DOING IT NATURAL

Category: Natural Remedies

  • Dandruff: Causes and Home Remedies

    Dandruff: Causes and Home Remedies

    Dandruff in Natural Hair: Causes and 8 Natural Remedies

     

    Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterised by white or grey flakes of dead skin and itching. You may notice the flakes on your shoulders, clothes or in your hair. Although dandruff is not contagious, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

    If you have natural hair, dandruff can make your scalp uncomfortable and your hair-care routine frustrating. Understanding the causes of dandruff and exploring different scalp-care approaches can help you find what works best for you.

    Causes of Dandruff

    • Malassezia: Malassezia is a yeast that naturally lives on the scalp. In some people, it contributes to dandruff by triggering irritation and the shedding of skin cells.
    • Dry skin: A dry scalp can cause flakes and itching. However, dry scalp and dandruff are not exactly the same condition.
    • Oily scalp: Excess oil can contribute to dandruff because Malassezia feeds on oils found on the scalp. This can lead to irritation and increased flaking.
    • Shampooing habits: Shampooing too infrequently may allow oil and dead skin to accumulate, while washing too often with harsh products may dry or irritate the scalp.
    • Unhealthy diet: Diet is not usually a direct cause of dandruff, but eating a balanced diet supports overall skin health.
    • Stress: Stress may trigger or worsen dandruff in some people.
    • Sensitivity to hair products: Certain shampoos, conditioners, fragrances and styling products can irritate the scalp and cause itching or flaking.

    8 Natural Remedies for Dandruff

    Natural ingredients are popular in hair-care routines, and some people use them to manage scalp discomfort and flakes. Results can vary, and not every home remedy has been proven to treat dandruff. Here are eight remedies commonly used in natural hair care.

    1. Lemon

    Lemon juice is a popular home remedy for dandruff. Its acidic properties are often cited as a reason for using it on the scalp. Some people apply freshly squeezed lemon juice to their scalp before washing their hair.

    2. Aloe Vera

    Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties and is commonly used to relieve scalp discomfort. It also contains compounds with antimicrobial activity, making it a popular ingredient in natural scalp-care routines.

    3. Pre-pooing

    Pre-pooing involves applying oil to your hair before shampooing. Coconut oil, castor oil and olive oil are popular choices. This step can help condition your hair, reduce dryness and make wash day easier.

    4. Salicylic Acid (Aspirin)

    Salicylic acid is used in some anti-dandruff products to help loosen and remove flakes. Aspirin is sometimes suggested as a homemade alternative, although it is not the same as a formulated salicylic acid treatment.

    5. Baking Soda

    Baking soda is another ingredient people use in homemade hair-cleansing routines. Some apply it as an alternative to shampoo in an attempt to remove flakes and buildup.

    6. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

    Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural hair-care ingredient. Some people use a diluted ACV rinse after shampooing as part of their scalp-care routine.

    7. Ginger and Honey

    Ginger and honey are used together in some homemade scalp treatments. Honey has been studied for its antimicrobial properties, while ginger is valued in traditional home remedies.

    To prepare the mixture, blend some ginger and mix it with honey. Apply the mixture to your scalp, leave it for about 30 minutes if comfortable, then rinse thoroughly.

    8. Coconut Oil and Castor Oil

    Coconut oil and castor oil are popular ingredients for moisturising and conditioning natural hair. To prepare this mixture, combine one spoonful of coconut oil with one spoonful of castor oil. Warm gently, apply to your hair, cover with a shower cap and wash out after about 30 minutes.

    A little reminder: Everyone’s scalp is different. Use home remedies with care, avoid applying irritating ingredients to broken skin, and stop using any remedy that causes burning, redness or increased itching. Some remedies may help with hair conditioning without necessarily treating the underlying cause of dandruff.

    Other Scalp Conditions Similar to Dandruff

    If you have tried different remedies and your flakes do not improve, another scalp condition could be responsible.

    1. Dry Scalp

    A dry scalp occurs when the skin loses moisture or becomes irritated. This may happen after using harsh shampoos, washing too frequently or using products that dry out the skin. Heat and chemical treatments can also contribute to scalp dryness or irritation.

    Dry scalp and dandruff can look similar, but they may need different approaches. A gentle shampoo and avoiding irritating products may help.

    2. Product Buildup

    Product buildup occurs when oils, gels, creams and other styling products accumulate on the hair and scalp. It can make the hair feel coated or heavy, and the residue may resemble flakes.

    Washing your scalp regularly with an appropriate shampoo can help remove buildup. You do not have to stop using all your favourite natural hair products; finding a suitable balance is important.

    3. Psoriasis

    Scalp psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause thick, raised patches covered with silvery scales. The patches may extend beyond the hairline and can be itchy or uncomfortable.

    Psoriasis is different from ordinary dandruff and may require specific treatment. If you suspect psoriasis, speak to a healthcare professional.

    When Should You Seek Help?

    If your scalp is very itchy, painful, swollen or crusted, you notice hair loss, or the flaking does not improve with appropriate treatment, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional. They can help identify the cause and recommend suitable treatment.

    Final Thoughts

    Dandruff can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to maintain healthy natural hair. Understanding the possible causes and choosing suitable scalp-care products can help you manage flakes and discomfort.

    Natural ingredients can have a place in your hair-care routine, but remember that a remedy that works for one person may not work for another. Pay attention to how your scalp responds and seek advice if symptoms persist.

    Do you know of any other home or natural remedies for dandruff? Have you tried any of the remedies mentioned above? Please share your experience in the comments below.

    Thanks for reading

     

  • 500+ Followers

    Hey guys, I recently hit 500 follows on my blog and I’m so excited about it. I started this blog in March, 2017 and it has been an amazing journey with you all.

    I deeply appreciate all your likes, comments, reblog, awards nominations and many more. I never thought I was going to get 50 followers let alone 500+. I appreciate all the love so far.

    To all my readers from 100+ countries especially the top four countries (United States of America, Nigeria, India and United Kingdom), I say a very big thank you.

    I have moved to a self hosted site, www.doingitnaturalblog.com, I will be very grateful if you can also follow me on my new blog. Thanks for the love.

  • L.O.C Method of Moisturizing Natural Hair

    “Ouch!!!” Do you always say that whenever you comb your hair? Do you experience serious pain when your hair is left out for more than two days? You might be missing out on the important benefits of LOC method.

    Moisturizing is an integral part of natural hair care. Natural hair especially 4c hair type can’t survive without adequate moisture. 

    LOC simply stands for liquid, oil and cream. It is a common terminology in natural hair community. LOC is a process that keeps our hair moisturized a bit longer than usual, about 2 to 3 days.

    LOC products

    1. Liquid: The liquid can be a leave in conditioner preferably a water based leave in or just water. Water is the best moisturizer for natural hair.
    2. Oil: The oil seal in the moisture from the first step. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, castor oil etc are examples of oils that can be used.
    3. Cream: For cream or butter, you can use shea or mango butter or any natural hair friendly curl or twist defining cream.

    How to moisturize using LOC method

    • Put your hair in 6 or 8 sections.
    • Spritz the section you are working on with water or water based leave in conditioner.
    • Apply a thin layer of oil from roots to ends making sure your ends (the weakest part) isn’t neglected to prevent tangles, knots and breakage.
    • Apply the cream next from roots to ends to give the hair more definition and more sealing.

    Benefits of LOC method

    •  It makes hair softer and manageable.
    • It prevent tangles and knots.
    • It prevent split ends 
    • Reduce pain while styling.
    • Minimize breakage 
    • Prevents excessive dryness.
    • Minimize frizz.
    • Keep the hair shiny.
    • Helps with hair growth.

      If the LOC method doesn’t work for you, you can also try LCO (liquid, cream and oil) method, it is also very effective. Also, LOC method works best for people with low porosity hair and LCO for those with high porosity hair.

      What method do you use in moisturizing your hair, LOC or LCO? What products do you use for LOC method? Please share your thoughts in the comment section. Thanks so much for reading.

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    • Health Benefits of Honey

      Honey has been around since ancient time. It is widely used as natural remedy for certain skin and health issues and also as sugar substitute in meals. It has a sweet taste and is a lot healthier than sugar. 

      When purchasing honey, it is better to go for raw honey because it contains more nutrients and antioxidants than processed or refined honey. Honey shouldn’t be given to children under 1 year because of risk of botulism.

      • Anticancer: Honey contains antioxidants which help combat carcinogenic cells.
      • Antibacterial and Antifungal: Some research studies have proved honey to be effective in treating infectious diseases because of the defensin 1 protein it contains, this also enable honey combat antibiotic resistant infections

      • Regulate blood sugar level: Though honey is sweet and contain natural sugar, it is safer in regulating blood sugar level than sugar, it doesn’t cause an insulin spike but should be used sparingly.
      • Relieves cough and sore throat: Honey has been proven to be effective in relieving cough and soothing sore throat, it is preferred to OTCs (Over The Counter) medications such as antihistamines which can cause drowsiness and other side effects.Make a mix of honey and lemon for natural cough remedy.
      • Wound management: Honey is used in some health care facility for dressing wound, this is because it prevent and fight infection and also aid wound healing.
      • Boosts energy: If you are feeling fatigued, instead of reaching for energy drinks that contain harmful ingredients, opt for honey instead, it will replenish your energy.
      • Promotes sleep: Suffering from insomnia? Put an end to the sleepnessless by adding honey to your tea or water or just take a tablespoonful of honey before bedtime. Honey contains tryptophan which is later converted to serotonin, serotonin is then converted to melatonin, an hormone that promotes sleep.
      • Burns management: Honey’s antibacterial properties, hygroscopic effect and hydrogen peroxide content makes it effective for burns management.
      • Brain health: The antioxidants in honey enhance cognitive function, boosts memory etc.
      • Improves immune system: Honey contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that can boost immune system and make you less susceptible to infections.
      • Prevent heart diseases: Honey lowers triglycerides level, prevents heart attack and can improve blood circulation.

        Do you take honey? Do you know other health benefits of honey? Please share your experience with honey in the comment box. Thanks so much for reading.

        Sources