Dandruff is a condition that causes the scalp to flake due to an excess of dead cells on the scalp. Although it is not a serious or contagious ailment, it is visible, which sometimes makes people feel insecure about their physical appearance.
Ayurveda describes this condition as ‘Darunak’ caused by to imbalance of Tridoshas. The imbalance in Doshas results in toxin (Ama) building up on the scalp, which contaminates the scalp by accumulating in its deeper tissues. Your body, in its natural process of healing, sheds off the contaminated epidermal cells in larger amounts than in normal conditions, causing itchy and scaly scalp conditions, i.e., Dandruff.
Apparently, the main cause of dandruff is MalasseziaGlobosa - a fungus that lives on the scalp, feeds on the sebum and produces oleic acid in the hair. When there is an excess of sebum, the oleic acid penetrates the top layer of skin on the scalp and creates a rapid shedding of epidermal cells, causing dandruff.
4 Things to Know About Dandruff
Dandruff is Simply Your Skin Cells Flaking Off
We all shed skin (and scalp cells) all the time. More than 30,000 per minute!!! Dandruff is caused when the rate of skin being shed increases way beyond this - and it starts to show as flakes. Keeping your scalp washed and applying anti-dandruff hair shampoo is absolutely important in dandruff management.
Microbes Cause Dandruff
Naturally occurring yeast (called Malassezia) causes excess production of skin cells, that start flaking off. And that's dandruff. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo with proven anti-microbial activity. Tea tree and rosemary oils are good natural options to reduce flaking.
Oily Scalp Causes Dandruff
It's thought that dry scalp flakes off as dandruff. At the same time, an oily scalp can also feed microbes that in turn play up the dandruff you see. Wash hair often with a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo to avoid excess oiliness. Balance out the hydration on the scalp with a good scalp conditioner or serum.
Diet Matters Too!
A diet that lacks nutrients like Zinc, B-complex vitamins or omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of dandruff. You must add Omega 3 fatty acids such as olive oil, soybean, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds that not only manage the oil production but also provide hydration to your hair. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and veggies, and substituting lean meat for red meat will help control the microbial ecosystem on your scalp.
Scalp Care Tips
- Use the right shampoo that suits your hair. Use it twice a week.
- Keep your scalp clean and protect it from dust and pollutants with a scarf.
- Brush your hair often with a wooden comb.
- Make sure to destress with the right diet, sleep and rest.
- Oil your hair twice a week with herbal anti-dandruff oil.
- Don't overuse chemicals and styling products on your hair.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Dandruff
Bhringaraj - promotes strong, lustrous, healthy hair and prevents premature greying. Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties reduce dandruff and eliminate skin irritations on the scalp whilst also improving the scalp’s blood circulation.
Shikakai -Applying Shikakai regularly helps remove excess oil from the scalp due to its ability to cleanse without irritating the scalp.
Neem - Ancient Ayurvedic texts describe Neem as a universal healer or a cure for all diseases and ailments. Its antifungal properties make it a dandruff reliever as it helps reduce inflammation, irritation and itchiness on the scalp.
Tea Tree - Oil extracted from the Tea Tree has antimicrobial properties that help reduce the severity and symptoms of dandruff. It also effectively fights the strains of fungus that cause dermatitis and flaky scalp.
moha: Anti-dandruff Oil, a light, non-sticky quality product from Charak Pharma, is a perfect blend of 7-Ayurvedic Oils to fight Dandruff & promote Hair Growth. It effectively removes the dandruff, cleans your scalp and relieves itchiness. It is the best anti-hair-fall oil which promotes hair growth, giving it shine and strength and nourishes the scalp.