Having dandruff can be both irritating and embarrassing. The condition can cause itching of the scalp, while the telltale white flakes that fall off let everyone else know you have a dandruff problem. If you have dandruff, you probably are constantly looking for effective ways to get rid of it. Here are five effective dandruff treatments that will give your scalp some relief.
1. Medicated Shampoo
The most common solution to dandruff is to use a medicated shampoo. The active ingredients found in a medicated shampoo, such as selenium sulfide and ketoconazole, can prevent scalp dryness that contributes to dandruff. More importantly, they eliminate Malassezia globosa, the fungus that causes dandruff. Regular use of a medicated shampoo also helps keep the fungus away from your scalp, leaving you dandruff-free for a long time.
2. Beet Water
A common home remedy for dandruff is to use beet water. Beets are believed to relax the skin on the scalp, while controlling the amount of fungus on it. To prepare beet water, simply boil the roots and tops of white beets. Massage the water onto your scalp, and dandruff relief should come in a few days.
3. Lime Juice
Like beet water, lime juice is a popular home remedy for dandruff. However, massaging the acidic lime juice directly onto the scalp can lead to irritation. To use lime juice properly, mix a teaspoon of the juice with water that you will use as final rinse. Not only does the diluted concentration eliminate dandruff, it also brings beautiful luster to healthy hair.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Treatment for dandruff can also be found in your kitchen shelf. Apple cider vinegar is another well-known home solution for dandruff. The acid in the vinegar helps kill off fungus present on the scalp, and periodic use will prevent the fungus from ever getting a foothold on your skin.
Like lime juice, apple cider vinegar is quite acidic, and so it must be diluted for use. Mix the vinegar with equal parts water to make a concentration safe enough to apply on the hair and scalp. Shampoo your hair, rinse and then dab the vinegar solution onto your scalp using some cotton. Let the solution set for a minute, and then rinse. You may want to shampoo again to get rid of the strong vinegar scent.
5. Vitamin B
Sometimes, dandruff can simply be a result of poor nutrition. The scalp may become dry and start to flake if your skin does not metabolize fatty acids efficiently. If this is the case, including more vitamin B in your diet might prove to be the best solution for your dandruff problem. Vitamin B helps improve the body's metabolism and promotes healthy skin.
Good sources of vitamin B include bananas, tuna, eggs and green vegetables. If you'd rather keep your diet the way it is, vitamin B supplements are readily available at your local drugstore. The best supplements to purchase are those that contain vitamin B complex, which includes most types of vitamin B.
