Dandruff Control

Dandruff is a scalp disease that can be cured. But some forms of dandruff can cause sever itching and any damage caused by the nails to the scalp can cause further bacterial infection and can cause more serious problems.

Hair massages are very effective in this regard but as hair is very delicate, they should be handled gently and massaged gently and the finger tips should be moved in small circulatory movements so as to move the skin of the scalp. Light massages often dislodge the dandruff flakes and a light massage with hot oil proves to be more effective in this regard. Pure coconut oil or olive oil can be heated and applied gently on the scalp at night and kept applied on the hair for overnight. Next morning, juice of 1 lemon should be applied an hour before shampooing.

Treatment with herbs has proved to be very effective as they help in stimulating the hair growth. There are a number of herbs that have appropriate medical properties that can curb and control the infection. These herbs are mild in nature and they do not damage the delicate tresses.

Henna also helps controlling dandruff. It promotes hair growth and conditions the hair making them soft and shiny. It also helps in restoring the health of the hair. It is a natural product but care should be taken while choosing the quality of henna. Specially prepared henna powder mixed with other ingredients, is very effective in controlling dandruff and improving the hair texture.

One should also keep in mind the hygiene as it closely related to both health and beauty. Towels, combs, hair and pillow cases should be kept absolutely clean as there are chances of re-infection. Whenever you wash your hair, soak your brushes and combs in a mug containing hot water containing some antiseptic lotion. After shampooing, rinse your hair with an herbal hair rinse or some medicated rinse which are actually anti dandruff lotions containing the extracts of mint, amla etc.

Dandruff also causes many skin problems like pimples, acne or rash. Spots and pimples are often seen on the forehead and cheeks of the people who are quite prone to dandruff and this may led to acne spreading on the face, back, upper arms and on the chest wherever the skin comes in contact with the hair.

Dandruff Treatment


There is no cure for skin disorders that lead to dandruff, so it often recurs. But mild cases often improve with careful shampooing using professional salon anti-dandruff products. The FDA has approved five ingredients for these specially prepared shampoos: salicylic acid, coal-tar, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, and sulfur. You may need to try several shampoos before finding the one that works best for you. Massaging the scalp vigorously as you shampoo helps loosen flakes so they can be rinsed away. Thorough rinsing is essential, since shampoo residue encourages more flaking. For best results, shampoo daily, leaving the lather on for a few minutes before rinsing. When the condition clears up, keep it in check by shampooing with medicated shampoo as needed to control the problem. If your dandruff doesn't clear up with over-the-counter shampoos, you should see a dermatologist, especially when dandruff is severe or areas other than the scalp are involved. Your dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatments: A stronger coal-tar or salicylic acid lotion to loosen thick scaling so that shampoos may work more effectively. These are usually applied and left on overnight under a shower cap. An anti-fungal shampoo containing ketoconazole, such as Nizoral, if an overabundance of yeast seems to be the root of the problem. Steroid creams applied to the affected areas to suppress flaking. Stronger coal-tar shampoo or other treatment if psoriasis of the scalp is the underlying problem.