Ditch pesky dandruff permanently!

Having white or yellow flakes of dead skin falling from your tresses is very embarrassing. Often, people assume that you have dandruff because you don't clean or moisturise your hair and scalp. But if you've suffered from dandruff, you already know that the problem is not that simple.

It appears that some people are prone to dandruff while some never get it. Doctors and dermatologists are yet to figure out why that is. If you are one of those prone to dandruff, this is how you can eliminate the problem permanently:

The easiest way to get rid of dandruff is by using anti-dandruff shampoos on your hair. There are many different options in the market which come with different dandruff-fighting ingredients. Read the labels carefully to determine which one is best for you.

Tip: Look out for formulas with salicylic acid, which helps loosen dead skin cells so they wash off easily. Also go for zinc pyrithione and ketokonazole which target fungus and bacteria; or coal tar and selenium sulphide which slow down the production of skin cells on your scalp.

Your dermatologist might also advise you to go for topical steroid creams to reduce scalp inflammation.

As you might have noticed the active ingredient in aspirin, salicylic, is available in most anti-dandruff shampoos. You can skip the store-bought formulas and make your own anti-dandruff treatment with aspirin pills.

DIY treatment: Crush a couple of pills to a fine powder and add it to the usual amount of shampoo you use each time to clean your hair. Apply it on your hair and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before washing off. Wash again with plain shampoo.

A study showed that shampoos with just 5 per cent tea tree oil significantly improved the severity of dandruff. This essential oil is a must-have for anyone who wants to keep dandruff at bay. Tea tree oil has healing properties for both the scalp and skin in general. It has antifungal, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties which can treat and ward off dandruff. It also aids in regulating oil production, which also contributes in reducing the incidence and severity of breakouts.

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Add a few drops of tea tree oil into your usual shampoo and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before washing off. Alternatively, rub a few drops of the oil into your scalp.

Caution: Tea tree oil can trigger allergies, use it sparingly and only for short periods of time.

The juice of Aloe Vera plant is one of the most effective natural treatments for dandruff. It's especially effective in easing the itching which accompanies dandruff. Aloe vera is gentle on the scalp and hair and eliminates dandruff without causing any harm. Rich in nutrients, it also nourishes the scalp and leaves your hair looking lustrous and healthy. To fight dandruff, you can apply a few drops of directly to the scalp.

Alternatively, combine aloe vera with other antifungal ingredients such as lemon, vinegar, or honey to make an extra-potent hair mask.

A kitchen staple, baking soda is a cheap and effective way to treat dandruff. Baking soda acts like an exfoliant, loosening the dead skin cells to help clarify the scalp. It also removes excess sebum from the scalp, is a natural antiseptic, and helps balance your skin pH to prevent irritations.

Tip: To eliminate dandruff, add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to a cup of lukewarm water and massage it onto your scalp. Leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing off. You may need to use this treatment for a few weeks before you start seeing results.

Most people think that they should wash their hair less when they have dandruff to avoid drying out. However, that will only make the problem worse. When you have dandruff, the scalp is already overproducing oil so you have to wash it often to keep your scalp clear.

Dermatologists recommend daily washing until you start getting results from your remedies and your symptoms get better. Additionally, brush your hair and massage your scalp daily to stimulate healing and distribute oils.