Distinguish Two Common Hair Problems: Treatment for Dandruff and Dry Scalp

The treatment for dandruff and dry scalp will often include similar remedies. However, it is important to point out that while dandruff and dry scalp are common hair and skin problems, they are two separate conditions. These issues can easily be confused as one and the same, primarily due to having similar symptoms: flaking and an itching scalp. Let’s differentiate the two.

Determining if you have dandruff or dry scalp

Dandruff occurs when there is excessive oil production that gets trapped in the scalp. This overproduction of oil can worsen over time and eventually lead to yeast and fungal infections. The abundance of oil allows the yeast to feed on dead skin cells, which then blocks the pores and the roots of the hair, causing flaking.

Dry scalp, on the other hand, is caused by the lack of moisture in the skin. This can be due to a number of reasons, which can include powerful cleaning products like strong soaps and detergents, colder temperatures, and poor dietary habits. The symptoms of dry scalp include itching and flaking.

As mentioned earlier, both conditions have similar symptoms, but the prominence of white or grey-colored flakes is more apparent in dandruff. The flakes involved in dry scalp are often smaller and easier to remove.

Dry scalp and dandruff remedies

There are home remedies for both scalp conditions, but the easiest way to prevent and address dry scalp or dandruff is through the use of a natural or herbal anti-dandruff shampoo like Moringa-O²’s 2-in-1 Herbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil. The shampoo and conditioner soothes scalp irritation, normalizes the production of sebum, and reduces itching and flaking.

If the problem persists, even with regular use of anti-dandruff shampoos, then you can try these other treatment options.

For dry scalp, you can try an apple cider vinegar rinse, which helps restore the pH balance in your scalp and wash away the excess build up from hair products. Massaging your scalp with natural extracts and essential oils – such as extra virgin oil, tea tree oil, or coconut oil, among others – can keep your scalp moisturized, effectively combating dry scalp. Here’s how natural remedies help cure dry scalp:

• Tea tree shampoo is effective for dryness and itchiness in the scalp. Oftentimes, dryness is due to a fungal infection, which tea tree oil addresses as a potent antifungal agent. It unclogs blocked hair follicles and regulates sebum production. Combine tea tree oil with your shampoo and wash your hair twice a week to maximize the benefits.
• Apple cider vinegar rinse works as an astringent that cleanses the scalp of bacteria and keeps the oil glands functioning at a normal pace. This provides relief to a dry scalp as it balances the pH levels. Dilute two to three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water to make an effective rinse, as it can be too harsh for sensitive skin. Including honey in the mixture can add to its soothing effects. Use a cotton ball soaked in the rinse to apply the mixture unto your scalp and let it sit for around 15 minutes. Wash it accordingly with cool water. At most, use this remedy twice a week
•  Lemon juice is a gentler form of astringent that can also regulate the pH balance in your scalp, so it can also be used as a remedy against fungal infections. All you’ll need is half a lemon. Use a slice of lemon as a massager and scrub it against your scalp for five to ten minutes before washing it and applying conditioner. This remedy is recommended twice a week.

For dandruff, you can try these easy-to-prepare dandruff remedies:

• Tea tree oil provides antimicrobial properties, such as terpinen-4-ol, which fights dandruff by preventing fungi and bacteria from growing in the scalp. Add a few drops of tea tree oil in your shampoo to treat dandruff.
•  Aloe vera gel provides healing properties, which include amino acids and antioxidants that improve the retention of moisture in the scalp, effectively contributing to the reduction of symptoms, such as flaking and itchiness. Gently massage the aloe vera gel directly on your head and scalp to treat inflammation and itchiness due to dandruff.
•  Baking soda provides antifungal properties, and as an exfoliant, it helps reduce dandruff by fighting fungus or bacteria and removing the excess dead skin cells and oil in the scalp. However, using baking soda can be damaging to the hair due to its high pH level, so it must be used in moderation.

Oftentimes, an organic shampoo for dandruff will do the trick, unless the condition is quite severe. Both dry scalp and dandruff can become a chronic problem when left ignored. So, here are more ways to address the two irritating scalp conditions.

More alternatives to prevent dry scalp

1. Massage your scalp twice a day, once in the morning and once again at night after you shower. This is a preventative action that can also serve as a simple yet effective treatment for dry scalp. Rub your fingers in a circular motion as you apply natural oils and extracts on your scalp. Scalp massages enable the stimulation and production of natural oils in the scalp, which helps with the blood flow and distribution of nutrients to the hair follicles.
2. Scalp treatments can address dryness and itchiness in the hair and scalp through conditioning masks that have natural ingredients for every hair type. It is recommended that a scalp treatment last for around 20 minutes to allow the nutrients to penetrate the scalp. Rinse with cool water for best results.
3. Changes in dietary habits can be necessary in addressing dry scalp and dandruff, especially when you’re not getting the right nutrients to keep your hair and skin healthy. Sticking to a well-balanced diet that includes: Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin A can help ensure that your body is receiving enough key nutrients for healthy skin and hair. A high-sugar diet, for example, can only worsen any skin condition.
4. Staying hydrated is crucial in ensuring that your skin is healthy, and when it comes to dry scalp, living in a tropical country makes hydration essential. Avoid dehydration as it leads to dryness in the scalp, especially when you spend extended periods under the sun. Dryness in the scalp can lead to itchiness, irritation, and flaking. The standard eight to ten glasses of water no longer applies, as it is recommended to keep the body cool and hydrated as much as possible.
5.  Essential oils and natural extracts, like coconut oil, tea tree oil, and argan oil, offer awesome moisturizing properties in restoring the moisture in the hair, which treats the dryness in the scalp. With antibacterial and antifungal properties, using essential oils and natural extracts alongside your hair care products can improve the circulation of blood to the follicles of the hair and promote the supply of key nutrients and minerals. These oils can serve as a protective film, sealing the moisture in the hair, which keeps it strong and healthy. You can opt for warm coconut oil and apply it directly to your hair like a leave-on, or massage it into your hair and let it sit for a couple of hours prior to shampooing and washing.

These are just a few of the easier ways to protect and treat your hair from dry scalp and dandruff if any anti-dandruff hair product fails you.

Dealing with dandruff

If you have long hair, it is important to use conditioner every time you wash it. It is also necessary to brush it regularly with soft tips and wide bristles. Clean your brush as well, so that you’re not transferring any bacteria back into your scalp.

If you’re too busy to even deal with such problems like dandruff, it’s best to maintain a working schedule that allows you to clean and take good care of your body. Wash your hair at least five times in a week if you have straight hair, and at least thrice a week if you have wavy hair. If your hair is curly, it is recommended to wash it twice to thrice a week, while frizzy hair will warrant washing at least once a week. However, depending on how often you’re out and about, it’ll be good practice to wash your hair accordingly and always rinse well.

Experiencing the early symptoms of dandruff will warrant more frequent washing and brushing to keep the hair strong and healthy. As mentioned earlier, using the various home remedies for dandruff can reduce the risk of dandruff and keep the condition under control. This can last days, weeks, or months, depending on the severity of your dandruff.

Hair fall and breakage is a whole other issue that can occur due to clogged hair follicles, which is another risk complication of a dirty scalp.

Harness the power of nature’s extracts and essential oils in a herbal anti-dandruff shampoo

Moringa-O² provides an “oil-in-one” solution to dry, irritated scalp and dandruff through the 2-in-1 Herbal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil. Enjoy all the benefits of moringa, sunflower oil, olive oil, argan oil, and rosebay extracts in a daily hair care product that soothes the irritation, normalizes the production of sebum, and reduces the itching and flaking in your scalp. Strengthen and protect your hair with a daily hair care routine that is both affordable and hassle-free. Why keep scratching your head all day when you have nature’s scalp-healing powers in a bottle?

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