29 November 2013

HEALTHY HAIR - 10 Ways to Get Rid of Dandruff






Article by surbhi jalan



Dandruff is the shedding of dead cells which are white in color from the scalp. It can occur at any age, but it is mostly common amongst teenagers and adults. It can be annoying and embarrassing but it not dangerous in most of the cases.  Dandruff creates an embarrassing situation because of the flakes that tend to pop out from your hair or stick on to the hair, the scalp and the clothes. There might also be skin problems and allergies such as pimples, and itchy skin-spots due to excessive exposure to dandruff. Sneezing, red eyes and scratchy back and neck are also some of the serious causes of dandruff. Some people also face self esteem and social problems which make treatment of dandruff necessary for both physiological and psychological reasons. In most of the cases, dandruff can be controlled by home remedies.  Here are some of the easy and effective home treatments to curb the problem of dandruff:
10. Vinegar
vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most effective, inexpensive and easily available cure for dandruff. Either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used for dandruff. There are more than a few ways of using vinegar for dandruff treatment. It can be used either in full potency or can be diluted with water. Mix about 1/4 of a cup of vinegar to 3/4 cup of water and pour the mixture on your hair after washing your hair. Don’t rinse it out, just towel dry it. You can also put vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it all over your scalp few minutes before showering. Even though vinegar has a strong odor but usually it fades away as your hair dries. Repeat the vinegar wash regularly until the dandruff disappears completely.
9. Listerine
listerine
The same Listerine that you use as mouthwash can help you to do away with dandruff. It has antifungal properties which stop the yeast from being able to grow as white flakes. Wash your hair as you normally do and in the end pour a cap full of Listerine and apply it onto you scalp. Avoid contact with eyes as it may cause irritation. Leave it for 5-10 minutes and rinse it off. You can also mix one third of each- water, Listerine solution and baby oil to cut the harmful effects of Listerine. Replicate the process weekly for better results.
8. Lemon juice alone or with garlic/curd
lemon juice
Massaging lemon juice on your scalp before shower can be effective. Lemon juice helps to prevent dandruff, remove stickiness and makes your hair look glowing. Making a paste of chickpea flour (besan) and curd with one tablespoon of lemon juice and applying it on your scalp for an hour can be helpful.  Also, lemon juice can be added to garlic paste and used. Garlic is an antibiotic which kills all the bacteria on scalp and lemon will help you to get rid of those white flakes. Lemon is very effective and is the most commonly used home remedy for dandruff.
 7. Aloe Vera
aloevera
Aloe Vera is a natural and easily accessible home remedy which repairs damaged skin. It is also a strong solution for hair fall. Aloe Vera gel can be applied on the scalp especially over the dandruff prone areas to remove dandruff. All you have to do is to slice a piece of Aloe Vera leaf in half. Squeeze the leaf and use the leaf to spread the gel on the scalp. Rub the gel onto your scalp and make sure that the entire scalp is covered with the gel. Leave the gel for around an hour, after which you may wash your scalp under running water. For better results, do not shampoo your hair immediately after washing off Aloe Vera. During other days, do not wash your hair with a harsh shampoo and use a mild one. This treatment can be repeated twice or thrice in a week.
6. Egg Yolk
egg
Egg yolk has many properties and one of them is it has a large amount of fatty acid and Vitamin A which attacks dandruff and improves the skin of the scalp. Vitamin A also decreases dryness in the scalp by raising the amount of scalp’s natural oil. This helps to prevent dandruff and thick scalp. Eggs also act as conditioner for dry hair and gives them glow and shine. Begin by beating 2-3 eggs and applying it all over you scalp. Allow it to lie on your scalp for an hour and then rinse it off to get dandruff free and shiny hair.
5. Fenugreek Seed (Methi)
fenugreek seeds
The use of methi to cure dandruff is an age old “nani ka nuskha”. It is an extremely efficient and powerful seed which reduces hair fall, hair thinning, dandruff and makes hair silky and smooth. Soak a handful of fenugreek (methi) seeds in water overnight. Next morning, crush the seeds finely to form a thick paste. Also, mix some olive oil or coconut oil to the paste. Apply this paste to your scalp and leave it for an hour or two. Wash your hair thoroughly under cold running water.
4. Warm oil massage
warm oil massage
Oil massage once or twice in a week is always recommended for good quality hair. Massaging also increases blood circulation and kindles growth of care. For dandruff, heat any natural oil such as coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil and massage on your scalp gently. Adding Amla, reetha or shikakai to the oil can give you quick results. Make sure that you rub the oil onto your scalp with your fingertips, and not scratch the scalp with your nails. Leave the oil overnight for your scalp to absorb it. Wash it in the morning with a mild or anti-dandruff shampoo. Coconut oil is a cost efficient, normal and effective approach for treating dandruff.
3. Neem leaves
neem leaves
Neem is known for its medicinal and antiseptic properties, which helps in getting free of dandruff. Crush some fresh neem leaves to get neem powder. Apply neem leaves paste, which can be prepared by adding curd or water to the neem powder, on your scalp to fight dandruff. Neem leaves are also good for treating lice, dandruff, hair fall and many other scalp problems. Neem oil can also be used to treat itchy and dry scalp. This is an excellent remedy to get rid of dandruff.
2. Onion Paste
onion
Onion is an age old remedy for dandruff as well as hair loss. Onion juice for dandruff is effectively used to get free of bacteria and white flakes from the scalp. It also helps to nourish and strengthen the roots of hair and also promotes good circulation of blood, and thus prevents hair fall. For treatment, take a few onions, peel them and cut them up in large pieces. Make a paste of the onion slices in a mixer or blender. Rub on the onion paste on your scalp and leave it for sometime so that the roots soak it. Wash thoroughly. This will help you to get rid of dandruff. Lemon juice can be used in the end to get rid of bad odor of onion from your hair. Dandruff and the itching associated with it can be minimized by using onion on a regular basis.
1.Healthy Diet
healthy diet
Yes, what you eat and your diet has a direct effect on your scalp and dandruff. With increase in the intake of foods like turmeric, papaya, and sunflower seeds, garlic and limiting the consumption of sugar and junk food may be particularly advantageous for people with dandruff. Your daily diet should comprise of fresh fruits, raw salads and sprouts. Drink as much water as you can with a minimum of 6-8 glasses everyday. Drinking lemon juice with water as soon as you get up and exercising daily is the best remedy. In the end, don’t worry and be happy always and dandruff will go away on their own.

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