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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Dandruff introduction

Dandruff is a scalp ailment that affects any age group but is more prominent in the age group of early 20s. The major myth associated with it is that it is a leading cause of hair loss but it has not been proven as yet. The main cause for the growth of dandruff is a fungal infection which makes the scalp shed skin at an excessive rate.

Types of Dandruff

There are types of dandruff, dry and waxy dandruff. An itchy scalp usually describes dry dandruff, as the small, white scales are generally attached to the scalp or are loosely scattered in the hair.

Waxy dandruff arises when the scaliness of the epidermis is mixed with sebum, which causes it to stick to the scalp in patches. Dandruff may be caused by many factors, and among the contributing factors are poor nutrition, zinc deficiency, yeast infections, high use of alkaline soaps or shampoos and some types of fungus.

Dandruff remedies

The following are a couple of excellent remedies to take control over your hair and scalp, and eliminate the dandruff. You can try one, or as many as you can, just remember that every human being is different and that not every remedy may work for you. For simplicity I have divided them into natural and chemical remedies.

Natural Remedies:

- Aloe Vera: Rub a thick gel of natural aloe vera into the scalp. Leave it overnight and shampoo in the morning.

- Vinegar: Apply any type of vinegar into the scalp, leave it overnight, and shampoo in the morning. Be careful, the vinegar may burn, especially if your scalp is really irritated.

- Rosemary: Mix rosemary oil, olive oil, and crushed rosemary leave into the scalp. Leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse.

CONCLUSION

Getting dandruff could be a truly disgusting and irritating condition. Dandruff refers to the flaking scalp that falls of like snowflakes on your head, and sometimes settles on your shoulders, face, eyebrows and clothes. In the case of excessive scaly formations, an irritating condition occurs which is associated with bacteria. Dandruff is usually infectious, and can be transferred to others by the use of common towels, combs, soap and hairbrushes.