If you’re itching your scalp like a kid with lice or your dandruff is constantly all over your clothes, it’s time for a 911 fix up. Having a scalp that is red and irritated can make our long locks become dry, brittle and coarse (1).
Deep conditioning and hot oil treatments are some of the most intensive ones and can tackle hair that has been damaged from coloring, harsh chemicals, chlorine, or the wrong hair regimen (1).
Harsh shampoos can dry out the hair and lead to flaking. Washing your hair everyday is unnecessary. Many salons have different deep conditioning treatments or ask what brand they recommend and use it at home twice a week. Massage it in with your fingertips in order to stimulate the scalp under warm water. Make sure you can thoroughly remove it or your hair will turn out greasy and not shiny.
Your diet and lifestyle are essential to your health and your hair and scalp are no exception. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a lot of water goes a long way. It’s best to cut sugar, candy, foods with a high sodium content, spicy foods, and especially alcohol which leads to flakiness. Swap them for vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. The right vitamins also go a long way; B6 and B12 are essential as are supplements like flax-seed oil, zinc, and selenium (1).
If you feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working it may be time to try a proper medical treatment. You can buy dandruff shampoos over the counter with active ingredients like zinc pyrithione that clear up dry skin (2). Use them weekly and rotate between them and shampoo. Make sure you use them at least once or twice a week, and alternate with a moisturizing shampoo (1).
Additionally, here are some studies solutions from credible institutions (1):
– Drink plenty of water, it’s been recommended to drink 6 – 8 glasses per day
– Eat a diet high anti-oxidant with vitamins A, C, E and B-complex
– Avoid refined foods such as white bread, sugars and pasta
– Exercise frequently
