Dandruff: The Flaky Bandit

So there you are, going about your day, when you suddenly feel an itching sensation on the top of your crown. You don't scratch, but you look into a mirror only to find a bushel of white flakes in that very spot, or perhaps in every neatly parted section of hair. Yes, I'm talking about dandruff. 

Those tiny flakes are caused by the shedding of dead skin. Normally, skin cells mature and shed in about a month's time, while certain triggers or medical conditions can make them shed within 2-7 days. Seasonal changes, allergic reactions to certain hair products, product build up, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea can all initiate the rapid growth of these cells to create dandruff. It can also be caused by a fungus call malassezia, which resides on the scalps of most healthy adults. If you notice an abundance of those flaky bandits in your hair, you might want to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. If it's not too bad, or you'd like to weigh your options by yourself, here are some suggestions: 

Hair Product Remedies:

1. Head and Shoulders

    These products are designed to combat dandruff. With over 14 different collections formulated to specific dandruff conditions, it couldn't hurt to try. 

2. Garnier Fructis Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

    The company guarantees that this product will fight off dandruff for up to 48 hours.

3. Neutrogena T/Gel Dandruff Shampoo

    This product contains ingredients like Salicylic Acid to help clear the build up of flakes.

4. Paul Mitchel Tea Tree Shampoo

    Many at-home remedies include the ingredient tea tree oil, to clear up dandruff due to its effective anti-fungal treating properties.

At Home Remedies:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

    Add 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to 1/4 cup of water, massage it and leave it into your hair for 30 minutes, and rinse it out. Two times a week should be just fine. The acids in this vinegar changes the pH of the scalp, and creates an undesirable environment for fungi to live in.

2. Baking Soda

    After wetting your hair, add a handful of Baking Soda and massage it in well; use it as you would a shampoo. Or you can add a good amount to your regular shampoo and condition afterwards. The texture of Baking Soda helps to get rid of the excess products out of your hair, while not stripping away too many natural oils from your hair.

3. Lemon Juice
    Squeeze about 3/4 cups worth of Fresh Lemon Juice onto your scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash and condition it as usual. Lemon juice also contains fungi fighting acids. 

4. Tea Tree Oil
    Add 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil with 1 drop of a carrier oil, mix and massage it into your hair. Wait 30 minutes before you wash it out, then condition. Tea Tree Oil has be proven to be a very effect anti-fungal agent, and is also used in some shampoos.

5. White Vinegar

    Twice per week, add 7 tablespoons of hot water to 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, apply it to the scalp, and leave it in overnight. Rise it out in the morning with water. Just like the Apple Cider Vinegar, White Vinegar contains acetic acid which aids in keeping the fungi away.

Don't let dandruff with the fight, fight for your crown! If you have any personal stories, feel free to share. Take care Kings & Queens.

                                                                                        Grae