Does your scalp itch frequently? And when you finally give in to the urge to scratch it, does it result in a shower of oily, yellowish flakes? Well, if you have answered yes to these questions, it indicates that you are dealing with dandruff. While these flakes might appear tiny, they have a notorious reputation of wreaking havoc on your scalp and hair. Not only do you have to deal with discomfort, but you will also have to tend to scalp soreness. Hair dandruff is a common condition and dealing with it doesn’t have to be a tedious task. People usually search the Internet for home remedies to treat dandruff, and the most popular one is using lemon juice. But does it really treat dandruff? Let’s find out.
Causes of dandruff
One of the major reasons for dandruff is the presence of the microbe Malassezia Globosa on the scalp. Everyone has this microbe present on their scalp, and it’s usually harmless. It breaks down the sebum produced by your scalp and releases a substance called oleic acid. More than 50 per cent of the population is sensitive to oleic acid, and the body reacts to it by directing the scalp to shed skin cells to get rid of the allergen. The rate at which the scalp sheds the skin cells is beyond normal and these oily, yellowish skin flakes are called dandruff. Other causes of dandruff include:
- An oily, greasy scalp
- Certain skin conditions, like psoriasis or eczema
- Dry skin
- Sensitivity to hair care products
Does lemon treat dandruff?
Often, when diagnosed with dandruff, people search the Internet for dandruff home remedies, and lemon juice or lemon is among the popular home remedies that claim to remove dandruff completely. Lemon is rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins, and citric acid, which is a form of vitamin C. This combination of essential nutrients makes lemon an effective remedy for healthy hair. It strengthens your hair follicles and maintains the pH level of your scalp to keep dandruff at bay. As effective as lemon is when you directly apply it to your scalp, it does not directly control the microbe that really causes dandruff. Lemon juice cannot control the growth of Malassezia globosa, which is why it does not really treat dandruff. You’ll need specific anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners that are designed to target dandruff and remove them completely. Such hair products are created using dandruff-fighting ingredients that target the cause of dandruff and get rid of them completely.
Instead of using home remedies like lemon, you can try Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners. These hair products from Head & Shoulders are created using zinc pyrithione, which is an active dandruff-fighting ingredient. It does an incredible job of controlling the oil production of your scalp, reduces itching, controls itching, heals your scalp, and gets rid of flakes as well. It gives you a clean and healthy scalp and prevents scalp damage caused by incessant itching. So, wash your scalp and hair with Head & Shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo and let it sit for a few minutes. Wash it off completely and follow it up with an anti-dandruff conditioner.
Home remedies might give you temporary respite, but they do not get rid of dandruff completely. You need an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner to treat dandruff and its symptoms. In case the condition doesn’t improve, it is advisable to consult with your dermatologist.
