Flakes are dead skin cells which are starting to shed. When you see flakes in your hair, it is often because your scalp is dry and the flakes of skin are falling off onto your hair.
Skin conditions that can cause dryness and flaking in the scalp and hair include: Psoriasis, Eczema, Seborrheic dermatitis.
If the dryness is from a skin condition, the flakes are heavier. In some cases, itchy plaques on the scalp or powdery-type flakes can appear as well.
What do hair flakes look like?
Dandruff is a common condition that causes flaking of the skin on the scalp producing small, loose, gray or white flakes. These flakes are typically larger than what is seen with dry scalp. Scalp associated with dandruff are typically itchy, oily and scaly but not inflamed.
What Causes Flakes In The Hair?
Dandruff may have several causes, including: Irritated, oily, and dry skin. A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.
Different Ways to get flakes out of hair without washing
Though there is no cure for dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis, even dry skin is more prone to these hair issues.
Using things like baking soda, probiotics, or some oils like coconut oils can help reduce dandruff naturally. Sometimes changing your diet or reducing your stress levels may also help.
It is quite easy and simple to take dandruff under control once you have recognized the root cause of this issue.
1. Use a Good Hairbrush
Brushing your hair is great for dandruff in more ways than one. Not only does frequent brushing help evenly distribute your sebum and hair oils, but it also helps to clean your scalp by picking up pieces of skin, dirt or buildup from the hair.
Two types of brushes are highly recommended for those suffering from dandruff. A boar bristle brush is a great option if your hair is long, whereas thick hair will require large spacing between the bristles.
On the other hand, if your hair is short, choose a nylon ball-tipped smaller plastic brush.
2. Use a Scalp Brush
Whereas a boar bristle brush can help you clean your hair and distribute the oils on it, a scalp brush can do a similar thing to your hair as well.
Not only can it distribute your sebum, but a scalp brush also invigorates your scalp by removing flakes, dirt, and buildup.
3. Moisturize Your Scalp With Shea Butter
Raw shea butter is an important fat extracted from the shea nut, originating in Africa. Common in both Asia and Africa, shea butter has worked as a natural moisturizer and medication for centuries.
If you suffer from dandruff and a dry scalp, you can try shea butter. However, the butter is high in oleic acid, an excess of which can trigger an outbreak. If you suffer from seb-derm, you should look for other moisturizers instead of shea butter.
4. Hair Mask
So, instead of shea butter, you can use hair masks to treat your dandruff. One incredibly interesting feature is that they are specifically designed to combat dry scalp as well.
Composed of a large amount of oil, the hair mask can assist in managing dandruff and flaky and dry problems.
5. Use Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoos may have been popularized as a product for lazy girls, but in reality, it is a blessing for all of us. Dry shampoo can also be used by someone who has a naturally greasy scalp, an active lifestyle or a person who just can’t function without washing their hair daily.
Spray your hair with dry shampoo to comb out any large flakes. Dry shampoo can reduce oil or grease and make your hair look fresh and clean. Spray dry hair shampoo on the parts of your hair with the most dandruff. Hold the canister at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) away from your scalp as you spray.
6. Shower Cap
Wear a shower cap when you don’t want to wash your hair. This will not only keep your hair dry but it will also prevent heat and humidity from entering, which is usually responsible for making hair look greasy as well as frizzy.
7. Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help in alleviating flakes symptoms. Applying tea tree oil directly on the scalp can cause inflammation or rashes, so people interested in using tea tree oil to treat dandruff can start by adding a few drops to their regular shampoo.
Tea tree oil contains a compound called terpinen-4-ol, which possesses powerful antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oils containing high concentrations of terpinen-4-ol may help reduce dandruff by suppressing the growth of fungi and bacteria on the scalp.
Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil and massage into your scalp. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then rinse it out.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil can improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation. Apply coconut oil to your scalp and leave it on for a few hours or overnight then rinse it out. It may help improve the scalp microbiome and reduce dandruff symptoms.
9. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an exfoliant that can remove excess skin cells and oil on the scalp. Baking soda also possesses antifungal properties that may help fight the fungus responsible for dandruff.
Baking soda has a very high pH level, which can damage the scalp if a person uses it too frequently. Using too much baking soda can strip the hair of its natural oils, which can cause dryness or irritation, so people should use it in moderation.
Apply baking soda directly to wet hair and massage it into your scalp. Allow it sit for a minute or two, then continue shampooing your hair as usual.
10. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in skin health and inflammation reduction. A deficiency in this fatty acid can result in adverse symptoms, such as dandruff, brittle nails, and dry skin.
Omega-3s provide several skin benefits, such as:
- managing oil production
- regulating inflammation
- improving hydration
- reducing signs of aging
Foods containing large quantities of omega-3s include salmon, mackerel and walnuts. People can also take omega-3 supplements.
11. Lemongrass oil
Lemongrass oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce dandruff symptoms. Like tea tree oil, lemongrass oil may cause irritation or allergic reactions if a person applies it directly to the skin. People can dilute lemongrass oil with water or mix a few drops into their regular shampoo or conditioner.
12. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its healing properties. The gel in its leaves contains several bioactive compounds, such as amino acids and antioxidants, that may reduce dandruff.
Aloe vera may also reduce inflammation, which can help people with dandruff symptoms, such as itchiness and is effective in treating a form of dandruff called seborrheic dermatitis.
13. Aspirin
Aspirin is an over-the-counter pain reliever that could potentially reduce dandruff symptoms. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient commonly used in dandruff shampoos.
Salicylic acid can help exfoliate excess dandruff flakes, prevent oil buildup, and reduce inflammation on the scalp.
To use salicylic acid on dandruff, try crushing one or two uncoated aspirin tablets into a fine powder and mixing the powder with a dollop of regular shampoo.
In the shower, apply the mixture to the hair and leave it there for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
14. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that supports the body’s immune system and promotes cell growth. People can get zinc from animal proteins, nuts and whole grains. Severe zinc deficiencies have been associated with hair loss, diarrhea, impotence and skin lesions.
zinc deficiency as a potential contributing factor for seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Many dandruff shampoos contain zinc pyrithione because it prevents fungal growth and removes excess skin cells from the scalp.
15. Reduce stress
Stress plays a significant role in a person’s overall health. Prolonged stress can cause increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation.
Although stress may not directly cause skin disorders, it can worsen or trigger existing ones.
Does hot water cause dandruff?
Hot water itself doesn’t cause dandruff, but it can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and potentially worsening dandruff symptoms. It’s advisable to use lukewarm water when washing your hair to prevent excessive drying of the scalp.
Which Oil is Good For Treating Dandruff?
Oils like tea tree oil, coconut oil, neem oil, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil can help reduce dandruff by moisturizing and soothing the scalp, while also providing antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
How do IÂ get rid of dandruff permanently?
Dandruff can be effectively destroyed through various methods, including using anti-dandruff shampoos containing active ingredients like pyrithione, zinc or ketoconazole. Regularly wash the hair with a gentle shampoo to keep the scalp clean. Managing stress levels, as stress can worsen dandruff.
Conclusion
Dandruff is a skin condition that causes itchy, flaky skin on the scalp. This condition can impact a person’s self-esteem and overall quality of life.
While few research studies have specifically examined the effects of natural remedies for dandruff, many of these remedies have positive anecdotal evidence.
Not all home remedies will work for everyone. Anyone with an underlying skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, may wish to speak to a doctor before trying a new natural remedy.
