Is there anything less attractive than being covered in white flakes when there’s no snowstorm outside? And that itch! Dandruff is as annoying as it’s embarrassing.
It’s super common, too. Half of the world’s population has to deal with it at some point or another, so you’re not alone.
I know, that’s not very comforting. What would make your day is figuring out how to get rid of dandruff once and for all. Fret not, there is hope…
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is an annoying skin condition that shows up as white or grey flakes on your head and shoulders. It makes your scalp itch like crazy, too. But, at least, there’s no redness or scabbing. Phew!
Contrary to popular opinion, dandruff isn't caused by a dry scalp (or bad hygiene, for that matter). The culprit is a yeast that belongs to the Malassezia family. We all have it on our scalps, but for some reason, this yeast irritates some people but not others.
Scientists have no idea why. It’s a mystery. What we know is that Malassezia seems to thrive when your scalp can’t shed skin cells normally. They accumulate on the surface, where the yeast finds them and eats them. With all this food at its disposal, Malassezia keeps growing until it triggers an overproduction of sebum.
Next thing you know, you’re covered in white flakes. Ugh.
How To Treat Dandruff
Malassezia is super annoying but not that hard to get rid of. Here are three easy ways to get rid of your dandruff and get your scalp under control again:
1. Use An Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos sometimes get a bad rep, but they truly are the most powerful weapon in your anti-dandruff arsenal. The key is to choose the right type of shampoo for your needs.
Shampoos with salicylic acid exfoliate those scales away, so you don’t look like you’ve just come back from the North Pole. Selenium sulphide and zinc pyrithione decrease inflammation and give yeast the boot. Ketoconazole reduces Malassazia in your scalp so it won’t cause so many problems.
Chances are, you may have to experiment a little to find the dandruff-kicker that works best for you. Whatever you opt for, leave it on your hair for 5 minutes before rinsing it off. This’ll give it more time to deal with Malassezia.
The first week or so, it’s a good idea to wash your hair every day, too. Nope, that won’t make your dandruff worse. Your hair is probably very oily now, which makes Malassezia very happy. A good shampoo gets rid of the excess oil, helping to keep your dandruff under control.
2. Soothe That Itch With Aloe Vera
Aloe vera isn’t just for sunburns anymore. Studies shows the gooey juice derived from its spikey green leaves soothes and heals irritated skin. Pure Organic Aloe Vera Gel is particularly good at toning down the itch so you won’t feel the urge to scratch your head every few minutes.
3. Keep Your Scalp Moisturized
Dry skin may not cause dandruff but there’s no doubt that when skin has all the moisture it needs, those dead cells slough off on their own rather than building up on your scalp, feeding the yeast.
Organic Argan Oil is one of the best ways to naturally moisturize your scalp because it absorbs easily into the skin. Put another way, it doesn’t turn your head into a greasy mess (unless you go overboard and use too much).
Here’s how to use it: apply a few drops to a cotton ball and dab your scalp with it. Do it before bedtime if you can. This will give the oil time to work its magic before you rinse it off in the shower in the morning.
Bye bye, dandruff!
