Dandruff is a common scalp condition marked by itching and flaking of the skin on your head. It can be annoying to deal with and also embarrassing if those white flakes end up on your shoulders. Dandruff is not harmful but it does signal an unhealthy scalp. Left untreated, dandruff can potentially lead to hair damage and increased shedding over time. The good news is that with consistent use of effective anti-dandruff treatments and some changes to your hair care routine, you can successfully get rid of dandruff and maintain a healthy scalp and head of hair.
Symptoms of Dandruff
The most common symptoms of dandruff include:
- Visible white, oily-looking flakes in the hair and on the shoulders
- Itchy, irritated scalp
- Red, greasy patches of skin on the scalp
- Tight, dry-feeling scalp
More severe dandruff can cause:
- Scalp redness or inflammation
- Skin lesions or sores
- Hair loss if left untreated for a long time
How to Get Rid of Dandruff
Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
One of the easiest ways to control dandruff is to regularly use a shampoo made specifically for dandruff treatment. Look for shampoos containing active ingredients like:
- Zinc pyrithione – reduces fungus and controls flaking
- Selenium sulfide – slows cell turnover to reduce flaking
- Ketoconazole – antifungal and anti-inflammatory
When using these shampoos:
- Lather into damp hair and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing to allow ingredients to work
- Use at least 2-3 times per week for best results
- Continue use even after flakes resolve to prevent recurrence
Some popular anti-dandruff shampoo brands include Head & Shoulders, Nizoral A-D, Selsun Blue, and Neutrogena T/Gel.
Try a Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. A shampoo containing tee tree oil can help reduce scalp fungus and dandruff flakes. It also soothes scalp irritation. Make sure to leave the shampoo on the scalp for 3-5 minutes before rinsing out.
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidic properties of apple cider vinegar help remove dead skin cells and balance the pH of the scalp to control fungus growth. After shampooing, rinse the hair with a 1:1 solution of water and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing it out. Do this a few times a week.
Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil moisturizes the scalp and reduces dryness and itching. The lauric acid in it also exhibits some antimicrobial effects. Massage coconut hair oil into your scalp and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing as usual. Do this multiple times per week.
Exfoliate with a Scalp Brush
Using a scalp brush while shampooing can help remove product buildup, dead skin, and flakes. This exfoliation unclogs hair follicles and improves blood circulation. Make sure to be gentle when brushing your scalp. Aim to do this 2-3 times a week.
Manage Stress Levels
Stress can worsen dandruff symptoms. Managing stress through yoga, meditation, journaling, or other relaxation techniques can help reduce flaking. Getting adequate sleep and physical activity also helps lower stress.
Lifestyle Remedies for Dandruff Prevention
In addition to treatment, making certain lifestyle changes can help prevent dandruff recurrence and maintain a healthy scalp environment:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Dehydration exacerbates dandruff symptoms.
- Follow a balanced, nutrient-rich diet with foods like fatty fish, walnuts, yogurt and greens.
- Reduce alcohol intake which can dry out the scalp.
- Limit the use of hair styling products with chemicals and alcohol. Stick to more natural options.
- Avoid over-brushing hair which can aggravate the scalp. Use a wide-tooth comb.
- Try not to scratch the scalp. Scratching can worsen flaking and irritation.
Making these healthy lifestyle choices along with regular dandruff treatment will help you achieve flake-free hair in no time!
Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?
Dandruff itself does not directly cause hair loss. However, the scalp inflammation and itching associated with severe, chronic dandruff can lead to some hair fall and thinning. There are a few reasons for this:
- Scalp itching and scratching damage the hair follicles. This disturbs healthy hair growth cycles and causes shedding.
- The dandruff-causing fungus produces oleic acid that irritates and inflames the skin. Scalp inflammation damages follicles.
- Scalp fungus can disrupt the nutrient supply to the hair roots leading to weakening.
- Poor scalp health from untreated dandruff weakens follicles making them prone to shedding hair.
So while dandruff does not lead to baldness or permanent hair loss by itself, it is certainly possible for unchecked dandruff to cause temporary increased hair fall and thinning. Treating the root causes of dandruff helps restore scalp health which minimises shedding and hair loss issues.
When to See a Dermatologist for Dandruff Treatment
In most cases, over-the-counter shampoos and home remedies can adequately control dandruff. But if symptoms persist despite diligent treatment, it is a good idea to see a dermatologist.
Signs that you may need medical treatment for stubborn dandruff include:
- Dandruff persists despite using OTC shampoos for months
- Severe scalp redness, irritation, and inflammation
- Presence of rashes, lesions, or sores on the scalp
- To pay attention to hair loss accompanied by dandruff
- Immunity system disorders or other illnesses
With customized prescription therapy and antibiotics if necessary, dermatologists can help curb even the most stubborn cases of dandruff and scalp problems.
10 best Indian products to help get rid of dandruff:
Himalaya Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- It contains herbs like neem, shikakai, and amla
- Has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties
- Gently cleanses hair and scalp
- WOW Skin Science Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- Contains actives like tea tree oil, hops, and birch bark extract
- Reduces itching and controls flaking
- Sulfate-free formula
mCaffeine Naked Detox Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Infused with coffee bean extracts
- Exfoliates scalp and curbs excess oil
- No added sulfates or parabens
- Arata Natural Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- Formulated with neem, gotu kola, and mint
- Nourishes scalp and reduces inflammation
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Khadi Mauri Herbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Ayurvedic formula with bhringraj and henna
- Treats fungal infections and dryness
- Paraben-free
Biotique Bio Margosa Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- Contains margosa and bark extracts
- Fights germs and prevents fungal growth
- No artificial fragrances or preservatives
Kesh King Ayurvedic Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Made with 21 herbs like aloe vera and Triphala
- Reduces scaling and prevents recurrence
- Ayurvedic proprietary formula
Patanjali Kesh Kanti Anti Dandruff Shampoo
- Key ingredients are tea tree oil, henna, and aloe vera gel
- Affordable and effective for treating dandruff
- Herbal scent
Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Contains piroctone olamine for fungal control
- Balances scalp pH levels
- Soap and alkali-free gentle cleanser
VLCC Hibiscus Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Contains hibiscus, fenugreek seeds, and lemon peel oil
- Cleanses scalp thoroughly and controls oiliness
- Prevents dryness and flakes
Conclusion
Dandruff is a common scalp problem, but with consistent use of shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or tea tree oil, it is possible to alleviate flaking and itching. Natural remedies like coconut oil and apple cider vinegar also help improve scalp health. And a diet rich in omega-3s combined with lower stress goes a long way toward dandruff prevention.
While dandruff itself does not directly cause hair fall, the weakened scalp condition can eventually lead to increased shedding. That makes it important to treat dandruff promptly and properly. With a diligent hair care routine and healthy lifestyle habits, you can keep dandruff at bay and maintain a flake-free scalp and healthy mane.
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