Alternatives to dandruff treatment

Dandruff affects lots of adults – almost one in two people are believed to have dandruff at some point in their lives. It is a totally benign condition, but can be unsightly, which is why it can seriously affect quality of life on a day-to-day basis. There are different ways of getting rid of dandruff, including treatments and natural remedies.

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Summary

Dandruff: what should I do?

Dandruff is the term given to the small dry or oily scales (fragments of dead cells) sometimes found in hair, beards and eyebrows. It is caused by an acceleration in cell renewal due to numerous factors.

Dandruff causes anxiety in some, raises questions in others, but what can we actually do about it?
Above all, do not hesitate to ask questions and to seek the advice of your pharmacist or doctor. Dandruff is a phenomenon well-known to health professionals, they can tell you what to do if you have dandruff.

If you have dandruff, you should begin by treating it with a shampoo formulated for the type of dandruff, which will act on all its causes, and alternate use of this shampoo with a mild shampoo. You will find lots of hair treatments in pharmacies that have proven to be effective in fighting dandruff.

Who is affected by dandruff?

Dandruff affects teenagers and adults. It is a condition that is more common in men, although there are no official figures. Unfortunately, all hair types can develop dandruff.
Certain types of scalp (dry scalp, coily hair) are more likely to develop dry dandruff.
Conversely, an oily scalp is more likely to develop oily dandruff under the influence of certain factors.

The search for natural remedies

As a society, we are increasingly interested in finding natural solutions. Today's consumers want to use natural and environmentally-friendly products on their skin and hair.
It is possible to eliminate dandruff naturally, and to use alternatives to treatments, but these more natural remedies should not detract from the recommendations of your doctor or pharmacist. Do not hesitate to share your concerns with them so they can help you find a more appropriate solution in line with your beliefs and wishes.

Home remedies

There are many natural solutions, many of which are inspired by home remedies. Although these ingredients are now commonly used, their effectiveness is not always scientifically proven.

  • Baking soda is often cited for its ability to eliminate impurities when mixed with shampoo, but the effect may well be temporary as baking soda will not act on the other causes of dandruff.
  • Green clay is used as a mask to fight dandruff on account of its sebum-regulating properties. It can therefore be useful for managing oily dandruff, but cannot be used as a daily dandruff treatment because it is particularly time-consuming, and must be rinsed for a long time to eliminate all excess product.
  • Cider vinegar is also commonly mentioned on the internet; its acidity is supposed to balance the pH of the scalp and restore the balance of surface microbiota. This action will not last long, since the pH can be changed only temporarily.

All sorts of natural ingredients are recommended on websites and blogs available to all.
There is no reason you should not try alternative solutions, but beware of revolutionary promises and remember: natural does not necessarily mean safe. That is why you should always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Plants for hair

Plants are well-known for their beneficial effects. In fact, many ingredients of plant origin are used in the treatment shampoos available in pharmacies. It is also possible to use essential oils to fight dandruff. These are ultra-concentrated extracts of aromatic plants, some of which have interesting and beneficial properties for people with dry or oily dandruff.

Beware, however, because aromatherapy is a science in its own right, and you must consult a naturopath or a pharmacist with expert knowledge of the field before using an essential oil. Not all essential oils are beneficial, some can even have a counter-productive effect by irritating the scalp for example.

Points to remember

What should you do if you have dandruff?
There are numerous solutions! And there is something for everyone, whether you prefer traditional treatments, more natural remedies, or even plant-based care. But for them to be effective, you must respect the treatment application recommendations and conditions.

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