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Taking good care of yourself is the essential thing in life; if you are all work and no play and leaving no time for yourself and your needs, who else is going to pick up the pieces.

Start by giving yourself a little TLC and share the household chores if you can.

Grab yourself a coffee and sit down for a little R and R (Rest and Relaxation). It will be worth it; you may even find the answers, leaving you supercharged and ready to fight another day.

What Causes Dandruff and Itchy Scalps?

The pain of a sore head can be unbearable when you have a sensitive scalp. A dry, itchy scalp can make you feel less than human, but what causes it, and how can you deal with it effectively?

Finding the right approach can save you many a sleepless night and reduce the constant nightmare of bad hair days, that only impacts your self-esteem.

Some people think that dandruff and itchy dry scalp are a result of poor hair hygiene or not washing the shampoo out of your hair correctly.

But whose right in this grand debate?

Many people do not understand what causes dandruff or dry, itchy scalp conditions, and it’s not anything you may have done or how often you wash your hair.

Dandruff may be started by many small triggers such as dry skin or a mild allergy to hair products. If left untreated, this can progressively get worse, resulting in white flakes of skin in your hair and an inflamed scalp.

Some cases of dandruff are caused by a genetic predisposition, with other conditions being the catalyst like contact dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and eczema. These can all lead to a case of dandruff or a dry, itchy scalp.

What Are The Signs of Dandruff?

Only a dry itch scalp may not just be the cause of your dandruff. It could be caused by an oily scalp or Malassezia yeast, yield a dandruff breeding ground.

Contact Dermatitis

The condition is usually a reaction to something irritating the skin that may cause it to itch, burn, sting, and in some cases, swelling. This may result in the scalp becoming itchy and dry, with flaky peeling skin on your scalp. If you are experiencing this, you may be having an allergic reaction to a hair product you are currently using.

Eczema

This condition can cover several skin conditions, although the most common form is atopic dermatitis, which causes a red dry, itchy scalp, with patchy skin flaking.

Scalp Psoriasis

Another condition that creates dandruff-like issues but may also look a little different in appearance. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that results in thick, scaly, silvery patches of flaking skin. On the scalp, this may result in itchy, dry, bleeding, and sore skin.

Let’s Go Skin Deep

Before you start running to buy a whole host of products to treat your condition, you should first think about seeing your doctor or a dermatologist for an accurate picture of the condition that is causing dandruff and dry, itchy scalp. Finding the root of the situation will help you in the long term, reach the right solutions, without wasting money on products that may only add to your distress. 

Advice from many leading dermatologists states that the most effective way to treat most dandruff cases is by using over the counter shampoos. However, you may also consider using a hypoallergenic type of shampoo. You should ideally shampoo your hair daily, and use an anti-dandruff shampoo at least twice a week. If you have non-oily hair, you may only have to use the anti-dandruff shampoo once a week.

You may also need to reduce your consumption of hair products until you’ve tamed the effects of dandruff.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

So, you may be wondering what hypoallergenic means. You may have spotted this word on things like a duvet, pillows, skin products, make up the list is endless. 

What is this all about?

Hypoallergenic, in a nutshell, means that the product maker claims that it will cause fewer allergic reactions than other items that do not carry this label.

So, who should use hypoallergenic shampoo?

Anyone with either a skin allergy or sensitive skin that may be prone to skin infections or any adverse reaction to fragrances, chemicals, or any substance that can throw you off track – this may even be useful for your dog, too!

A lot of the shampoos on the market contain additional chemicals and ingredients that can give rise to skin reactions resulting in a whole host of issues. Using a hypoallergenic shampoo and products may be like giving yourself a gentle cuddle of kindness.

Being kind to your head, scalp, hair, and hair growth can help to make sure you keep your happiness levels up and the pain of allergies at bay.

Be Kind and Gentle

First of all, be kind to yourself and look after your hair. All you need is a little bit of time and a scoop of self-love. 

Reduce your levels of stress; this is linked in recent studies to atopic dermatitis conditions. Take a gentle stroll, read a good book, find a hobby that will take your mind of any sources of stress or anxiety.

You could also consider making a few dietary changes, as food can sometimes be an underlying factor in making dandruff and itchy scalp conditions a lot worse.

Here are a few other tips and tricks that you may like to look at that may help you tackle dandruff and any other dry scalp issue’s head-on:

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It contains potent antimicrobials that, when used to treat dandruff, suppress the growth of fungi and bacteria on the scalp to treat dandruff effectively. Never use this directly on your skin.

Aloe Vera Gel

A plant well known for its superior healing properties, the gel contains numerous bioactive compounds, which include antioxidants, amino acids, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.

Aloe Vera gel can treat cases of dandruff effectively, as the gel helps to improve moisture retention in the skin, promoting healing to the damaged skin. It also supports the healing process by reducing inflammation caused by the symptoms of dandruff.

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass oil is usually used to treat digestive issues, help with reducing blood pressure and stress. However, it also contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can also help reduce the symptoms of dandruff.

Like Tea tree oil, you should dilute the lemongrass oil with water or mix a few drops into your regular shampoo. Never put this directly on your skin, as this may only add to your discomfort.

Aspirin

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is an active ingredient in many dandruff shampoos. 

Crushing one or two uncoated aspirin tablets and mixing this into a regular shampoo, can treat your dandruff and scalp issues.

Baking Soda

Baking soda may be another little trick that may help. As an excellent exfoliant, baking soda can help remove excess skin cells and oil from your scalp. It also contains antifungal properties that can help fight off any fungus causing dandruff. Only use this in moderation and not as a regular option as it can strip away natural oils in the hair, causing additional problems.

So, now armed with this, you may find your way to a healthy happy head of hair and a whole new You! 

Be kind to yourself, live the natural nature’s way.

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Kori

Digital Product Creator at Kori at Home
Kori is a late diagnosed autistic/ADHD mom. She is currently located in Albany, NY where she is raising a neurodiverse family. Her older daughter is non-speaking autistic (and also has ADHD and Anxiety) and her youngest daughter is HSP/Gifted. A blogger, podcaster, writer, product creator, and coach; Kori shares autism family life- the highs, lows, messy, and real. Kori brings her own life experiences as an autistic woman combined with her adventures in momming to bring you the day-to-day of her life at home. Kori is on a mission to empower moms of autistic children to make informed parenting decisions with confidence and conviction.

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