How to Get Rid of Excessive Dandruff?

You can suffer from a flaky scalp regardless of the season. It can be pretty challenging to manage and even embarrassing for many individuals. People with dandruff also report several discomforts like itching, tingly scalp, red or white patches on the scalp, and flakes. Despite its annoying nature, dandruff is easy to manage and can disappear for good when you make some lifestyle changes.

Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is caused by something in your daily routine. It may be your diet, physical hygiene, or mental health; anything can lead to a flaky white scalp.

Here is what you can do to get rid of excessive dandruff simply:

1- Changing Diet

According to Marham, poor nutrition and low nourishing food can lead to white flakes and dryness in your scalp. Likewise, some foods may even trigger it. Although more research is needed in this regard, evidence suggests that high sugar and carbs foods can lead to the production of oil and build-up on your scalp, leading to dandruff.

2- Use Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been used for centuries to treat many skin conditions, including psoriasis and acne. Studies proved that this oil’s anti-inflammatory and potent antimicrobial properties could treat excessive dandruff effectively. Moreover, in an older study, it was discovered that tea tree oil could directly fight the fungus that can cause dandruff.

On the other hand, tea tree oil may cause irritation and redness on sensitive skin. Therefore, it is crucial that you check with your doctor and get tested for any sensitivity before using this oil.

3- Wash your Hair More

This era is of dry shampoos, blowouts, and excessive heat styling. Therefore, it is essential that you wash and care for your hair more often than usual. Dry shampoos and heat styling can cause excessive build-up on our scalp, leading to itchiness, redness, and dandruff. Infrequent hair washing can also cause dead skin cells and oils on the scalp. This, too, can cause excessive dandruff and dryness on your scalp.

4- Exfoliate your Scalp

It is crucial that you exfoliate your scalp every once in a while to remove any remaining product, dead skin cells, and oil. Just like skin exfoliators, scalp exfoliators also remove the top-most dried skin layer. This method is quite helpful in breaking the accumulated dead skin cells and providing your scalp with fresh air to breathe. It is recommended that you use the exfoliator on wet hair and repeat this process twice a week only. Always read the instruction manual on the scalp exfoliator product before using it. Moreover, you should also ask your doctor about the right way to use these exfoliators to avoid any misuse.

5- Do Hot Oil Mask

Hot oil treatments are one of the most effective methods to eliminate dandruff. They nourish the scalp and give it back some moisture. Moreover, oils can attract excess oils from your scalp and aid in reducing excess sebum production. Coconut oil is the best and most effective oil for this treatment, and it has reportedly helped an enormous number of people in dealing with and managing their dandruff problems. Coconut oil can combat the dryness that can further help in reducing the symptoms of dandruff and eczema.

6- Use Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is profoundly used in cosmetics, lotions, and shampoos for catering to all skincare needs. It has been widely used for centuries for a number of skincare concerns, like dandruff, cold sores, burns, and psoriasis. One study also found that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera can protect your scalp from dandruff. Likewise, it was also discovered that aloe vera fights against the fungus that promotes dandruff on your scalp. However, more research is still required on the effects of aloe vera on reducing dandruff.

7- Avoid Stress

Stress is an underlying cause of many chronic conditions, including excessive dandruff. Stress can disturb your normal body functioning and cause several health conditions. It can not cause dandruff itself, but it can provoke or even worsen your symptoms, causing red scalp, white flakes, and itchiness. Furthermore, long-term stress can impair your immune system’s ability to fight infections, making your condition detrimental.

8- Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Experts are still weighing their opinions on the use of ACV as it can be more damaging than good in some cases. ACV is drying, and excessive use can cause further complications for you. However, it is said that one ACV wash weekly can reduce excess sebum production and dead skin cells build-up on your scalp.

For an ACV wash, pour half a cup of apple cider vinegar into half a cup of water and mix well. Rinse it on your wet hair while in the shower and wash with shampoo and conditioner later on.