What is the best way to treat dandriff?

Question

i know of the shampoos, but is there some type of one-time treatment to moisterize my head? Any lotions or gels or something i could put in there? Would body lotion work as long as i wash it out of my hair in an hourish type thing or is that really bad for my hair? What are some remedies you've done/heard of working?

Answer 1

What kind of dandruff you have will determine the way in which it needs to be treated and this is really not something you can always tell by looking at it yourself, it may just be a dry scalp, could be an allergy, or could be fungal.

The following is a good guide to dandruff;
http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/articles/dandruff.html

I'll also say here that the below methods normally work a treat but dandruff is a symptom so if these normal methods of home treatment don't work I'd advise you talk to your doctor or a specialist.

The primary advice I give is something that works on most dandruff cases;
STOP USING SHAMPOO!

As well as being bad for your hair many shampoos contain ingredients that are skin irritants and so can cause dandruff – this includes dandruff shampoos, difference with these is that there are active ingredients to counter-act the dandruff, once you stop using the dandruff shampoo the dandruff often comes back.

Sodium Laurel Sulphate is one of the most common causes of dandruff and also one of the most common ingredients in shampoos, even more natural shampoos, as this is a foaming agent. There may be other ingredients you are sensitive to, pay attention to the ingredients in the products you use and compare them to the EWG Skin Deep Report - http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep

More information on toiletries ingredients;

http://www.gina.antczak.btinternet.co.uk
http://www.safecosmetics.org
http://www.nottoopretty.com
http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca

You can choose to use shampoos without sodium laurel sulphate which will reduce your dandruff significantly, although it can be hard to find shampoos that do not contain this ingredient. I personally found, as with many other people, my dandruff immediately cleared up once I switched to shampoos that did not contain this ingredient. I use Faith In Nature, but if you are in the US I'd personally you try Aubrey Organics if you want to continue using shampoo.

Going 'no-poo' will not only solve the dandruff problem but also result in healthier hair that is easier to manage, cleaner, and will not need washing as much, additional benefits are that going 'no-poo' is cheap and ethical.

The common method of going 'no-poo' is to use baking soda with water to wash the hair and then apple cider vinegar to rinse, it's that simple. You can also use a little olive oil to the ends of your hair before washing to condition, although conditioners are unnecessary as no-poo doesn't dry out hair like shampooing does.

If you have curly hair then the 'curly girl' method is preferred, this is a method in which rather than shampoo or the conventional 'no-poo' method you use nothing but conditioner on your hair – as curly hair needs more moister this work better, this method enhances the curls.

More information on No-Poo methods;

http://babyslime.livejournal.com/174054.html
http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/go/index.php/389/why-you-should-go-no-poo
http://motowngirl.com/no_shampoo.php

If your scalp is dry then it is best not to use body lotion purely because it will mess up your hair, it will become knotty and just generally not feel too nice no matter how much you try to wash it out. Instead use olive oil on the scalp massaging in to stimulate circulation and work into the scalp, you may also want to add a little cornmeal or sugar as an exfoliate too, leave it in for 30 minutes and then use an apple cider vinegar [ACV] rinse of one part ACV to 4 parts water. The vinegar smell will go as your hair dries and it is good for added shine.

I'd also suggest a good hair oil, Lush stores do a good bar 'Snake Oil Scalp Massage Bar' - http://www.lush.com.ph/hair_care08.htm - which is full of nice hair/scalp oils, you just massage into your head to help keep your scalp and hair healthy, another idea is just to use a little rosemary oil on your scalp before washing your hair – this will not only deal with the dry scalp but stimulate healthy hair growth and adds to shine, particularly with dark hair colours.

If it is dandruff that is itchy, or has a grey or yellow tinge to it then you're more than likely looking at something fungal.
For something like this use a little tea tree oil neat onto your scalp, this is a natural anti-bacterial agent which also helps to heal skin so will help ease off irritation of your scalp – another advantage is that it is tingly, so makes your hair feel really clean. An ACV rinse will help here too. If the tea tree does not work then I would highly suggest going to your doctor if it is fungal.

Answer 2

I used Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo (which you shouldn't use every day, but at least weekly) followed by a heavy conditioner. Any brand of heavy conditioner worked for me. Be sure to massage it into your scalp, just like shampoo.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Quite frankly try any type of shampoo and also use oil in your hair. As for myself I use head and shoulders and because they have such an extensive line I might suggest you try them out as well. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Not really, but i do have to emphasize that Nizoral DOES work.

Answer 5

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