to 20 percent of the population.
Now if you are apart of the population that has dandruff, I want to share with you tips on how to minimize the condition and eventually make it go away forever.
A lot of people don’t realize how embarrassing dandruff can be to the woman that loves to flaunt her hair, wear braids, protective styles, and even extensions, but today, I want to give that woman steps she can incorporate in her regime that will leave her feeling more confident than the day before.
We are approaching the winter months where our hair, skin, and scalp can start to experience some changes. Grab your pen and get ready to take notes. Let’s conquer that dandruff for good!
Let’s get to it…
If you look at your arm, you will see the “epidermis”, which is the outermost layer of the skin, and believe it or not, our skin sheds dead skin cells every day. The natural shedding of dead skin cells occurs all over the body, including our scalp. This type of shedding is light, sometimes powdery and normally goes away when you wash your hair or put lotion on your skin.
Normal and natural shedding is not dandruff and should not be confused with dandruff.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is an accumulation of visibly large clumps of scales on the scalp or body. In other words, it is an overproduction of skin cells and can be itchy. The medical term for Dandruff name is “Pityriasis”.
There are different kinds of dandruff, but the two most common in adults are “Pityriasis capitis simple” which is classic dandruff. The second form of dandruff is “pityriasis steroids” which is a severe form of dandruff and will require medical treatment.
How Does Dandruff Happen?
So, what happens is, our body has a natural fungus and when it becomes overactive it creates dandruff. Fungus is normal and you should not get alarmed, it becomes a problem when it grows out of control.
What are the symptoms of Dandruff?
Let us start with appearance. “Pityriasis capitis simple” which we will call “Simple Dandruff” can be flaky scales scattered throughout the scalp and itchy. “Pityriasis steroids” which we will call “Dandruff on steroids” will be large greasy or waxy scales that stick to the scalp. If the scales are forcefully removed it can cause bleeding or sebum to ooze. It may be discomforting to the scalp.
What can contribute to the causes of Dandruff?
I’m going to be honest sis, whenever there are external issues, check the internal causes. Here are a few internal reasons why your dandruff could be flaring up:
Dehydration (a lack of water) Increasing your water intake can improve the whole body overall
Poor nutrition- when your body does not have nutritional balance; it will cause the body to have deficiencies. Increasing essential fatty acids and omega 3 can improve the body’s natural oil (sebum) production and improve skin & scalp health.
Stress- we all know the dangers of stress and let me tell you, your skin, scalp, and hair can take a hit. Incorporate breathing techniques to help relieve stress. Also increasing exercise will help with alleviating the body of stress.
Poor circulation – Listen! We all love a scalp massage. Take some time out to show your scalp some love by doing scalp massages, brushing, combing, and exfoliating the scalp. Your scalp will show you love back!
Ailments- when the body develops a disease or disorder it can have an effect on our skin, scalp, and hair. Issues such as diabetes, thyroid issues, and osteoporosis just to name a few.
Next, here are a few external reasons why your dandruff is flaring up:
High pH shampoos, products, and water – Our skin and hair have a natural pH, and using products that are high on the pH scale can dry out the skin and hair. Washing away the skins natural oils without adding them back is a set up for failure. However, you want to make use to use natural products that will benefit the hair, skin, and scalp. If you are visiting a salon for your services, make sure the stylist is knowledgable about the causes of dandruff., you don’t want to have your issues worsen because of incorrect product application.
Improper cleansing of the scalp – This can be a breeding ground of bacteria and fungus which will cause an increase of dandruff. I’ve known people who did not do a good job at cleansing their scalp. You must make sure to focus on the scalp as that is where the oils (both natural and synthetic) sit and if not washed away properly can leave the hair feeling greasy and not clean. Using a nozzle with high-pressure, let the water hit your scalp to help wash away old oils and flakes.
Oils, creams, and topical treatments that irritate the scalp- Again, our hair, skin, and scalp have a natural pH (4.5-5.5). Using products that are high (7 and above) on the pH scale will cause the hair to lose its natural moisture. Not only products do this, but also using synthetic oils or petroleum-based products can also cause the scalp to flare us resulting in an increase of dandruff.
How Do I Treat Dandruff?
Identify if you have “Simple Dandruff” or “Dandruff on Steroids”
Increase your water intake (drink ½ your body weight in oz. a day) and improve your nutrition (aiming to get a well-balanced diet)
Get rid of petroleum-based products and synthetic oils
Here’s what you need to know about Dandruff products:
There are products you can by OTC that claim to treat dandruff problems, and although they probably do, the side effect will be dry hair and scalp and we know that in the natural hair community having dry hair and scalp is not the end game. It will not solve our problems, it’s a temporary fix. We are aiming for complete healing from dandruff.
Here is a list of ingredients to look for that will address the dandruff issues:
Tea Tree Oil (antiseptic and antifungal ingredient)
Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV) (neutralizes the acidic base of hair and scalp)
Garlic (anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiseptic)
Vitamin B complex (increase blood circulation and provide nutrients that absorb into the scalp. Can be found in Nettle, Rosemary, Sage, Horsetail, and Coltsfoot)
Sulfur (relieve and decrease dandruff
Plant oils (Jojoba oil, Eucalyptus, Evening Primrose, Peppermint, Tea Tree) natural amino acids that effective at balancing the hair and scalp.
Seabreeze – removes excessive oils and flakes
Treatments:
Treatment #1
Do a Pre-shampoo treatment (ACV or Sea Breeze) apply your Pre-shampoo agent on the scalp. Cover with a plastic cap for 10-15 minutes. Rinse our and continue your shampoo & conditioning regime using a product that has beneficial ingredients and that are not dying to the hair and scalp.
Treatment #2
Prepare a Pre-shampoo treatment using ACV or Sea Breeze in an applicator bottle (1/2 oz). Add ½ oz. of shampoo that includes selenium (or a dandruff shampoo) and a plant oil (of your choice) 5 drops. If you are using almond oil or jojoba oil, mix ½ tablespoon. Mix the ingredients in the applicator bottle and apply to dry scalp. Cover with a plastic cap for 10-15 minutes. Remove plastic cap, massage scalp with mixture for 1-3 minutes. Rinse products and continue with shampoo/conditioner regime.
When you finish your wash, your scalp will look and feel a lot better. My recommendation would be to use this process as apart of your regimen twice a month. If you shampoo your hair weekly, skip a session unless your hair desperately needs it. Too many cleansing sessions can dry the hair out too.
Also, don’t forget to increase your water intake, have healthy balanced meals (start with one a day if you are not accustomed to eating healthy regularly), and finally, move your body. Exercise does the body well, and not just physically, but mentally as too. Stress can do harm, so breathe, exercise, drink your water, and eat well. Love on you and show your hair and scalp love. In due time, you will see a difference.
Let me know how the treatments work!