While there are many problems related to hair, dandruff is by far the most common and frustrating one. Most people would admit that it is difficult to get rid of the pesky white flakes lingering on the scalp. You might find several medicated anti-dandruff shampoo products in the market claiming to relieve dry scalp and dandruff problems. However, not all of them are equally effective and safe.
Can medicated anti-dandruff shampoo help with dandruff?
Medicated shampoos are often considered the best way to get rid of dandruff and other scalp issues. They are formulated using ingredients that control oil production and help get rid of dead skin while giving you relief from any itchiness and irritation of the scalp. However, depending on your underlying cause for dandruff, you can see it returning in some time.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a condition affecting the scalp, causing the skin to become itchy followed by the appearance of dead flaky skin. It starts around puberty and is seen more in males than females. The severity of the condition can vary greatly; some people can get rid of it easily with the help of a sulfate free anti dandruff shampoo while others might need to consult a dermatologist.
What causes dandruff?
Many different factors can contribute to dandruff from stress and genetics to hair care products and more. However, the major cause of this problem is the overproduction of sebum on the scalp. Cold weather conditions can trigger or increase the severity of dandruff. Sometimes, it can be a result of a poor diet or deficiencies like zinc and vitamin B.
Your hair care routine impacts your chances of getting dandruff as well. The longer the duration between shampoo sessions, the flakier your scalp can get. Washing your scalp less often can cause skin cells and oils to collect, resulting in visible white flakes. Shampooing too frequently can dry out your scalp and cause dandruff; so you must try and maintain a balance that keeps your scalp hydrated and dandruff-free.
Effective tips to get rid of dandruff and dry scalp
If you feel that the anti dandruff shampoo for women you use does not help achieve the scalp and hair you desire, you can consider trying some DIY remedies that might prove to be beneficial.
- Shampoo more often – The best way to avoid dandruff from coming back again and again is to shampoo your hair more frequently. This helps reduce the scalp oils to cut down dandruff.
- Use baking soda – You can sprinkle a little baking soda on a wet scalp and leave it on for a minute before rinsing off. Baking soda can exfoliate the scalp skin and soak up excess oil to get you rid of your problem naturally.
- Try green tea – You can prepare a remedy out of white vinegar, peppermint essential oil, and green tea extract for your dry scalp. Massage the mixture on your scalp for a few minutes and rinse it off with a sulfate free anti dandruff shampoo. These ingredients are naturally rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties which help condition your scalp so that it is not dry or irritated.
- Massage with coconut oil – If you want to get rid of dandruff overnight, this remedy would surely help. Mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil with about five tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp at night and rinse off in the morning; you can even wash off using a natural anti dandruff shampoo in 30 minutes if you don’t have time. Tea tree oil helps restore your hair’s shine while coconut oil fights fungi and gets you rid of dandruff and dead skin.
Ingredients to look for in dandruff solutions
As discussed earlier, you might experience dandruff for a variety of reasons. It is important to identify the root cause to seek the best treatment method. You must evaluate the underlying cause for your dandruff, like hair care products or changes in diet before taking the corrective action. You should also consider applying cleansers like a natural anti-dandruff shampoo formulated to remove dead skin cells.
To find out whether a dandruff treatment is effective, you must look at the product ingredients. While there are several ingredients known to help with dandruff, you can go for anti-dandruff shampoo for women that contain hydrating ingredients and offer anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. These products are generally the best treatment for dry scalp and dandruff.
As no hair solution can cure your problem instantly, it is a good idea to keep switching the products, solutions, and ingredients from time to time to keep dandruff at bay. You can consider rotating between some of the best ingredients for your hair problem instead of using the same all the time to avoid building tolerance.
Conclusion
Dandruff is a highly common condition affecting a majority of people at some time in their life. While it may seem to be difficult to address, you can get rid of a dry and flaky scalp with some simple remedies and a good anti-dandruff shampoo to keep dandruff from coming back.