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What is dandruff and what are its causes?
Dandruff is a very common problem, caused by the shedding of scales
of dead skin from the scalp. This in turn is caused by the sebaceous
glands in the scalp. Individuals with greasy skin or acne, with
over-active glands, are particularly prone to dandruff. The
condition, like alopecia, is often linked to emotional upsets,
hormonal imbalances, poor eating habits, and excessive use of, or an
allergic reaction to, chemicals on the hair.
Tips to eliminate it
1. Shampoos that are too strong can cause dandruff, so if you
are prone, choose the mildest 'frequent wash' varieties, and rinse
them off very well.
2. Drying hair with a hot hair dryer can also cause the
problem. When possible, leave the hair to dry naturally or use lower
heat.
3. Your diet may be poor. There may be an excess in the
following: carbohydrates; excess sugar, alcohol, citrus, salt, fried
foods. There may also/either be a deficiency in the following: green
vegetables, vitamins and minerals. So make sure you rebalance your
diet. Your overall well-being will also benefit.
4. Make very strong herb tea of fresh or dried thyme or
rosemary and infuse for 10 minutes. Rub the strained cooled tea on
the scalp. Do this between shampoos. You could also add the juice of
quarter of a lemon to the teas; lemon is astringent, and can help
with the excessive sebum associated with dandruff.
5. If the problem is excessive dryness of the scalp and hair,
massage the scalp with coconut oil. Cover with a hot towel for 20
minutes then wash off.
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