Natural and home remedies for dandruff and scalp problems.
Archive for February, 2010
Fight Dandruff With Natural Home Remedies
Feb 24th
Anita R Choudhary asked:
Dandruff is an irritating hair problem which is known to be caused by a fungal infection. Dead skin cells accumulate to form thick white scales, on the scalp and shed randomly. Itchy and dry, the scaly dead skin is unsightly and embarrassing. However, if you are suffering from dandruff, sit back and read for further information on easy remedies that will make dandruff go away for ever!
Apart from using harsh chemical based shampoos, you can try using some effective home remedies that work better and give you freedom for constant itching and scaling. Natural and organic products give best results and cause no damage the hair cuticles. Dandruff is aggravated by exposure to sun, using chemical treatments on the hair and excessive dryness. If you can manage to keep your hair clean and nourished, dandruff can be eliminated.
If we take a little time to peep into our homes, cultures all over the world have some unique tip to offer which are home made solutions to eliminating dandruff.
There are many basic remedies that you can take to keep your hair dandruff free. A warm oil head massage can do your hair wonders. Apart from making your hair lustrous and shiny, the optimized oil levels keep the scalp nourished while the vigorous massage aids better blood circulation, exfoliates the scalp of dead skin build up.
Take a few drops of lemon juice and honey and mix it well with some yogurt. Apply this mixture on your scalp and leave it for some time. Scrub and wash well with warm water. You can even buy a bottle of pure lemon juice and massage your scalp with it. Leave the lemon juice soaked scalp and hair for sometime and wash it well. After about 2 or 3 treatments, you will be able to see the difference.
Application of egg after shampooing is known to be an effective conditioner and helps reduce dandruff. You can even apply baby oil on your head and let it soak in overnight. In the morning, wash with warm water and a mild shampoo. You can so this on a regular basis and see the difference.
However, for severe dandruff problems it is best to see a dermatologist and use shampoos specially manufactured for dandruff treatment. Otherwise, these remedies work wonders by removing dandruff and getting you hair that is lustrous and shiny.
Managing Hair Loss, Dandruff and Balding
Feb 21st
Nayna Chakrabarty asked:
Hair fall is a global phenomenon. Every one suffers from it irrespective of race, color and culture. People keep trying new products each month, thinking that this time around, it will work for sure. Some find alternative therapies for cure, while the rest accept it and move on.
There are many reasons for hair loss. Some of them are:
1) Lack Of Nutrition: Extreme dieting can cause an imbalance in the system and the hair fall could be an indication that the body is getting weak.
2) Stress: Constant mental strain can lead to many side effects. It is a way the body tries to wake up the sufferer. Some get ulcers in stress while in others, it can trigger as hair loss.
3) Dandruff: The flaky, itchy particles in the scalp are dandruff. This too adds to hair loss. Dandruff can be treated but the treatment has to be done correctly otherwise it can resurface. While treating dandruff, chemicals in certain shampoos could be very strong for a particular scalp that could actually destroy the hair follicles. Dandruff too is triggered with poor diet, lack of hair hygiene, stress-filled lifestyle and excessive use of styling products. A change in climate and water can also cause this. Salty water, hard water and chlorinated water affect the hair follicles.
4) Hair Hygiene: Hair care is crucial to maintain healthy manageable stresses. Regular washing, conditioning and brushing is vital. This also keeps a control on dandruff. Care for frizzy hair is essential.
Frequent blow drying, curlers, hot irons can give rise to split ends. They tend to make hair dull and unmanageable. Hair should be trimmed every two to three months.
Balding could be due to genes, imbalance of hormones or due to an acute illness. There are treatments available but one needs to read the fine print before getting into any such programs. Hair weaving and hair transplant are now a rage. It works well when done from professionals. These treatments too need care and maintenance.
A hairstyle can make or break a person’s overall personality. An experienced stylist will be the right judge to give you a haircut that goes well with your facial structure, hair texture and lifestyle. Learn to identify your hair type and the requirements of your scalp by using the right products. Simple steps like these go a long way in helping you manage a great looking hair.
Safe Home Remedies For Dandruff
Feb 20th
Geoff White asked:
Shedding skin is a natural process of skin renewal that takes place all over the body including the head area everyday. However when fungal infections gain access to favourable areas and conditions, skin shedding can increase substantially.
The fungal infection causing Dandruff is known as Malassezia. Malassezia feeds on oil secreted by hair follicles and increases skin renewal turn around times from a couple of weeks to a couple of days. The infection is spread by communal use of towels, combs and brushes. Before treatment can be conducted the type Dandruff must first be identified as being either waxy or dry dandruff. Waxy Dandruff occurs in patches on the scalp when oily sebum mixes with dry skin cells. Dry dandruff is present when small white pieces of skin lie loose on head or is attached to hair. Various remedies are available to treat dandruff including home remedies.
Treatment for dandruff can take form of prescribed or natural remedies. Prescription remedies are available from your physician and natural remedies you can make yourself at home. Caution must be excised with home remedies to ensure that they are safe. Chemical reaction can result from various chemicals being mixed as well as poisoning from ingredients recommended in home recipes. The following home recipes are safe and reliable to use in treating all types of dandruff:
Hot olive or Coconut oil – Massage hot olive or coconut oil on scalp before bedtime. This will moisturise the skin assisting itchiness and flaking. In the morning rub onto scalp lemon juice mixed with vinegar. Leave 2 minutes and wash hair with good quality moisturising shampoo.
Rosemary, Sage, Thyme or Neem – Make a strong tea-like solution from either Rosemary, Sage, Thyme or Neem leaves by adding the leaves to boiling water and leaving to brew for 24 hours. Strain and pour water over just-washed hair and leave in. Style your hair as usual but keep styling products to the minimum as these products can increase dandruff.
Aloe Vera – Rub crushed fresh Aloe Vera leaves or gel onto scalp and leave for 15 minutes before you wash you hair.
Beetroot – Boil beetroot, make a paste and massage onto scalp before bedtime. Please avoid using red beet as it will stain your hair as well as clothing and linen. White beetroot would be best.
Egg – Beat three whole eggs with three tablespoons of water. Rub mixture on damp hair and massage onto scalp. Leave in for 15 minutes. Wash hair with lukewarm water.
Aspirins – Dissolve two Aspirins a quality dandruff shampoo. Leave the mixture on for 3 minutes, rinse thoroughly and style as normal.
Causes Of Sore Itchy Scalp
Feb 20th
Anne Cresacre asked:
There can be many causes of sore itchy scalp problems. In rare cases it can be put down to a lack of hygiene, though that is generally not the case for most people and it can in fact more likely be attributed to excessive washing or the use of harsh shampoos and conditioners that cause the scalp to dry out and leave the follicles open to infection (folliculitis). Many of today’s shampoos and conditioners contain a number of toxic chemicals which dry out the skin, stripping it of its natural oils and thereby causing a sore, itchy scalp. Without these essential oils the skin is open to a number of infections and yeast organisms like Melassezia Globbosa (the fungus which causes dandruff) or Pitysporum Ovale – which result in dandruff and flaking of the scalp. An example of one of these toxic chemicals is Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) which is an aggressive cleaning and foaming agent commonly used as an engine degreaser. Although proven to strip oils from and prematurely age your skin, damage eye membranes, retard healing, inhibit hair follicle growth and more, it is added to 90% of shampoos on the market. Silicon is also often added to conditioners as an artificial shine enhancer.
Some other possible causes are:
A skin condition, such as acne, which can occur for a number of reasons – often hormonal, but also via infection, ingrown hairs and blocked pores, or incorrect diet. A fungus like Ringworm (tinea capitis). This is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp and is caused by mould-like fungi called dermatophytes. It is more common in children and the symptoms include red, itchy patches on the scalp, which cause hair loss and leave bald areas. The skin might itch and be red and peel or be scaly, have swollen blisters or a rash (that can spread) and looks like black dots. The rash is highly contagious, and I would highly recommend seeing your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible to get further advice and prevent it from spreading further. A cyst, such as an epidermal or sebaceous cyst, a sac beneath the outer layer of the skin that is filled with a greasy white material. These cysts most often appear on the scalp, ears, face or back and are caused by plugged ducts at the site of a hair shaft. An allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis). This usually comes in two forms – Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis. The former is normally a reaction caused by the direct effect of an irritant substance on the skin, while the latter is a hypersensitivity reaction, acting through the body’s immune system, due to a particular substance or group of related substances. This goes back to what I mentioned above about the harsh irritant chemicals that you find in many of today’s shampoos and hair products. Stress – brought on by exhaustion, work pressures, emotional tension. Stress can also cause acne to develop. Viral infections, such as chickenpox and shingles
(Please note that every case is different and if you have an extreme case of scalp problems or are worried and uncertain about anything I would highly recommend you consult your doctor or dermatologist).
To soothe the itching on your scalp there are a few things you can do. Natural oils such as Lavender, German Chamomile, Eucalyptus, and Avocado Oil are excellent at relieving the itchiness. Simply mix them together and add water (4 parts water to 1 part oil), then apply locally to the affected areas on your scalp for relief. This mixture can also be added to your shampoo or conditioner to give your skin an extra boost (try to use a pH neutral shampoo with natural oils such as Tea Tree – this will stop your scalp from drying out further and will help to prevent any infection).
Neem oil is an excellent dandruff preventative and is also great for relieving psoriasis and eczema. As above, it can be added to your shampoo to soothe and aid your scalp problem.
(As with all oils, consult your doctor first if you are pregnant. It is also recommended you patch test all oils/formulas before application or addition to your shampoos).
Dandruff – Causes And Remedies
Feb 17th
Tim Faber
asked:
asked:
Dandruff can be a rather annoying malady of the hair and scalp (not to count embarrassing) and the condition is characterized by silvery scales that separate from the scalp and build-up in the hair. The symptoms of dandruff are aggravated when the hair is combed or brushed, as the flakes tend to fall off on clothes and may appear as lumps on the hair and scalp. Excess oil, dirt, grease or product build-up complicate symptoms and make the problem appear worse than it is. Dandruff may be accompanied by itchiness or redness. Determining the causes of dandruff can help people find appropriate remedies.
Any kind of health impairment is reflected on the health of one’s hair as well. Intake of wrong food products, constipation or any infectious disease can lead to dandruff. Toxic conditions due to intake of wrong food products are considered a major cause of dandruff. Also application of harsh chemical hair products or harsh shampoos can also lead to dandruff problems. Other causes include extreme climatic conditions, emotional stress, general exhaustion or use of damaging shampoos. Physiologically, scalp psoriasis, scalp acne, and poor hygiene or overactive sebaceous glands can lead to clogged pores, infection, bacteria and generally poor scalp health.
Dandruff treatment with Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds are considered to be a very effective “home remedy” in the treatment of dandruff. Soak 2 tablespoons of Fenugreek seeds in water and leave overnight. Grind this into a paste and apply all over the scalp and leave for half an hour. Wash off hair thoroughly using soap-nut (ritha) solution or shikakhai.
Anti-dandruff hair care products
There are a wide variety of anti-dandruff shampoos available in the market today which are also effective in the treatment and prevention of dandruff. It is important to go in for a reputable brand and ensure that the shampoo is not too harsh for your hair type. Deep cleaning dandruff shampoos with Zinc PCA combined with Fenugreek are found to be the best at cleansing the scalp and hair. Zinc PCA helps regulate the sebaceous gland – reducing oils that lead to bacteria, dirt and infection. Emu Oil active ingredients are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial and help ward-off bacteria and fungus.
Using lime for the treatment of dandruff
A teaspoon of fresh lime juice in the last hair rinse combined with a light weight conditioner can also be effective to treat dandruff. Furthermore, this adds much needed luster to the hair as well.
Beet for dandruff
Boil both the top and root in water and massage this water into the scalp every night. White beet is even more effective to treat dandruff.
Brush hair daily and thoroughly
Brushing your hair on a daily basis improves blood circulation to the scalp and removes any kind of flakes. Massaging the scalp helps improve circulation and should be done after brushing. Massaging stimulates circulation and dislodges any flakes and promotes hair growth.