3 tips for Treating Dandruff
Most of us have suffered from that annoying dry, itchy scalp with the pesky flakes that land on our shoulders. It should be simple, right? There must be a product out there that should make it just go away without weighing our hair down and making it look overly oily.
The American Academy of Dermatologists explains that dandruff is a common scalp condition in which small pieces of dry skin flake off of the scalp. For most people, dandruff does not require medical attention. However, sometimes the flaking and itching that appears like dandruff is actually a medical condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections of the scalp, or eczema. In those cases, it is important to see a dermatologist to treat the condition.
Well, there are ways to control dandruff. Here are a few tips and tricks to deal with this pesky problem.
- Change Your diet
Yes, poor nutrition can lead to dandruff. It is important to stay away from foods that can cause inflammation and/or insulin spikes in the body like sugar, processed foods, fried foods, and gluten. Sweets and yeast-containing foods like beer, bread, and wine encourage fungal growth which has been linked to many conditions, including dandruff.
Developing a diet rich in zinc, B vitamins and ‘healthy fats’ will contribute to the overall health of your scalp. You should start consuming more foods like beans, nuts, avocado, salmon, tuna and garlic/onions. Increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables should be a primary undertaking if you would like to increase your scalp health.
- Drink More Water
We all know that it is recommended that we drink approximately 8 glasses of water per day. This is an ideal goal, however; wherever you currently stand regarding your water intake, please just increase it a bit if you are suffering from dandruff. Your scalp & hair will thank you.
- Shampoo Your Hair More Often
It is recommended that you shampoo your hair one time per week if you have medium to coarse hair and 2-3 times per week if you have finer hair. Your choice of products also matters; you should be shampooing your hair with dandruff shampoo and following it with a moisturizing conditioner. Whenever possible, you should also receive scalp massages to increase blood flow and circulation to the scalp. During your visits to the salon, be sure to talk with your stylist about your needs and ensure that she/he is following a regimen to treat your scalp condition.
Just remember that the best way to combat a beauty problem is from the inside out. Be sure to monitor your hair and scalp and if the flaking and itching don’t respond to scalp treatments and shampoos, or it gets worse, please consult with a dermatologist.