Dandruff Solutions

There are two basic types of dandruff: dry and patchy. Dry dandruff, the most common, is characterized by loose flakes and an itchy scalp. Patchy dandruff, on the other hand, often occurs on those with oily scalps and it takes the form of scaly patches on the scalp itself. Because the causes for dandruff vary from zinc deficiency to the overuse of hair products, you may have to try several remedies before you find one that works for you.

Considerations

• Many common household items can be used to fight dandruff. Both crushed aspirin and baking soda are effective in controlling dandruff. Simply add a handful (about 1 tbsp.) to your shampoo at the time you wash your hair and then proceed as usual. You can also use mouthwash or vinegar to rinse your hair after regular shampooing. This will get rid of any lose flakes, provide relief for an itchy scalp and reduce oiliness, as well as living your hair soft and manageable.

Effects

• Whether you are suffering from dry or patchy dandruff, herbs with antibacterial or antifungal properties can be used to treat dandruff effectively. Goldenseal, rosemary and fenugreek seeds can be made into teas and applied directly to the scalp or used as a rinse after shampooing. They may irritate the skin if left on for too long, so they should be rinsed out completely before drying your hair. Tea tree oil can also be applied directly to the scalp.

Types

• Lots of over-the-counter products exist to treat dandruff, mostly in the form of shampoos. Anti-dandruff shampoos usually contain either zinc pyrithione, tar or selenium sulphide, which are the two most effective ingredients in use today. Ketoconazole, an antifungal, is also used in anti-dandruff shampoos, although this only works against a particular type of fungus.

Solution

• Diet therapy is used by many doctors as a way to treat dandruff. As a first step in reducing the appearance of dandruff, experts recommend reducing saturated fats in the diet, as well as junk food and excess of sugar. This alone should clean the body enough to stop producing so much oil. Taking vitamin B12 supplements can help improve the health of the hair root, while zinc is a great way to fight bacteria.

Expert Insight

• If your dandruff doesn't seem to respond to any of these treatments, this can be a sign that you need to talk to a doctor, who can point you to prescription-strength products containing cortisone. While this may not control the dandruff itself, it does prevent itching, which in serious cases can lead to damage of the scalp and to additional flakes, as the more you scratch, the more loose flakes you can expect. Your doctor may also check for other possible causes, such as psoriasis or emphysema.