If you see white flakes in your hair, you obviously have dandruff. But how much do you really know about where these flakes come from or how to get rid of them? Read on and arm yourself against future outbreaks!
No. 10:
Dandruff is caused by a normal, healthy fungus that lives on everyone’s scalp (Eew! Seriously? Yup!) Sometimes, that fungus gets out of control and needs treatment
No. 9:
Shampooing is often the easiest and most effective way to prevent dandruff. It cleans hair, invigorates follicles, reduces excessive sebum buildup that can lead to dandruff flakes, and prevents excess cells from accumulating on scalps.
No. 8:
If you have dandruff, use a dandruff control shampoo with the ingredients selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione. Head and Shoulders and Nizoral are two common brands. Shampoo with the special shampoo every day until the flakes disappear, and then twice a week afterward to keep that fungus from returning.
No. 7:
Lower your stress levels. Stress is believed by many experts to trigger a dandruff outbreak. When you relax, your scalp will, too!
No. 6:
Get outdoors. Your scalp is only skin, after all, and skin needs a little exposure to sunlight (rich in Vitamin E) to keep it healthy. If you have thin hair, use sunscreen on exposed areas such as your part and forehead to keep your sensitive scalp sunburn-free.
No. 5:
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet with enough B vitamins, zinc, and essential fatty acids. Foods like broccoli, spinach, beef, shrimp, pecans and baked beans contain B Vitamins, Zinc and essential fatty acids to keep your system balanced and actually help prevent dandruff.
No. 4:
Exercise regularly to improve your circulation and overall health. Exercise, combined with proper nutrition are two of the most important things you can do for yourself, and should be part of any plan to combat a health problem, even something as random-seeming as dandruff.
No. 3:
For natural itch relief, rub warm oil mixed with water onto your scalp using the following method: Mix 2 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat them in a saucepan just until warm, not boiling. Dip the tip of a cotton ball into the warm oil, test it on the inside of your wrist to make sure it won’t burn your scalp, then paint the oil onto your scalp with the cotton ball. Coat only your scalp, not your hair. Wrap hair in a warm, damp towel or shower cap for an hour, then shampoo as usual.
No. 2:
Wear light-colored clothing when you have a dandruff outbreak to camouflage any white flakes that may fall. Steer clear of black shirts!
No. 1:
If these treatments and over-the-counter anti-dandruff products are ineffective, a dermatologist can recommend a prescription anti-dandruff therapy and discuss methods to prevent dandruff.
Follow these steps and soon, all anyone sees will be healthy, beautiful hair, and the only flakes you’ll see will be in your breakfast cereal.
Have Your Say
What would you do if your BFF had dandruff? Would you tell him or her and offer to help get rid of it or politely ignore it?
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