How To Remove Dandruff Stuck To Scalp? Comprehensive Guide!
If you’ve been scratching the flakes out of your scalp before shampooing your hair, hoping to get some peace from dreaded dandruff, you should stop.
While the condition can be challenging to deal with, there are more natural and more comforting ways to remove dandruff stuck to the scalp.
Below, you will find the right steps to take to fight those flakes, but first, we’ll guide you through the basics of the condition.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a skin condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. In other words, if you notice fine white flakes coming off your scalp, then you have dandruff.
Sometimes, you may only notice the flakes, other times. You would experience itching, redness, and tightness on your scalp.
Signs of Dandruff
- Skin flakes on the scalp
- Itchy scalp
- Dryness, tightness or irritation on the scalp
How To Remove Dandruff Stuck To Scalp Step By Step Guide
There are several ways to get rid of dandruff, but not every treatment will guarantee lifelong protection from dandruff.
Some medications will help alleviate the condition, but the symptoms could return later on.
Keep reading to find the right treatment that will help remove dandruff and control the amount of yeast on your scalp (this way, you’re less likely to develop the condition in the future).
Anti-dandruff Shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos are different from your regular shampoos. These shampoos are formulated to deal with dandruff and contain several anti-fungal properties.
There are lots of anti-fungal shampoos out there that make a lot of promises, which might make finding the right shampoo quite tedious.
To ensure that you pick the right one, you should only look out for anti-dandruff shampoos with at least one of the following active ingredients.
- Ketoconazole
- Selenium sulfide
- Zinc pyrithione
- Coal tar
- Salicylic acids
- Tea-tree oil
Home Remedies That Will Get Rid of Dandruff
If you don’t feel like using an anti-fungal shampoo, you can always turn to natural remedies.
These remedies are just as effective as anti-fungal shampoos. Some of these special shampoos contain some of the ingredients we are going to list.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the active ingredients found in many anti-fungal shampoos and over-the-counter topical medications.
The oil is obtained from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant and has been used to treat several conditions, such as dermatitis and acne in the past.
Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial and antifungal properties that could help reduce the severity of dandruff.
Ingredients
- Tea tree oil (2 drops)
- Coconut Oil (2 drops)
How To Apply
- Mix the tea tree oil with the coconut oil in a bowl
- Dab a few drops of the mixture on a cotton pad
- Apply this mixture to the scalp.
Repeat
This process should be repeated 3-4 times a week.
Caution
This remedy might cause irritation and inflammation in those with sensitive skin. Ensure to add the right amount of coconut oil to dilute the oil before applying it directly to the skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of dandruff. The oil contains some antimicrobial properties that could counteract the effect of the fungus that causes dandruff.
Ingredients
- Coconut oil (2 tablespoons)
How To Apply
- Apply the coconut oil onto your scalp. Massage it gently so that it soaks in.
- Let it sit for about an hour before you wash it off with a mild shampoo
Repeat
This process should be repeated two times a week.
Onion Juice
Onion juice contains phytochemical compounds that can eliminate flake on the skin and reduce the occurrence of dandruff when applied on the scalp.
Ingredients
- One onion
How To Apply
- Cut your onion into small slices and place it in a blender
- Blend it thoroughly to extract its juice
- Strain it and dab it on your scalp
- Let it sit for about an hour, and then wash it off
Repeat
This process should be repeated two times a week.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat many health conditions. It is also used to relieve sunburn and help heal wounds.
Over the years, the plant has been used as an ingredient in many skin care products. When applied to the scalp, aloe vera gel may help improve moisture retention and reduce inflammation, which helps to alleviate itchiness – a symptom of dandruff.
Ingredients
- Aloe vera gel
How To Apply
- Apply the aloe vera gel on your scalp
- Rub the gel, and in circular moisture to ensure it gets absorbed into the scalp.
- Let it sit for about an hour, and then wash off.
Repeat
This process should be repeated two times a week.
Lemongrass Oil
Like tea tree oil, lemongrass oil is packed with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce dandruff symptoms.
Ingredients
- Lemongrass oil (2 drops)
How To Apply
- Add the lemongrass oil to your regular shampoo and rub it gently into your scalp
- Wash off with plain water
Repeat
This process should be repeated two times a week or as often as you wash your hair with your shampoo.
Caution
Lemongrass oil could trigger allergic reactions when applied directly to the skin. It could also irritate people with sensitive skin.
But this shouldn’t be a problem if you mix it with your regular shampoo before applying it on your scalp. Your shampoo will dilute the oil, making it safer to use.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a known natural remedy for several skin conditions, and it can reduce dandruff symptoms.
Ingredients
- Eucalyptus oil (2 drops)
- Coconut oil (2 drops)
How To Apply
- Mix the eucalyptus oil with the coconut oil
- Apply the mixture to your scalp
- Massage it gently so that it gets absorbed into your scalp
- Let it sit for about an hour and then wash off with plain water.
Repeat
This process should be repeated two times a week.
Caution
Apply eucalyptus oil directly on the skin can cause skin irritation. Always dilute the oil with the right amount of coconut oil before applying it on your scalp.
Neem Oil
Neem oil contains antifungal properties that could help reduce irritation and flaking of the skin.
Ingredients
- Neem oil (2 drops)
- Coconut oil (2 drops)
How To Apply
- Mix the neem oil with the coconut oil
- Apply the mixture to your scalp
- Massage it gently so that it gets absorbed into your scalp
- Let it sit for about an hour, then wash off with plain water.
Repeat
This process should be repeated 2-3 times a week.
Caution
Avoid applying the neem oil directly on your scalp without mixing it with the coconut oil first. The coconut oil dilutes the oil and makes it safe when applied to the skin.
What Causes Dandruff
Scientists are yet to identify the exact cause of dandruff, but they do believe that some factors could increase your risk of the condition.
Below Are Seven Possible Factors That Could Cause Dandruff
1. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a skin condition that affects oily areas of the body, but it is most evident on the scalp and can cause dandruff.
People with seborrheic dermatitis usually have scaly patches, red skin, and persistent dandruff. Just like dandruff, this condition is not contagious or fatal.
However, the irritation and presence of flakes could be discomforting and embarrassing. Seborrheic Dermatitis is believed to be caused by an overreaction to Malassezia, a fungus that usually lives on the scalp and feeds on sebum (natural oils) that the hair follicles produce.
The reaction causes the scalp to become irritated and produce extra skin cells. When these excess skin cells die and fall off, they become mixed with the oil from your scalp, causing dandruff.
2. Not Brushing Regularly
Combing or brushing your hair helps in the normal shedding of skin. If you barely pass a comb through your hair, it could increase your risk of dandruff.
3. Yeast
Dandruff could likely occur if you are sensitive to yeast. Also, the condition could worsen during the winter months and improve when the weather is warmer. The reason for this may be because the ultraviolet light from the sun neutralizes the yeast.
4. Dry Skin
One of the symptoms of dandruff is dehydrated skin, but if you have dry skin, you are more likely to have dandruff. The condition is more prevalent during the winter months, as cold winter air combined with overheated rooms makes your skin more prone to itching and flaking.
5. Hair Care Product
Your hair care products and certain hair care practices could increase your risk of dandruff. Using some types of shampoos and frequent washing may cause dandruff as it would strip your hair of its natural oils, causing it to dry out.
6. Several Skin Conditions
Certain skin disorders – such as psoriasis, eczema, and tinea capitis, and several other skin disorders can cause dandruff.
7. Nutrient Deficiency
Deficiency of nutrients such as zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fat may increase the risk of dandruff.
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