How to reduce hair loss and dandruff?

Dandruff is a condition of the scalp in which the skin on the scalp begins to flake. Itching and scaling can also occur and the flakes can be either dry or greasy. Dandruff occurs when the process of shedding old skin cells takes place faster than normal. Usually as new skin cells grow, the old cells are pushed to the surface of the scalp from where they are shed. In some individuals this process occurs much faster, thereby causing an excessive shedding of dead skin cells. Dandruff can develop due to various reasons such as hormonal fluctuations, poor dietary habits, excessive use of hair cosmetics, infrequent washing of the hair, stress and environmental pollution. A skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis can also result in dandruff, although the flakes are larger and oilier. The conditions that cause dandruff can also cause hair loss. As such it is often seen that individuals affected by dandruff also suffer from hair fall and hair loss.

Proper hair care is important in preventing hair loss and reducing dandruff. The hair must be washed regularly using mild shampoos and conditioners. Chemical treatments and styling techniques that involve heat must be avoided. The diet should be healthy as our nutrition levels are reflected in the condition of the hair and skin. If stress is triggering the dandruff and hair loss, then stress reduction is necessary.

There are also many alternative treatments for dandruff and hair loss. Aromatherapy is known to benefit many individuals suffering from these conditions. Essential oils such as atlas cedarwood, lemon and rosemary may be mixed with jojoba oil and used for greasy dandruff. For dry dandruff, geranium, lavender and sandalwood oil may be mixed with jojoba oil or any other base oil. A home remedy such as application of yogurt and lime juice is helpful in treating dandruff. Hair loss and dandruff may also be treated by adding a few drops of lemon juice to one egg. Apply this to your scalp and hair. Rinsing the hair with vinegar or lemon juice is believed to be effective in reducing dandruff. Dried pieces of Indian gooseberry may be boiled in coconut oil and the solution can be massaged into the scalp. This is very good for restricting hair loss. You can also soak the pieces in water and use the water to wash the hair, for an effective remedy against dandruff. Application of a paste of soaked fenugreek seeds is also beneficial for reducing dandruff.

answered by G M

Dandruff is the bane of a healthy mane. And more than often, sometime or the other, most people have suffered from scalp related issues, beginning with dandruff. But help us at hand, in fact in the very walls of your home. Try some simple and inexpensive treatments that will surely eliminate the problem. Take a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice with two teaspoons of vinegar. This mixed liquid must be thoroughly massaged well into the scalp. However do not keep the scalp wet with the concoction for too long. At the most it should rest for 5 minutes and then the scalp should be quickly rinsed off with water.

Ensure that your diet is well balanced with foods that contain B-complex vitamins especially B12, B6, zinc, biotin, beta carotene and selenium. These are essential hair and follicle builders. These vitamins not only help to sustain a healthy scalp but also help prevent hair loss and fight scalp infection. Cut down on fats and white sugars and concentrate on whole grains, healthy fruits and vegetables that are rich in the above nutrients.

Refrain from itching the irritated scalp as your fingernails can cause damage to the already tender skin. if wounds are formed then it will be difficult to treat the dandruff and there is a chance of advanced infection taking place. Instead give yourself a tender massage with the help of your fingertips. Gently going through your scalp will help stimulate the blood supply to the hair follicles.

answered by R S

Take a handful of fenugreek seeds in a vessel of water and leave it here to soak overnight. The next morning use the liquid from the fenugreek vessel and massage it deep into the scalp. Gently do so for 20 minutes daily. This method must be done for 45 days. Rubbing live oil into the scalp is also an effective method to control dandruff and hair loss.

If fenugreek seeds are unavailable, parboil scented geranium leaves in hot boiling water. The liquid should then be cooled and strained. This liquid must be used to wash the hair. It works as a natural conditioner and also keeps the scalp clean while making the hair bouncy. In the same manner, rosemary leaves too have strong properties of arresting hair fall and controlling dandruff. Blanch rosemary leaves in water and keep the liquid aside. Once cooled this liquid must be strained and stored in a glass container. This concoction should be used to wash the hair.

Any of the following essential oils can be used to massage the scalp and rid it of scaly flakes or loss of hair oil. Grapefruit, Jojoba oil, Lavender, Cedar wood, Bay leaf, Lemon, Rosemary and Roman Chamomile.

answered by C B