How long have you been putting off wearing that beautiful black dress of yours? The fear of having embarrassing white flakes standing out on that black dress and all over your shoulder is real. The mere thought of it makes you feel conscious and drops your confidence level.
Searching for a solution that finally makes you stop looking over your shoulder all the time does not come easy. You probably already tried a million products and treatments, all of which temporarily reduced dandruff but saw a comeback in full force in less than a week’s time. This is why we have carefully curated a list of things for you to do that’ll help you get rid of dandruff forever!
The road to getting rid of dandruff forever is not a straight one. It is not as easy as getting from point A to B with one miracle product. Rather, it is a combination of trying many remedies, finding what works for you, choosing the right kind of products, and having the patience to continue a routine that works, slowly, but surely.
Here are the top ingredients and practices that need to be included in your routine for a permanent solution for dandruff:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: There are many salons that offer treatment for dandruff. However, these treatments are not only unaffordable for most people but continuous salon treatments also damage the hair in the long run because of the use of chemicals. This is why you need to identify natural ingredients that are best at fighting dandruff. Apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to successfully fight dandruff. You can make a simple ACV rinse at home by mixing one part ACV with four parts water. Pour this over the hair and keep it for a few minutes before washing off. While this is an effective solution for dandruff by helping kill infections, bacteria and fungus, you have to be careful about the amount of ACV you use. Since this acidic ingredient can cause negative effects on your hair if not used properly, you may want to choose natural products with ACV as an ingredient. The Tru Hair Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo has the right blend of dandruff treating ingredients without any harsh chemicals, sulphates or parabens.
- Coconut oil: One of the reasons for dandruff is a dry scalp. Indians know the moisturising benefits of coconut oil more than anyone. Massaging this on the scalp for an hour or more before a bath can give your scalp the intense moisturisation it lacks. However, if your scalp is already oily, this is a step you will want to stay away from.
- Aloe vera: One of the effects of dandruff is an itchy and irritated scalp. Aloe vera is known for its soothing effect on the skin and scalp. Using aloe vera gel on the hair 20-30 minutes before a bath will help reduce the itchiness and irritation. Like aloe vera, neem is also an ingredient that offers similar benefits with its antibacterial property.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties work well in fighting dandruff. Since tea tree oil is concentrated, it is not safe to use it directly on the scalp by itself. Instead, opt for effective shampoos with tea tree oil as the star ingredient like the Tru Hair Tea Tree Shampoo. If you are using concentrated tea tree oil, dilute it well with water or carrier oil.
- Manage stress: Experimenting with natural ingredients will help reduce dandruff, but to fully stop it from occurring again, you need to stop the root cause, one of which may be stress. Stress not only affects your peace of mind but also gives rise to conditions like dandruff. Stress compromises our immune system which allows dandruff-causing Malassezia to thrive. Practising yoga, massaging your scalp often, therapy and more will help in dealing with stress.
- Protect the hair: Literally, protect your hair by keeping it covered using a hat or scarf when going outdoors. Dandruff is not always caused by something you do. It can be because of exposure to too much pollution when you step out.
- Use a mild anti-dandruff shampoo: The shampoo that you use matters when it comes to treating dandruff. While there are many anti-dandruff shampoos in the market, most of them are also doused with harsh chemicals that negatively affect your hair one way or another. Hence, choose mild shampoos that do not strip off the natural oils and are free of harsh chemicals, sulphates and parabens.
- Washing the hair at the right time: Apart from using the right shampoo, it is also important to find the ideal time to wash the hair as well. Washing the hair too often might dry your hair too much and washing your hair less often might increase the product and oil build up on the scalp, aggravating dandruff. Hence, according to your hair and scalp type, find a sweet spot. The aim is to always have a clean scalp but not strip it of its natural oils.
- Hygienic practices: Rule number one to follow when you or your friend is dealing with dandruff is that sharing things like pillows and combs is an absolute no! Make sure that you regularly wash both your pillow covers and your comb.
- Check your diet: Your diet plays an important role in deciding your hair health. Make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet for your hair to receive the right amount of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Check with a nutritionist and a dermatologist if you have to avoid anything from your diet that may be worsening dandruff.
- Consult a doctor: If you are facing severe dandruff, flaking of the scalp and itching, it is best to opt for professional advice from a doctor. You may be suffering from conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, skin lesions, or dermatitis which require medical attention.
- Get enough sleep and stay hydrated: This is not just for dandruff but the overall health and proper functioning of your brain. It is important to stay hydrated by consuming at least 2 litres of water a day. Get eight hours of sleep every day to have a rested mind.
Everyone always has a couple of tips, tricks and hacks to help reduce dandruff. It could be a DIY hair mask, it could be a good shampoo or a homemade secret oil recipe that has been passed down through generations. While these could all help reduce dandruff and offer temporary relief, only a combination of remedies, safe products and targeting the root cause can permanently solve dandruff.
The best advice we can give is:
- Different people have different reasons behind their dandruff. Hence, keep trying a lot of natural home remedies and find which is the one ingredient that works best for you. Continue using this.
- Combine this practice with a good sulphate-free and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner. Finding a good anti-dandruff shampoo helps a great deal in keeping it contained. Pay attention to the ingredients list and get one that has tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar. Make sure it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals.
- Follow practices like keeping your hair, pillowcases, comb, and hair towel clean at all times. Most often, dandruff finds a way back to your scalp through these means so keep them clean.
- If all of these practices make no difference, it is time to consult a doctor and let the professionals take over.
Most importantly, have patience as natural remedies take their own sweet time to work. Don’t forget to take a second look at all the hair products that you own. Ditch all the harsh products filled with chemicals for ones that are natural and organic. Tru Hair offers products that are filled with the goodness of natural and Ayurvedic ingredients. With no harsh chemicals, sulphates or parabens, Tru Hair makes for the best brand for all your hair care solutions.
