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No one knows exactly what causes dandruff although it is estimated that over 95% of people suffer from the condition. Dandruff, like psoriasis, is a skin condition where dead skin cells flake and fall off. While the skin sheds dead cells continuously, the excessive loss of skin cells from the scalp is termed dandruff.
Researchers are divided on whether this is caused by internal or external conditions or a combination of both. Internal condition theories include hormonal changes, excessive protein in the diet, poor health, inadequate hygiene, and heredity. External condition theories include overuse of hair gels and sprays, blow drying, hot rollers and curling irons, or dry heat and stress.
While there is no known cure for dandruff, they are many natural remedies that can be used to diminish and control the flaking.
Diet
Try increasing your intake of the B complex family of vitamins. This can be done easily with a supplement or by the use of nutritional yeast sprinkled on your food.
Try adding foods that have natural sulfur such as onions, cabbage and eggs.
Add garlic to your diet or use garlic oil or juice as an external rinse for your scalp.
Avoid foods believed to increase dandruff symptoms like chocolate and shellfish.
Herbal Treatments
A small amount of Tea Tree Oil rubbed into the scalp regularly seems to help many sufferers.
Lemon juice used after shampooing as a rinse is also said to be beneficial.
A mixture of ginger and sesame seed oils rubbed on the scalp and left overnight is recommended by many herbalists.
Natural Remedies
After shampooing, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar.
Massage plain yogurt into the scalp and wrap head with a hot, moist towel. Allow to sit for 30 minutes, and then wash hair with a gentle shampoo.
Massage olive oil into the scalp and leave overnight. Wash hair the next morning using a mild shampoo.
Exercise
Many researchers believe that dandruff is caused by a lack of blood circulation to the scalp. Try an exercise routine where the head goes in a downward position such as toe touches. Or you could try standing on your head for a minute or two daily.
Daily Routine
Avoid the use of harsh chemicals on your hair. Use a gentle baby shampoo for washing and stay away from hair gels and sprays. Do use a good moisturizing conditioner.
Allow your hair to air dry instead of using a blow dryer. Limit the use of hot rollers and avoid touching the scalp with curling irons.
Don't scratch. Scratching can lead to abrasions, infection and ultimately hair loss.
If none of these solutions work, your local natural or health food store should carry shampoos and other remedies that may do the trick. Be sure to read all labels to know that you are purchasing the most natural ingredients possible.
Severe dandruff problems may need to be looked at by a dermatologist. They can proscribe prescriptions that can reduce the inflammation and the severity of the condition. If natural remedies do not relieve the dandruff problem, be sure to make an appointment with your dermatologist.
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