Your hair is your crowning glory. But how can this be if it is giving you embarrassment especially during times when you need motivation. As they say, a healthy hair comes with a healthy scalp. If you enjoy wearing black and dark blue outfits without having to worry on white flakes falling from your head,  good news for you. However, if you are not comfortable wearing those colored shirts because of the heavy snow fall on your shirt even if it is still not winter, read this article as it will discuss the causes of dandruff, effects of dandruff and remedies for dandruff.

Dandruff is a skin issue that is attacking the scalp and causing itchy white flakes. This irritable dust-like particles falling from the head is caused by fungus that causes the scalp to produce excess dry skin. Anyone can have dandruff, men or women, young and old. Doctors have shown different reasons why it is so easy to get that scalp problem and why it is so hard to get rid of it.

Causes of Dandruff

Hormonal imbalance

This usually happens during puberty. In this stage, the body undergoes several changes and it is hard for some parts to cope with the sudden transformation. Like the break out of zits on the face and back, the scalp also has a way of showing that there is a sudden change in hormone and cannot easily cope with it. Thus, this scalp reaction leads to dandruff.

Strong hair treatments or shampoos

The application of hair dyes or any hair treatment may cause irritation to the scalp. This will result to a dry scalp and formation of itchy white flakes. Hence, the use of strong shampoos also gives skin irritation that is not good for the scalp.

Too much caffeine

It is said that drinking too much coffee or other caffeinated drinks will worsen the sight of dandruff. These kinds of drinks are known to be diuretic and can dehydrate the scalp even more. Remember that a dry scalp can cause as much dandruff as oily scalp does.

 Improper hygiene

The itching of the scalp means the fungus is actively working its way to dominating your head. In order to prevent further damage on your scalp, maintain proper hygiene by washing your hair regularly using medicated shampoos.

Effects of Dandruff

·          Dry hair – dandruff is known to be one of the culprits in having dry and dull hair. This happens when flakes cover the hair pores preventing the hair from getting commercial moisturizers made for dry hair.

·         Prevents new hair from growing – dandruff is not merely the cause of thinning hair , but it is one of the causes of preventing the growth of new hairs. When flakes take the places of the hair pores, there will be no space for the new hair to grow. It is well explained how the hair loses at least 100 hair strands per day due to brushing and styling,  but these lost hair strands are replaced again. If the hair pores are blocked, the replenishment of the lost hair will be impossible making the hair thinner and thinner every day.

·         Psoriasis – scratching the itchy part of the head will only worsen the sight of dandruff. The affected area will grow bigger and bigger and if further infection occurs, there is a possibility of getting psoriasis. It is already a skin disease that needs further attention by medical doctors in order to prevent from multiplying in some parts of the body.

Dandruff Solutions

Home remedies

There are several home remedies you can use to cure dandruff. The easiest way is to use olive oil. Use a ¾ cup of pure virgin olive oil and massage it onto your scalp focusing on the affected areas. Leave it for about fifteen minutes and then rinse it off with your favorite shampoo and conditioner. Instead of olive oil, you can also use tomatoes. Slice it and rub the tomatoes on the affected part of the scalp. Rinse it off as well with  shampoo and conditioner. It is also advised to take plenty of water to keep yourself well-hydrated and your diet should include raw foods that have nutrients that can fight off fungus.

Flickr Photo by Clean Wal-Mart

Medication

You would certainly notice if the dandruff gets worse. The itching is already uncontrollable and the flakes already spread not only on your head but also on the sides where it can be seen. Additionally, the color of the affected area already becomes swollen and reddish. If this happens, consult a dermatologist who can best prescribe a medicated shampoo for the dandruff. Thus, the medication can be oral or applied depending on the severity of the problem.