10 WAYS TO COMBAT DANDRUFF DURING THE WINTER

Winter brings along with it an array of hair problems, among which, severe dandruff plagues us the most! Usually, dandruff tends to worsen during winters, as our scalp loses more moisture and becomes more dry and itchy. This can occur due to a combination of factors - dryness, extreme cold, or an abundance of the Malassezia fungus in the scalp. In order to combat dandruff, you should use organic hair care products that contain natural ingredients capable of imparting moisture to the scalp. Apart from this, here are some ways in which you can get rid of dandruff at home.

1. Brush Your Hair
Gently brush your hair at least twice a day, as it stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, thus increasing the secretion of oils that keep hair and scalp healthy. Brushing your hair with a thick-bristled brush transports nutrients to the hair stem, root and bulb, and helps balance the sebaceous glands. Remember, a well-nourished scalp is free of flakes!

2. Drink Plenty Of Water
We end up drinking less water during the winter, which results in dehydration of skin and hair, causing severe dandruff. Apart from causing itching and irritation, it can actively damage your skin, as dandruff flakes often cause acne. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day during winters to eliminate dandruff problems and hair breakage. You can sip on lukewarm water if the weather becomes too cold.

3. Avoid Direct Heat
Excessive heat can result in a flaky scalp. Hairdryers are commonly used in winter, as wet hair can cause headaches and colds. However, direct contact with heat, in the form of straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers, can make scalp dry and brittle. Hence, it is better to dry your hair naturally or with a soft towel instead.

4. Use Cotton Towels
While Turkish towels are comfortable to use, their rough texture is not ideal for hair health. Opt for towels that are made with pure cotton to help prevent frizz. Ideally, once you are done washing your hair, you should dry it gently with a soft cotton t-shirt.

5. Eat Balanced Diet
Incorporate foods that are rich in vitamin B, Zinc, and Omega 3, as they are excellent sources of nutrition for the hair and scalp. You should also include high-fiber fruits, raw salads, eggs, fish, bananas, and spinach in your diet. Food allergies may also cause dandruff - an elimination diet can be used to identify which foods and substances trigger an allergic reaction.

6. Cut Down On Sugar
Excessive quantities of sugar can be detrimental to your skin and hair. High levels of sugar in your bloodstream can worsen flakes, especially during the winter. Thus, you can use natural substitutes like honey and jaggery instead.

7. Oil Your Hair
It is essential to oil your hair at least once a week. While coconut oil is an excellent hydrating agent, you can also use olive oil, almond oil, and castor oil for massaging your scalp. You can heat the oil slightly and apply it to your scalp, post which, you should wash it off with a mild organic shampoo. Opt for an organic hair oil made with completely natural ingredients, minus mineral oils, parabens and artificial fragrances. The bhringraj oil is an effective anti-dandruff hair oil for men and women.

8. Reduce Stress
Stress aggravates dandruff and hair fall, hence, you should try to keep stress at bay with the help of activities that alleviate stress and grant relaxation. You could indulge in yoga, meditation, aerobics, music or dance along with eating healthy and getting sufficient sleep. If you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, it is best to seek therapy and engage yourself in activities that calm you down.

9. Use Natural Remedies
You can mix apple cider vinegar with water in equal measure, and spray it on your hair to get rid of dandruff. Baking soda can also be used as a natural scalp exfoliator, and a mixture of honey and lemon keeps dehydration and itchiness at bay.

Follow these tips to fight your dandruff issues during the winter!