9 ways to drive away dandruff

You can’t hide it if you have dandruff. The shower of white flakes on your shoulders is a sure give-away, however carefully you pick your shirts to camouflage your condition. For affected people, dandruff can be a major source of irritation that can also turn into social embarassement. So what can you do about it to keep your hair shining and free of those white flakes?

While hardly serious, dandruff can be persistent. A number of medicated shampoos and preparations are available to combat it; trial and error though may be necessary to help you find one that is appropriate for you. However, popular home remedies combined with lifestyle changes can also cure dandruff.

Fenugreek or methi is a popular kitchen remedy for dandruff. Take two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak them for about 8 – 10 hours. Grind the seeds into a smooth paste and apply this carefully over your scalp. Leave it in for about half an hour and then wash it off. Repeat as needed.

Add the juice of one lime into some curd and mix it thoroughly. Now apply the curd to your scalp. Keep it for about half an hour and then wash with shampoo. Repeat as needed; over time your dandruff will be completely cured. Caution: Avoid this treatment if it gives you a cold.

Shampooing your scalp daily with tea tree oil is said to be effective against dandruff. Derived from the leaves of the tea tree native to Australia (not to be confused with the tea plant) the oil has medical properties and is easily available in shampoos. Check for a reaction though, as tea tree oil may cause allergies in some people.

Maintaining scalp hygiene can help you control dandruff. Wash your hair regularly using a gentle shampoo. Restrict the use of gel, wax or other products that can make your hair greasy and attract dirt. Using medicated shampoos is a tried and tested remedy. Also, avoid treating hair with harsh chemicals that can irritate scalp skin and aggravate dandruff

Brushing increases the circulation in the scalp. It also helps to effectively remove the build-up of dead cells and flakes, thus keeping the scalp clean. Brushing often can thus help you manage dandruff better.

Diet deficiencies, such as that of zinc or vitamin B may play a role in aggravating dandruff. Having balanced meals, eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking enough water can help to bring dandruff under control. Avoiding meat, sugar, tea, coffee, aerated drinks and junk or processed foods may help.

Stress can affect the normal functioning of your body in different ways. It may also be responsible, directly or indirectly, for your dandruff. Learning to relax and managing stress can resolve the problem.

Exposing your scalp to the sun for some time each day can effectively fight dandruff. Don’t overdo this however as overexposure to sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer.