Dandruff isn't just a social embarrassment, but may also give you certain pointers about your general hair health as well. Let's look at some facts regarding dandruff and how it may affect the health of your hair.
Causes of dandruff

The cause for dandruff is usually stated to be a dry scalp, which is not entirely true. Dandruff could be caused by a host of reasons and rather than being a problem, it could be a symptom of other problems with hair health. Let's look at some of the causes:

1. Yeast problems on your scalp: If you suffer from extreme dandruff problems during the winter months, it is likely that it is due to the buildup of yeast on your head. Yeast may build up during the winter months and it usually gets resolved when temperatures rise during the summer months.

2. Not maintaining your hair regularly: This may come as a surprising element as brushing helps in removing dandruff from your scalp. If you have short hair and don't brush your hair regularly, chances of getting dandruff increase more so. Shampooing also has a similar effect and thus if you don't keep your hair clean, it might end up causing more dandruff.

3. Conditions such as Seborrheic dermatitis or other diseases: Dandruff may well be a manifestation of symptoms for other health problems within your body. For example, Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition which may cause your scalp to be irritated and oily and in turn, cause more dandruff. It could also mean you have a Malassezia problem. Malassezia is a fungus that naturally lives in our hair and feeds on the oil, but an overgrowth of these might result in dandruff as well.

4. Lifestyle issues such as diet and stress: If you follow a poor diet, mostly consisting of junk and fried foods, and also have a lot of stress, then it may lead to dandruff. In such cases, topical medications or treatments might not work. You will need to correct it by making changes in your lifestyle, one of them following a healthy diet

In all of these cases, it is not just a specific problem, but a symptom of a larger problem that needs to be resolved. Treating the underlying problems will ensure that dandruff goes away too.

Common Factors that Cause Dandruff

Dandruff is one of those uncalled for hair conditions we all have trouble dealing with. It not just takes our self confidence down but also acts as a trigger to a number of scalp problems that we might face in the future. But, it is not as if one has to go through an expensive salon treatment to get rid of the unwanted dandruff. Basic hygiene and a few good rules could be effective in treating the irritable condition of dandruff. Here are a few:

Coconut oil: This oil is supposed to have anti fungal properties and also keeps the scalp from getting itchy. For best results, mix coconut oil with lemon and rub it in the scalp gently. Leave for some time and then again wash the hair. This should be done at least three times in a week to get rid of dandruff.
Vinegar: It is one of the other ingredients that are a proven anti-dandruff. Application of fungus helps to kill the fungi and bacteria associated to dandruff. Vinegar is rich in acidic content and thus reduces flaking a great deal. White vinegar and water should be mixed in equal proportions and applied to hair thoroughly. Leave it for some time and wash the hair thoroughly. Follow this for three times a week for best results.
Neem: Ancient herbs hold relevance till today. The medicinal and cooling properties of Neem are a great remedy for treating dandruff. Nature is the best way to go and Neem has been a tested element for all skin ailments and same applies to the fungi that accumulate as the result of flakes. Boil Neem leaves in water and use the broth to wash hair.
Garlic: A lot of people seem to avoid garlic on their hair because of the pungent smell associated to it. However, the medicinal properties of garlic are too many to be overlooked. The benefits of raw and crushed garlic are too many to be listed and have been tested since a long time. For best results, pound garlic cloves with water and wash your hair with the liquid. And for the smell, you could add honey and ginger to the mixture.
Yogurt: Perhaps the most common method used for treating dandruff since a long time. Yogurt continues to win our trust every time. This is simple as it could get. Apply yogurt to the scalp and leave it for some time. Then wash the yogurt after around an hour and use a mild shampoo to wash off the hair. Repeat the procedure for at least two days a week.

Top 5 Home Remedies To Treat The Irritable Condition Of Dandruff

Every other person today is exposed to various hair problems irrespective of their age or gender. Several factors including one s diet, overall health and lifestyle, are responsible for causing hair problems. On top of that, pollution plays a major role in damaging your hair too! 

Although hair problems are a major concern for both males and females, nearly 40% of women encounter visible hair loss by age 40. The most common conditions affecting your scalp and hair include hair fall, dandruff and split ends-- 

Hair fall- Most people are familiar with hair fall- you are used to witnessing broken strands of hair on the towel after having a bath, or on the comb. This condition is prevalent in those who have had a genetic or family history of hair fall. Hormonal changes, traumatic events (chronic illness or surgery), any underlying medical condition such as thyroid or lupus, and certain treatment procedures like chemotherapy can lead to hair fall in due course of time. While shedding a few strands of hair is considered normal, losing large volumes of hair more often than not can lead to permanent hair loss. 

Dandruff- Dandruff is undoubtedly the most unsightly among all other conditions. It is even more embarrassing for people having dark hair. These appear as white powdered grains that cling to the roots of the hair. Dandruff often results from poor diet, poor metabolism, or dry scalp. This condition is more common in winters.

Split ends- Split ends are witnessed when the edges of your hair become brittle, dry and frayed. Exposure to extreme weather conditions can leave your hair damaged. Many people fall for hair styling techniques including blow drying, straightening and smoothening. They certainly make you look good, but frequent use of such hair styling techniques and the related chemical products damage your hair follicles. Almost everyone encounters split ends at some point in life. The only way to get rid of split ends is to trim your hair every 3-4 months. 

People need to understand that applying any kind of oil or shampoo on one s hair would only be external applications and will not lead to nourishment internally, no matter how much they boast of doing so through their advertisements. This is where Homeopathy comes to the rescue, which would help them in internal medication. 

Role of homeopathy in curing hair problems-
Homeopathy can proficiently manage the symptoms of various hair problems including hair fall, dandruff and split ends. Homeopathic remedies are extracted from different plants, herbs and natural substances that are absolutely safe for you. This branch of medicine attempts to improve your metabolism and heal your digestive disorders, thereby promoting healthy hormones. Homeopathy medications or supplements prepared from the extracts of shellfish and oyster are rich in zinc. Consuming 30g of zinc can help in the synthesis of hair keratin. Flaxseed oil and fish oil used in homeopathy treatment are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids not only prevent hair fall and breakage but also nourish your hair follicles, thereby promoting lush, healthy hair. Make sure you intake 2 capsules of these homeopathy supplements. Let's read how homeopathy works--

Root Cause: No matter whether it is hairfall, dandruff or split ends, initially a patient needs to talk about the history of how all of these problems had started. The reasons could be:
Physical in nature, like some fever in an intermittent manner, which gets traced back to child-birth, lactational phase 
Patient needs to be very particular and detailed about telling the circumstances that might have led to the problems, for the homeopathic doctor to understand. 
Now, once the doctor gets a clear picture about the cause, he or she gives the appropriate homeopathic medicine and its dosage as per requirement.
Internal Factors: Internal factors are referred to as constitutional factor in homeopathy. a homeopath understand your internal issues and prescribe medicines accordingly. 
Every individual is born with certain qualities. Those qualities need to be identified and treated as per the physical and mental characteristic symptoms of the patient. 
It is important to ask certain questions starting from the childhood to be able to identify any unknown cause that might have been the cause behind these problems. 
Homeopathy remedies and medicines thus rectify the underlying causes of hair problems. The main objective of the treatment is to eliminate the root of the problem. So, the next time you face hair problems, instead of going for hair styling treatments, opt for homeopathic intervention. 

Homeopathic Approach To Hairfall, Dandruff And Split Ends!

5 common myths on dandruff you?ve probably fallen for

Dandruff is not only an embarrassing condition but also a major cause for hairfall and hair weakening. It is estimated to affect as many as one in five individuals in india. Even though this is such a common issue, there?s still heaps of misleading conceptions about dandruff.

Myth1: ?all flakes in your hair is dandruff?

Fact: sometimes flakes are only a consequence of dry skin on your scalp. While the difference between dryness and dandruff might be unclear to the common individual, medical experts do make a distinction between the two. If your flakes are relatively small and white, chances are you?re dealing with a dry scalp - dandruff flakes tend to be larger and yellowish in colour.

Myth 2: ?dandruff is contagious?

Fact: dandruff is not something that you can catch from someone else. The fungal bacteria that can lead to the appearance of dandruff are present on everybody?s scalp, which means all our scalps are naturally predisposed to the condition.

Myth 3: ?dandruff results from bad hygiene?

Fact: while regular shampooing can help keep dandruff under control, this condition does not stem from a lack of hygiene?even the most diligent hair washers can find themselves suffering from it. This is because dandruff is caused by various components, which include a characteristic overproduction of hair oil or an excess of parasitic microorganisms that live normally on our scalps.

Myth 4: ?dandruff only occurs on the scalp?

Fact: it's true that your scalp is the most widely recognised spot to experience dandruff, yet it's by all account not the only possibility. A few individuals additionally observe that areas such as the eyebrows, ears, and around the nose are inclined to flaking too.

Myth 5: ?dandruff can cause hair fall?

Fact: hair fall is at some point connected with dandruff and an irritated scalp; however, these conditions are not mutually exclusive. Hair fall is not brought about by dandruff, but rather might be prompted by the incessant need to scratch a bothersome scalp. When we scratch our heads, the activity causes breakage in the hair. The root cause of hair fall includes anxiety, diet and the overall health of your scalp.

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5 Common Myths about DANDRUFF Busted!

Dandruff is not a major health concern but it can affect your self-confidence and self-image. This condition is most often the result of a dry scalp or type of dermatitis. It could also be caused by a yeast infection or eczema. Common forms of treatment for dandruff include medicated shampoos that fight the fungus or slow down the ageing of skin cells on the scalp. Some ways of treating excessive dandruff are:

Neem- Neem is renowned for its anti-fungal properties that help in the treatment of dandruff. It is also well known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Neem can be used on its own by applying a paste of boiled neem leaves on your scalp or used as a hair mask made of dried and crushed neem leaves and olive oil. Your scalp may itch a little on the application of this paste but this is temporary.

Coconut and Honey Scrub- Coconut helps preserve proteins in the hair and lessens dandruff. Honey is also used to treat dandruff as it has well known anti-microbial properties. To benefit from this, apply and massage a mixture of 2 teaspoons of honey or coconut oil and 3 teaspoons of yogurt to your scalp for about 10 minutes before washing your hair. Wait for about half an hour before rinsing it out. Dry with a towel and massage a few drops of coconut oil into the scalp. However, do not rinse your hair more than twice with shampoo while washing off the paste as it can strip your hair of its moisture.

Banana and Apple Cider Vinegar- Bananas are a good source of vitamin B that helps improve circulation and keeps skin healthy. Apple cider is also a known fungicide that helps treat dandruff. If you suffer from acute dandruff, massage a paste of 1 whole banana and 2 cups of apple cider vinegar into your scalp and leave for 20 minutes on a daily basis for a week. Once dandruff reduces, you can apply the paste once a week.

Yogurt- Yogurt is rich in healthy bacteria that helps reduce yeast in the body and prevents the scaling of dead skin cells. To use yogurt as a form of treatment for dandruff, apply a cup of fresh yogurt to the scalp and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off. You could also add two spoons of freshly ground pepper to the yogurt as pepper also has antifungal properties.  

How To Deal With Excessive Dandruff?

Dandruff is characterized by flaky skin on the scalp caused by shedding of the dead skin cells. Although small amount of flaking is normal because of the death of the skin cells, any aberration causes uncontrollable itching and foul odor. Studies state that dandruff is usually caused due to bad hair hygiene.

What causes dandruff?

People diagnosed with a skin disorder called  seborrheic dermatitis  are at an increased risk of this condition. Seborrheic dermatitis can affect many areas of the body such as the sides of the nose, eyebrows, breast-bone and back of the ear. Not combing or shampooing the hair enough can also result in dandruff. Sensitivity to yeast is one of the major causes of dandruff. Dry skin, having been subject to immense stress over a prolonged period of time, unhealthy diet and other disorders such as HIV, skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema are few of the other reasons behind dandruff.

Remedies to get rid of dandruff:

Aspirin- If you suffer from excessive dandruff, it is advisable to crush few tablets of aspirin and add it to your normal shampoo. Aspirin contains high amounts of salicylic acid that helps to reduce the formation of dandruff.
Tea tree oil and baking soda- Adding a few drops of baking soda and tea tree oil to your favorite shampoo can help reduce dandruff to a great extent. Baking soda is laced with a substance which reduces overactive fungi. Your hair can feel dry during the first few days but will start to return to its normal state with continued usage.
Lemons- Massaging lemon juice onto your scalp is a sure way of getting rid of dandruff. Lemon helps to balance the pH level of your scalp and prevent it from getting flaky and scaly.
Garlic- Crushed garlic or garlic juice can be rubbed on the scalp to reduce dandruff formation. Garlic has antimicrobial properties which are ideal for eliminating the bacteria which contribute to dandruff.

Ayurvedic Tips To Get Rid Of Dandruff

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