Dandruff and baldness are major hair and scalp problems. Excessive scaling of the scalp is called dandruff, and you will be surprised to know that about 50 percent of population is affected from it. The main reason of dandruff is stress, although it may also be due to a chronic skin disorder known as seborrheic dermatitis. Besides, dandruff can be due to Pytyrosporum ovale fungus infection.
On the other hand, hair loss can be due to illness or a genetic response to the male sex hormone testosterone. Hair is made of the keratin protein. In addition, zinc, biotin, niacin, vitamin A, B6 and vitamin C are other essential nutrients which maintain hair and scalp health. A healthy human head does have 80,000 – 150,000 hairs. It passes through 3 phases of growth. In fact, 90 percent of hairs last 1 – 5 years as they are in the growing stage at any time.
In winter, when the scalp might be dry, a lot of people shed flakes of dandruff. However, some people have a hereditary tendency to develop skin problems. Furthermore, infrequent shampooing, neurologic disorders, suppressed immune system and recovery from chronic conditions like heart attack or stroke can be a cause of dandruff.
Some heavily spiced foods, hot liquids and alcohol may promote dandruff. So you should avoid these. Here, it is noteworthy that hair is inert substance, hence shampoo, other nutrients and rinses enriched with protein can neither affect hair growth nor make them healthier. And, 50 – 200 hair loss daily is normal.
Although, abnormal hair loss can be due to metabolic disorders which include thyroid disease, diabetes and crash diets. Deficiency of iron, zinc, protein and biotin as well as excessive intake of vitamin A may be a cause also. When drug treatment or stress is involved, hair loss is normally temporary and hair that loses during crash diet regrows as soon as nutrition returns to normal.
You can get rid of dandruff by using these simple but, effective tips !
Lemon and vinegar
The best way to use lemon is you should massage your scalp with lemon juice or you can mix it with a little water. Then, shampoo your hair with water. As for vinegar, take half cup of vinegar and dilute it with 2 cups of water and rinse your scalp with it. However, if you suffer from severe dandruff you can apply vinegar directly on the scalp.
Oil your scalp
Massage your scalp with olive oil. For optimum result, you should warm the oil and massage your scalp with it and let sit for at least one hour. Then, shampoo your hair. You can also use a shampoo that already contains olive oil. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil that works well principally because of its moisturizing and anti-fungal properties.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek (Methi) has soothing and anti-fungal properties. You can apply a paste of fenugreek (Methi) seeds, yoghurt and amla powder on the scalp and let sit for at least 10 minutes and then wash your hair.
Neem leaves
Neem has excellent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so it plays a vital role in combating dandruff. Take a handful of neem leaves and boil them in 250 ml of water and let it cool to the room temperature then, apply this cooled concentrate on the scalp.
Garlic
Garlic has anti microbial properties, so it helps to combat the dandruff causing bacteria. Crushed garlic should be applied on the scalp. To avoid the smell of garlic you can mix it with a little honey and massage on the scalp and leave on for 10 minutes and then wash your hair as usual.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil works well in combating dandruff. For this, you should mix some tea tree oil in the shampoo you use, then wash your hair as usual.
Curry leaves
Curry leaves are an excellent natural way for preventing dandruff. Take a handful of curry leaves and wash and dry it. Add these curry leaves to half cup of coconut oil and heat the oil for 2 – 3 minutes. Let it cool to the room temperature then, massage your scalp with this oil for at least 4 – 5 minutes. Now, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Apart from these tips, dandruff shampoo which contain selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione can also be used to prevent dandruff.
At the same time, you must eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables such as arugula, lettuces, mustard greens, broccoli, kale, collard greens and spinach. In fact, green leafy vegetables are loaded with vitamin A and Vitamin C which make natural hair conditioner sebum that helps to moisturize your scalp as well as skin. In addition to this, you should also take whole grains, walnuts, sweet potatoes, blueberries, green peas, poultry, lean meat, oysters, fish, low fat dairy product and fruits.
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