Dandruff, technically known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a scalp skin condition that causes white, flaking skin scales to spread through your hair and fall onto your shoulders and neck. It often arises from environmental factors like infrequent washing or stress, according to the National Institutes of Health. Don’t let dandruff keep you from wearing your favorite black shirt. Treat it with several home and medical remedies to restore your hair’s natural glossy and health.
Regular Shampooing
Regular, frequent washing with a standard shampoo product is one of the most important methods of treating dandruff, according to the University of Michigan Health Service. This helps remove the dandruff scales as they appear.
Mineral Oil Massage
Massaging with warm mineral oil can help penetrate the dandruff scales and loosen them, and also boosts circulation to the scalp for general health improvement, according to the National Institutes of Health. Pour a quarter-sized amount of mineral oil into the palm of your hand and massage it onto your scalp with your fingers. Massage for five minutes, and then wrap your head in a warm, moist towel for up to an hour before shampooing.
Diet Changes
Incorporating more food that’s high in the B vitamins, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids may help to control and prevent dandruff, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Dark green, leafy vegetables have lots of B vitamins, while zinc is common in beans. Fish oil capsules and fatty fish meat like salmon are very high in omega-3 oils.
Dandruff Shampoo
The National Institutes of Health recommends using a shampoo product formulated for dandruff control if you can’t control it using home treatment methods. Look for shampoos containing ketoconazole, salicylic acid, sulfur, zinc or coal tar. Massaging it into your scalp for five minutes before rinsing.
Prescription Creams
You may effectively treat severe cases of dandruff that you can’t resolve with over-the-counter shampoos or home remedies by using steroid creams or a prescription shampoo from your dermatologist, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
