Dandruff has become a major issue for everybody especially the younger generation. The condition, a stigma as such, is being brought very sharply into focus by Commercials and advertisements. The result is a big chunk of population all over the world losing self confidence and quacks taking advantage of this. They as a matter of routine, make outlandish claims of cure, and simply make oodles of money. The treatment span is often limited to a couple visits, as the people suffering from this condition are in a hurry to rid themselves of it, and approach another one. Make no mistake, the condition is often lifelong and needs careful management. Usually it’s for keeps folks!

The Symptoms of the conditions:

1. Tender scalp.
2. Scales on the scalp.
3. Itching and sometimes burning sensation on the scalp.
4. Unusual hair loss.
5. In severe cases, scabs in the scalp which tends to get infected due to normal brushing/combing and bleed.

Though dandruff is a matter of massive flaking of dead skin, it is generally thought to be the result of unclean habits. Here lies the desperation of the sufferer, causing low self esteem and extreme worry about receding hairline. Some people go so gloomy that they try to take comfort in the shiny baldness. Here the news is ghastly. Since dandruff is a skin condition even the bald and the beautiful will still have it.

1. Dry dandruff: The scalp is dry and natural oil, secreted to keep the skin of the scalp supple, is absent to a great extent. This causes the skin to flake. The flakes generated are very small and resemble dust. This gives hair a distinct dusty look. This kind of dandruff is itchy and irritating. Brushing causes scratches in the skin and this can result in infection and ultimately bleeding scabs.

Shower in lukewarm water twice a week with a mild shampoo, preferably an herbal (Organic) one. Do not rub it in vigorously or soak the scalp for a long time. Do not use a hair dryer, use a towel, that too gently. Apply a mild conditioner or mild hair oil on the wet scalp and hair. Comb gently. Curlers and perms and anything that applies heat to the scalp is an aggravating factor. Avoid at any cost.

2. Oily Dandruff: If you have an oily constitution, then the hair and the scalp will be greasy in spite of not applying hair oil or conditioner. The flakes of dandruff are large and sticky.

Aggressive management is possible in this type. Strong shampoos can be used and be massaged in energetically. The regularity of showers can be as less as once in a day.

Inflamed scalps need to be treated as in dry dandruff. Consult a dermatologist for medication.
Use rounded bristle combs or brushes, to minimize damage. Comb gently and lightly.

According to Indian Medicine, the following are the causes.

1. Frequent extreme and changing temperature. Something like,Hot Sun to a chilly air-conditioned room.
2. Malnutrition.
3. Chronic constipation.
4. Stress.
5. Fatigue.
6. Pollution.
7. Aggressive, powerful and deep acting hair products.

You know your history and condition, but it is always better to be under medical supervision. Do not under any circumstances medicate yourself.

Dry Scalp:

Mix half a table spoon of black pepper, juice of a lime and a cup of milk. This can be use to rinse hair and scalp before final rinse. Squeeze a lime into a mug of warm water for the final rinse. Wait for three to five minutes before the final rinse. This will sting!

Massage fresh Aloe gel into your scalp. Leave it to set for about half an hour, wash it off.

Massage fresh Aloe gel into your scalp. Leave it to set for about half an hour, wash it off.

Apply warm coconut oil to your hair and scalp in the night. Wash it off in the morning. This can be done two or three time a week.

Apply olive oil to your hair and scalp in the night,. Wash it off in the morning. This can be done two or three time a week.

Take half a teaspoon of Tea tree oil and spread it over your palms. Spread it over your hair and massage it in as gently as possible. Wash off the oil the next day. The same can be one by flax seed oil or Herbal oils available at any super market.

Apply whole milk yogurt to hair and scalp and wait for half an hour before you shower.


Oily Scalp:

Make a mixture of one part of Cider Vinegar to three parts of water. Use this as a final rinse at the end of the shower. Make sure you have rinsed the lather of the shampoo thoroughly.

Apply Henna paste and leave it for 2 to 3 hours and then wash off. This will give luster to the hair.

Make a paste of presoaked fenugreek seeds, apply it to hair and scalp, Leave it on for an hour and wash it off.

Apply green tea brew to the scalp if it is very sensitive. It has a comforting effect.

Please test any of these remedies you want to use, on other parts of the skin to check for any allergy. On the first sign of irritation, please rinse in water till you have some relief. Consult your doctor if the discomfort persists.