Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is the most common scalp condition, which causes the skin of the scalp to itch and flake off. This condition can cause irritation and embarrassment. So it helps to know how to stop dandruff before it worsens. But before we discuss how to remove dandruff, let’s first trace its possible causes.

How to Remove Dandruff: Addressing its Root Causes

A lot of people assume that having dandruff means poor hygiene. However, the main cause of dandruff is still unknown. Before knowing how to remove dandruff, you must be aware of the several factors that might be considered as triggering agents on why dandruff occur, these include:

• Infrequent shampooing. When you don’t shampoo regularly, sebum and oil will develop on your scalp resulting in dandruff.
• Weather. Cold and dry air does not cause dandruff but makes it worse. When you already have dandruff, your scalp will become drier and itchier in cold weather.
• Fungus. One of the main reasons why you get dandruff is because of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. It burrows into their hair follicles causing the skin cells to shed faster than normal.
• Stress. The sebum produced by your sebaceous glands is controlled by hormones. Stress might disrupt your hormones, which might cause an overproduction of sebum on your scalp that might lead to dandruff.
• Contact dermatitis. This condition is caused by an allergic reaction or sensitivity to certain products. When you love to change up your hair products, you might be at risk of contracting this condition. Contact dermatitis can leave red and itchy rashes on the scalp. Although not contagious, having this condition might be uncomfortable.
• Other conditions such as psoriasis or eczema can also cause dandruff.

Being aware of what might be causing your dandruff will help you look for the best treatment on how to remove dandruff.

How to remove dandruff using natural products

Other than using chemical products to treat your dandruff, why not try these organic products instead? Here’s how to remove dandruff using natural remedies.

Tea Tree Oil

An assortment of tea tree oil products is available in the market to treat other skin conditions like acne.

Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties that help get rid of Malassezia, which causes irritation leading to dandruff.

Tea tree oil can also soothe the scalp and reduce inflammation, and itchiness. You can use tea tree oil by itself, or you can mix it with other products as well.

Aloe Vera

There are few other uses that aloe vera is popular, just like treating sunburnt skin and hair loss problems. Aloe vera is a natural treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, which causes dandruff.

A study⁸ has shown that aloe vera helps reduce itchiness, scaliness, as well as the size of the infected area.

Neem

According to a study⁹, neem extract has anti-fungal qualities that can help stop the Malassezia from overspreading on the scalp.

Take a handful of neem leaves and cut them into small pieces. Soften the leaves by soaking them in 400 ml of ethanol and covering them with Parafilm. Allow them to soak for 48 hours before straining.

How to prevent dandruff?

If you are worried about how to remove dandruff, knowing how to prevent or to control this condition helps.

Here are steps you can follow to avoid or manage dandruff:

Avoid using a lot of hair styling products

Using a lot of different products daily makes your scalp dry as well as worsen oil buildup. As much as possible, only use products that you need on a daily basis like shampoo and conditioner. Only use hair styling products such as hairspray and gel when necessary.

Regularly shampoo your hair

When you are constantly out, for example, commuting to work or working in a humid or hot environment, it is recommended to shampoo your hair daily to remove all the gunk that has accumulated on your scalp. If you have an oily scalp, it is also best to do this step to avoid build-up.

Exfoliate your scalp

Exfoliating your scalp at least once a week with either baking soda or honey with sugar can help remove flakes as well as thoroughly clean the scalp.

Do not scratch your scalp using your fingernails

It is okay to massage your hair with your fingers to help with itch. However, using your nails when scratching your scalp must be avoided. When you scratch with your nails it can cause abrasion and tears on the scalp that might lead to infection.

Eat healthily

Adding foods that are rich in vitamin B, zinc, and certain types of fats on your diet can help prevent dandruff.

Avoid stress

Stress can have lot of negative effects on the body. Being stressed can also worsen dandruff. Try to avoid stressful situations or avoid stress entirely if you can, to prevent your scalp condition from getting worse.

A lot of people have been suffering from dandruff around the world. But using the right treatments as well as following the steps for early prevention, might solve your scalp problem.

Learn more about skin health, here.