Natural and home remedies for dandruff and scalp problems.
Archive for September, 2009
Shampoo Selection – How To Choose Shampoos, The Best Dandruff Treatments & Natural Dandruff Remedies
Sep 24th
Mia Wadsworth asked:
How do we choose the shampoo that we use? Or for that matter, any of the cosmetics that are on the dresser? It is funny to hear the answers: Many of us will answer that it is the strength and quality of the advertisement campaign that did the trick. For some it is the shape of the bottle, for others it is the fragrance and yet others fall prey to door-to-door salesmen. How many of us actually look at the ingredients on the back of the bottle to get an idea as to what you are exposing your body to?
Some of the harmful ingredients that are added to shampoos are listed below.
• Formaldehyde: Used as a preservative
How do we choose the shampoo that we use? Or for that matter, any of the cosmetics that are on the dresser? It is funny to hear the answers: Many of us will answer that it is the strength and quality of the advertisement campaign that did the trick. For some it is the shape of the bottle, for others it is the fragrance and yet others fall prey to door-to-door salesmen. How many of us actually look at the ingredients on the back of the bottle to get an idea as to what you are exposing your body to?
Some of the harmful ingredients that are added to shampoos are listed below.
• Formaldehyde: Used as a preservative
• Coal Tar: Found in anti-dandruff shampoos
• SLS’s Sodium Laureth and Sodium Lauryl Sulphates: Used as degreasers and strip the natural oils from your skin and scalp paving the way for dandruff and other scalp problems to arise.
• Ethylene diamine (tetracetic acid) : Used as a stabilizer
• D&C Green 5 : Coloring agent
• Ketoconazole: A synthetic antifungal drug
• Selenium sulfide: Active ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos
Apart from these there are also other toxic substances like Alkyl-phenol ethioxlades, Propylene glycol, Voriconazole, Calcipotriol (INN), or calcipotriene (USAN) that are poison for our skin and body.
All these toxins are causing agents of various irritants like itching, fungal infection, lowering of sperm count, fertility problems in women, liver infection, cancer of skin… the list is endless.
Most of the anti-dandruff shampoos just act to temporarily address the problem that is in hand by masking the symptom. They do not act in replenishing the irritated itchy scalp with the lost nourishment it needs, and in fact man aggravate the problem further so after a certain dormant period the problem resurfaces.
But don’t lose heart. There are solutions at hand. Pure natural ways to healthy scalp and hair. Many companies are coming out with herbal solutions to all your hair care problems. The active ingredients in these products are 100% natural. Some of these products include:
• Zinc Pyrithione
• Salycylic Acid (from Willow Bark)
• Tea Tree Oil (melaleuca)
• Virgin Cocnut oil (Non processed)
• New Zealand Manuka
• Guava
• Wild Cherry
• Chamomile
• Horsetail
• Nettle
• Aloe Barbabenis
• Neem Oil
• Lavender Oil
• Rosemary Oil
All of the above natural products are soothing to the skin and act as an herbal analgesic or have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. Some of them help to bring down inflammation. Most of them are filled with vitamins and minerals that are important to maintenance of a healthy body. A lot of these natural remedies help in detoxification of the body.
So the next time you buy a shampoo or any hair care product, see what has gone into making it. It is very important to go in for products that have no side effects and those that eliminate your problems right from the roots.
There are so many shampoos that have naturally derived ingredients that are just as if not more powerful than their drug based counterparts. Once you know what to avoid and what to look for instead as ingredients you will be well on your way to a healthy scalp and beautifully conditioned hair.
And if you use natural plant & nut oils you can give your hair and scalp an effective treatment that many people report to cure dandruff and itchy scalp – without the need for any other treatment whatsoever. After all our hair & scalp deserves a treat too and why not if its easy and costs peanuts to do.
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Shampoo to Control Dandruff and Flakes
Sep 21st
Tim Faber asked:
The best shampoo to control dandruff and flakes uses botanical extracts to soothe inflammation and itchiness, while regulating oily scalp that can trap dirt, bacteria, and oil in follicle pores. Zinc PCA controls secretions reducing flaking leaving hair clean, fresh, and flake-free.
Dandruff is a universal problem that afflicts both young and the old. It is a common scalp condition caused by clogged pores that affect the scalp, ears, eyebrows, and beard. In infants, flaking and irritation is commonly referred to as ‘cradle cap’. Though a source of concern and sometimes embarrassment, dandruff is generally considered harmless. Severe symptoms, however, may be an indication of more serious scalp problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, or eczema.
What are the Causes?
Although the exact cause of dandruff is unknown, possible causes include excess oils in or on the scalp or skin, excessive sweating, poor hygiene, warm or hot weather, skin allergies, infrequent shampooing, stress and weak immune system.
Granted, this is an extensive list of causes, but dermatologists and trichologists (those who study hair), generally agree flaking and itching occur when over-active sebum production (oil) combines with product build-up, dirt and fungus creating inflammation – leading to itching, sores, and flakes. Thus, regulating and reducing sebum is the first and most effective step towards prevention.
Flaky Scalp Solutions
Anti-dandruff shampoo commonly is formulated with Zinc PCA. Zinc naturally inhibits oil secretion and helps irrigate follicle pores of built-up bacteria, dirt, and dead and worn skin cells. When combined with Panthenol and Jojoba Oil, the scalp gets soothing relief from inflammation that may lead to more serious problems. Daily shampooing is recommended, and for severe symptoms, twice daily for several weeks may be required.
Additionally, some flaking may be the result of acute or chronic dryness. Tissue can become inflamed – cracking and splitting – causing localized dry patches that have symptoms similar to dandruff. For extreme dryness, we recommend Emu Oil products. Emu Shampoo is rich in moisture and provides super-hydration to the follicle shaft as well as tissue. Emu Oil is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory that moisturizes and reduces skin cell separation.
The best shampoo to control dandruff and flakes addresses excess secretion, while healing and repairing sensitive tissue and skin. Deep-cleaning action helps prevent embarrassing residue, while gentle extracts soothe irritation and itching for healthy, shiny hair.
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The best shampoo to control dandruff and flakes uses botanical extracts to soothe inflammation and itchiness, while regulating oily scalp that can trap dirt, bacteria, and oil in follicle pores. Zinc PCA controls secretions reducing flaking leaving hair clean, fresh, and flake-free.
Dandruff is a universal problem that afflicts both young and the old. It is a common scalp condition caused by clogged pores that affect the scalp, ears, eyebrows, and beard. In infants, flaking and irritation is commonly referred to as ‘cradle cap’. Though a source of concern and sometimes embarrassment, dandruff is generally considered harmless. Severe symptoms, however, may be an indication of more serious scalp problems such as psoriasis, dermatitis, or eczema.
What are the Causes?
Although the exact cause of dandruff is unknown, possible causes include excess oils in or on the scalp or skin, excessive sweating, poor hygiene, warm or hot weather, skin allergies, infrequent shampooing, stress and weak immune system.
Granted, this is an extensive list of causes, but dermatologists and trichologists (those who study hair), generally agree flaking and itching occur when over-active sebum production (oil) combines with product build-up, dirt and fungus creating inflammation – leading to itching, sores, and flakes. Thus, regulating and reducing sebum is the first and most effective step towards prevention.
Flaky Scalp Solutions
Anti-dandruff shampoo commonly is formulated with Zinc PCA. Zinc naturally inhibits oil secretion and helps irrigate follicle pores of built-up bacteria, dirt, and dead and worn skin cells. When combined with Panthenol and Jojoba Oil, the scalp gets soothing relief from inflammation that may lead to more serious problems. Daily shampooing is recommended, and for severe symptoms, twice daily for several weeks may be required.
Additionally, some flaking may be the result of acute or chronic dryness. Tissue can become inflamed – cracking and splitting – causing localized dry patches that have symptoms similar to dandruff. For extreme dryness, we recommend Emu Oil products. Emu Shampoo is rich in moisture and provides super-hydration to the follicle shaft as well as tissue. Emu Oil is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory that moisturizes and reduces skin cell separation.
The best shampoo to control dandruff and flakes addresses excess secretion, while healing and repairing sensitive tissue and skin. Deep-cleaning action helps prevent embarrassing residue, while gentle extracts soothe irritation and itching for healthy, shiny hair.
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Prevent Hair Fall and Dandruff the Natural Way
Sep 13th
Ravikumar Uppaluri asked:
Hair loss and dandruff are one of the most irritating disorders that can even make a person depressed at times.
There is a huge market for hair disorders such as hair fall, dandruff, alopecia etc. Companies are making a quick buck and exploiting in the name of herbal remedies. Many of these remedies are not purely herbal and may contain some herb as a component with inorganic and harmful chemicals as the prime component. Such products give only temporary relief, for example, anti-dandruff shampoos widely marketed, give relief only for a day or even lesser period.Ofcourse, there are genuine products in the market and the companies need not be pointed out for it is not their fault alone, but also of consumers who wants a quick remedy! Application of such temporary remedies and easily accessible products is not the right solution for the hair disorders, the solution lies in the age old systems of traditional medicine.
Such traditional medicine with modern science and technology can throw some effective long term and easy to use remedies. While I don’t remember at this point of time any such ready to use natural remedy manufactured by companies, I am suggesting some time tested age old traditional or natural methods for containing hair fall and dandruff. Though some of the methods are cumbersome or the ingredients not readily accessible, this is the only way and natural way for preventing as well as curing the irritating disorders.
The ripened fruits of Soap nut, botanically called Sapindus emarginatus, are soaked in hot water for 10-15 minutes and then crushed with hand in the same water to get the extract.The extract can be daily used beneficially with no side effects as a shampoo. It gives rich lather and can be compared in lathering property to synthetic lathering agents generally found in manufactured shampoos.
Another time tested natural shampoo, is the thoroughly ground powder of Blackgram, which should be made into a viscid paste with which the hair is washed and the scalp massaged. This is a good soap for the body also. For starters, the paste when applied, may be rough as compared to the soap, but a beautiful soap with all goodness.
Both the above, Soap nut juice and Black Gram powder are natural shampoos, with no loss of natural oil from the body and in addition are anti dandruff.
Prior to head bath the following applications are useful
Prior to shampooing or head bath, the scalp is thoroughly massaged with a combination made of crushed fenugreek seeds and sour curd. Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash with the shampoos suggested above.
People who do not like to apply oil in day times may apply oil like pure coconut oil before going to bed and then shampoo the natural way in the morning. This restores the lost oil from the scalp.
Another remedy widely used in India and known as a c-vitamin rich fruit all over the world, Powder of Indian Gooseberry is an excellent rejuvenator for the hair. It brings lustier, prevents or contains dandruff and helps strengthen the roots.
There are several such remedies, but access to the raw materials or genuine products is a problem in addition to the time consuming preparations. At least choose a product that has less of synthetic components and more of naturals. Never go for a shampoo full of chemicals, just because it gives tons of lather!
Create a video blog
Hair loss and dandruff are one of the most irritating disorders that can even make a person depressed at times.
There is a huge market for hair disorders such as hair fall, dandruff, alopecia etc. Companies are making a quick buck and exploiting in the name of herbal remedies. Many of these remedies are not purely herbal and may contain some herb as a component with inorganic and harmful chemicals as the prime component. Such products give only temporary relief, for example, anti-dandruff shampoos widely marketed, give relief only for a day or even lesser period.Ofcourse, there are genuine products in the market and the companies need not be pointed out for it is not their fault alone, but also of consumers who wants a quick remedy! Application of such temporary remedies and easily accessible products is not the right solution for the hair disorders, the solution lies in the age old systems of traditional medicine.
Such traditional medicine with modern science and technology can throw some effective long term and easy to use remedies. While I don’t remember at this point of time any such ready to use natural remedy manufactured by companies, I am suggesting some time tested age old traditional or natural methods for containing hair fall and dandruff. Though some of the methods are cumbersome or the ingredients not readily accessible, this is the only way and natural way for preventing as well as curing the irritating disorders.
The ripened fruits of Soap nut, botanically called Sapindus emarginatus, are soaked in hot water for 10-15 minutes and then crushed with hand in the same water to get the extract.The extract can be daily used beneficially with no side effects as a shampoo. It gives rich lather and can be compared in lathering property to synthetic lathering agents generally found in manufactured shampoos.
Another time tested natural shampoo, is the thoroughly ground powder of Blackgram, which should be made into a viscid paste with which the hair is washed and the scalp massaged. This is a good soap for the body also. For starters, the paste when applied, may be rough as compared to the soap, but a beautiful soap with all goodness.
Both the above, Soap nut juice and Black Gram powder are natural shampoos, with no loss of natural oil from the body and in addition are anti dandruff.
Prior to head bath the following applications are useful
Prior to shampooing or head bath, the scalp is thoroughly massaged with a combination made of crushed fenugreek seeds and sour curd. Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash with the shampoos suggested above.
People who do not like to apply oil in day times may apply oil like pure coconut oil before going to bed and then shampoo the natural way in the morning. This restores the lost oil from the scalp.
Another remedy widely used in India and known as a c-vitamin rich fruit all over the world, Powder of Indian Gooseberry is an excellent rejuvenator for the hair. It brings lustier, prevents or contains dandruff and helps strengthen the roots.
There are several such remedies, but access to the raw materials or genuine products is a problem in addition to the time consuming preparations. At least choose a product that has less of synthetic components and more of naturals. Never go for a shampoo full of chemicals, just because it gives tons of lather!
Create a video blog
Dandruff
Sep 11th
Niti Shahi asked:
Prologue and Rationale
Dandruff refers to the flaking scalp, which falls like snow flakes and sometimes settles on one’s shoulders, face, eyebrows and clothes. In the case of excessive formation of scales on the scalp there is irritating condition associated with bacteria. Dandruff is generally believed to be infections that can spread by the use of common towels, combs, soaps and hairbrushes. There are two types of dandruff:
Prologue and Rationale
Dandruff refers to the flaking scalp, which falls like snow flakes and sometimes settles on one’s shoulders, face, eyebrows and clothes. In the case of excessive formation of scales on the scalp there is irritating condition associated with bacteria. Dandruff is generally believed to be infections that can spread by the use of common towels, combs, soaps and hairbrushes. There are two types of dandruff:
· Dry dandruff
· Waxy dandruff
An itchy scalp characterizes dry dandruff and small white scales are usually attached to the scalp or are loosely scattered in the hair. The waxy dandruff occurs when the scaliness of the epidermis is mixed with sebum, which causes it to stick to the scalp in patches.
Symptoms
Whenever the hair is brushed or rubbed the scaliness increases. It may also appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp. There is itching and sometimes the skin turns red due to excessive scratching.
Causes
The various contributing factors in the cause of dandruff are:
· Impairment of general health
· Poor nutrition
· Deficiency of zinc
· Fungus (malassezia furfur)
· Oily scalps
· Food allergies
· Excessive perspiration
· Stress
· Yeast infections
· High use of alkaline soaps and shampoos
· Exposure to dust
· Dry and cold weathers
Treatment
1. Hot steam bath is highly beneficial for the hair and scalp. Massage hot oil and wrap a hot damp towel on the head for sometime.
2. Immerse peels of lemon in coconut oil for 8-10 days in sunshine. Now sieve and apply in the hair. Hair will become free of dandruff.
3. Hot oil therapy is the best method to cure dandruff. Massage hot oil into the scalp at bedtime. Next morning an hour before the bath, rub lemon juice mixed with cosmetic vinegar into the scalp with cotton wool. Wash your hair properly and as a last rinse use the juice of one lemon in a cup of hot water. Continue this treatment once or twice a week for three months.
4. Mix two tablespoons of cosmetic vinegar and six tablespoons of hot water. Dab this with cotton on the scalp and leave it overnight, next morning wash the hair with a shampoo.
5. Mix beetroot juice in vinegar and apply on the scalp
6. Ginger juice and beetroot juice mixed together and applied on the head also cures dandruff.
7. Massage your scalp with the mixture of olive oil and almond oil; leave it for five minutes after you feel the burning sensation. Rinse properly for a dandruff free hair.
8. Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Grind the softened seeds in the morning, apply this paste on the scalp and leave it for half an hour. Then wash you hair with ritha solution or shikakai
9. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to prevent dandruff.
10. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun is also useful measure in the treatment of dandruff.
11. Warm 300 grams of coconut oil with 3 grams of black pepper. When it starts boiling stop heating, sieve with a fine cloth and keep in a bottle. Massage with fingertips in the night gently.
12. The use of a teaspoon of fresh limejuice for the last rinse while washing hair in highly beneficial. It leaves the hair glowing and also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff.
13. Dilute cider vinegar with equal amount of water and dab this to the hair with cotton wool in between shampooing.
14. Mash beetroot leaves in henna paste and apply on the head to prevent dandruff and hair fall.
15. Rub the juice of snake gourd on the scalp for the treatment of dandruff.
16. Massage one’s hair for half an hour with curd which has been left open for 3 days or with few drops of lime juice mixed with amla every night before going to bed.
17. Application of processed henna once in 15 days helps to prevent dandruff. Boil equal amounts of amla and shikakai powder in water and allow it to cool. Now mix henna powder, very small amount of fenugreek and roasted clove powder, a little lemon juice and egg.
18. Wash the hair with green gram powder in curd twice a week.
19. Immerse split black gram in milk, mix it and apply on the scalp.
20. Beat two eggs and add two tablespoons of water to it. Wet the hair and apply the egg mixture over the hair. Now massage your scalp and let the mixture on for ten minutes to fifteen minutes. Then rinse the hair with lukewarm water. This will keep both dandruff and hair fall problem away from you.
Diet
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. The diet should consist of fresh juicy fruits, such as apples, grapes, pears, pineapple and peaches. Citrus fruits, bananas, dried or tinned fruits should not be taken. Emphasis should be on raw foods especially fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, raw nuts and whole grain cereals. Starchy, protein and fatty foods should be restricted. Meats, sugar, strong tea or coffee, processed fruits, candies; soft drinks, pickles and condiments should be avoided.
Massaging mixtures for dandruff
· Nasturtium tea
Make a strong infusion with 1 drop of essential oil of thyme added to it. Use to rinse the hair or massage the scalp.
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Home Remedies For Dry Hair With Dandruff
Sep 1st
Navneet Brar asked:
Failed to get a beautiful, shiny and soft hair?
Getting tired of the fake promises by the tempting expensive hair products available in the market?
Here is some good news for you. Without spending much, you can now become a proud man/woman with a beautiful hair.
First of all, let me ask you if you really understand what a shiny hair means. Hair becomes shiny when the scales of the cuticle, the protective outer layer of each hair strand, are perfectly smooth and flat against the hair shaft. The intact cuticle cells are usually flat, smooth and glossy.
But how is the shine created?
When the light gets reflected across the cuticles, a smooth hair cuticle looks like a roof with all the shingles lying flat, however regular styling, heat processing, and hair-coloring cause those shingles to lift.
When the cuticles get a healthy coating of sebum, a natural hair oil, the best shine is seen. And the hair that lacks the needed moisture to reflect light is considered to be the dull hair. Hair lacking the needed moisture and natural oils absorbs the light rather than reflecting it.
But this sebum can be damaged or completely removed from the hair due to some internal and external factors such as hormonal imbalances, harsh shampoo formulas, chemical processing, improper use of hot styling tools, weather and the environment.
To improve the texture of your hair, try using these hair care tips, you will definitely notice a marked improvement :
1. Shampoo your hair whenever you feel the need according to your hair type. Use a shampoo that increases the moisture thereby striving to maintain the natural oil mantle of your hair.
2. Do not forget to condition your hair every time you shampoo it. Go for a nutrient-rich conditioner which moisturizes and fills in the tiny cracks in your hair shaft.
3. While drying your hair, please be gentle, do not pull or rub with rough-textured towels. As wet hair is fragile, and a little amount of friction will damage the cuticle.
4. Get glossy with a water soluble fine serum – look for cyclomethicone on the label. As these glossiers are the best in restoring shine and balancing hair.
If done regularly, these hair care tips will help condition, moisten the hair along with providing a remarkable shine.