Care of the hair. In today’s world, problems with hair, particularly hair loss as a result of dandruff, are very common. Dandruff, a common scalp condition, refers to small pieces of dry skin that fall off the head. If you have dark hair or wear dark colors, you might notice the flakes in your hair or on your shoulders. Dandruff can also irritate your scalp.
What causes dandruff and how does it develop?
Dandruff causes redness, itching, and white flakes on the scalp. Additionally, it may cause ear itchiness and hair loss.
Dandruff occurs when your scalp sheds dead skin cells. Malassezia is a fungus or yeast that naturally lives on the skin and scalp. This fungus typically has limited growth, despite the fact that excessive oil on the scalp provides it with food, which greatly facilitates its growth. This fungus produces oleic acid as a byproduct of its metabolism. This oleic acid, on the other hand, makes the skin’s cell turnover more rapid, which can lead to undesirable white flakes or dead skin. This dead skin falling off and combining with oil from the hair and scalp causes dandruff. This does not imply that dandruff is typically present in people with oily scalps; however, excessive oil washing can lead to dandruff if it is not done correctly or on a regular basis.
The majority of shampoos do not get rid of dandruff, but they do dry out the scalp.
Additional Dandruff Causes:
Climate:
Even though weather rarely causes dandruff, dry, cold months can make it worse. Dandruff is thought to be made worse by dry skin that builds up because there isn’t enough moisture in the air during the winter. Dry skin is more likely to get dandruff. Overheated rooms and the chilly winter air frequently result in skin that is itchy and flaky. The flakes are usually not oily and small most of the time.
Dandruff frequently appears on the scalp, backs of the ears, breastbone, eyebrows, and sides of the nose in people with seborrheic dermatitis (itchy, scaly skin caused by irritated Malassezia and excessive oil production). Scales of white or yellow flakes will cover the patient’s red, greasy skin.
Too little or too much washing of the hair:
If you don’t shampoo enough, some experts say, dandruff can be caused by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells. In addition, excessive shampooing may irritate the skin. Your scalp may also produce more oils as a result of the excessive washing, resulting in a greasy appearance the following day.
Examples include psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions. can also cause dandruff in some people.
Adults with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions are more likely to experience dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. People recovering from a heart attack, stroke, or weak immune system may also have an increased risk of developing dandruff.
Reactions to Products for the Skin and Hair:
When some people use certain hair care products, their scalps become red, itchy, and scaling. Many experts say that excessive shampooing can irritate the scalp and cause dandruff.
Diet:
Dandruff is more common in people who don’t get enough zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fat, according to some experts.
Stress:
Experts say that stress is linked to a lot of skin problems.
Your skin’s pH:
Additional considerations include our skin’s pH and the products we use on our hair and skin. The pH is acidic from 0 to 7, and alkaline from 7 to 14.
The pH of our skin is typically slightly acidic. The usual range is between 4.5 and 5.5. Since bacteria cannot survive in an acidic environment, they naturally have the ability to kill or stop their growth. We alter the skin’s pH when we apply something to our scalp that is alkaline (has a higher pH), rendering it incapable of fighting the necessary bacteria.
This causes more diseases.
The majority of shampoos and soaps are alkaline, causing harm to our hair and skin. Even if the effects don’t show up right away, as long as these products are used, they will eventually happen. The hair’s fingernail skin is also opened by basic pH, allowing foreign substances to enter and cause harm to the hair.
However, conditioner is typically more effective and acidic for the majority of people. An acidic pH seals off the cuticle of the hair, shielding it from foreign objects. The majority of conditioners, as a result, have a tendency to make your hair appear healthier and shinier.
Conditions like dandruff, hair loss, bacteria, or fungus on the scalp can be prevented by using products with a balanced pH and restoring the scalp’s ph.
Restoring the pH of Your Scalp:
1st Method:
Combine equal parts of distilled water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle (optional). Spray the mixture onto your hair and scalp, avoiding your eyes, to quickly restore pH. Wrap your hair for 15 to 1 hour. For the final rinse, use clean water. When your skin shows signs of excessive oil after a sweaty workout, this is especially helpful. Perform it once or twice per week for best results.
You can also use this mixture to massage your hair before wrapping it in a towel.
2nd Method:
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, preferably alkaline water, which is a special kind of water with an elevated ph, to restore your skin’s pH. Oil and sweat on your scalp can alter the overall pH of your skin, which can have an impact on its health. Method 3 for Alkaline-Acid Balance: Apple cider vinegar, according to some experts, can restore alkaline acid balance.
Some people believe that even though apple cider vinegar is an acidic solution, it makes the body more alkaline. Therefore, they recommend diluting one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into the water as a daily health supplement.
CAUTION:
People who are allergic to apples should not use apple cider vinegar. Burns and scarring can occur when vinegar is applied to the skin.
Characteristics:
Itchy, dry, irritated, or reddened scalp with visible white (sometimes yellowish) skin flakes is dandruff. If you find white flakes on your shoulders, you probably have dandruff.
Body and head effects of dandruff:
One type of dandruff that can lead to an infection on your scalp is psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches. On the other hand, eczema also makes the skin dry and scaly.
The flakes make it hard for the scalp to breathe and weaken the hair roots. This may cause hair loss, graying, acne, pimples, headaches, blurred vision, and even hair loss.
Dandruff can also be very embarrassing. Imagine wearing a white flake on your shoulders to an important meeting or interview. Or, even worse, going on a date with a special someone and having them notice that you have flakes falling down your sleeves just as you are about to get a hug from them! How inconvenient!
How can dandruff be avoided?
Brushing your hair and scalp on a regular basis helps spread the oils your skin naturally produces throughout your hair and scalp. It also massages your skin, which increases blood flow to the area and improves circulation. Brushing your hair upside down is the most effective method for absorbing oils.
The following can also reduce dandruff:
Avoid stress and stressful situations. Our bodies can appear to be having a meltdown when we are under a lot of stress: Our heart beats constantly, sleeping is difficult, our heads frequently itch, and dandruff forms on the itching.
A diet that is well-balanced and includes both acidic and alkaline foods can help strengthen a weaker immune system and prevent the body from accumulating harmful acids. Eat foods that are better for your Care of the hair, eat a well-balanced diet, and include zinc and B vitamins in your diet.
Washing your hair no more than once or twice a week should become a habit. You should try this wonderful method if your hair becomes extremely greasy after 1-3 days: Take a two-week break from washing your hair. Even though your hair will feel very greasy, it gives your skin time to get used to it and learn how to make oils on its own and gradually. After the first two weeks, you should start washing your hair once or twice a week. You might be surprised! You might not “need” to wash as frequently as you used to.
