As natural hair beauties, we have a lot to worry about. On the long list of things, we must think about, dandruff is the last one on our minds. Considerations, such as finding the right product to style our curls, the right protective style, or deciding which day is wash day, are much more important to us.
Do you suffer from dandruff? Have you ever had dandruff? If so, it can be an uncomfortable and painful experience. The dry itchy scalp and tiny white flakes can send you into a frenzy when it happens. To naturals, it can spell a nightmare.
It starts with dryness, stunned hair growth, and breakage. All these start a bad spell for your naturally curly hair. Before you go ahead to treat what you are experiencing using any over-the-counter drugs, products, or medications, you must have a good understanding of the condition, so you do not go off damaging your hair. I am about to educate you sisters on the basics and how you can get rid of dandruff from your curly hair.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is often mistaken for just a dry scalp issue when it is a common fungal infection on the scalp by the Malassezia fungus. This fungus feeds on the excess oils called sebum that is on the scalps, multiplies, and causes serious dryness, irritability, shedding of yellow-looking flecks of dead skin, and an itchy scalp.
Dandruff typically thrives in places that are rich in sebaceous oils. While a flaky and itchy scalp may be the main symptoms of dandruff, you can also experience tingling on the skin and a few greasy patches on your scalp.
Causes of Dandruff
There are several factors such, as diet and nutrition, not washing your hair often, stress, allergic reactions to products recently used, environment, hormone imbalances, dry skin, eczema, and others that can spark dandruff.
Sometimes it’s your choice to use two or more conditioners at the same time. Although ordinary dandruff is harmless, if you are extremely uncomfortable, it is best to visit your dermatologist before trying anything.
Seven Ways to Get Rid of Dandruff from Your Curly Hair
1. Exfoliate the Scalp
Exfoliating can help to remove product build-up and excess oils from your scalp. Doing this regularly using a good exfoliating brush can remove the said buildup and oils, and they also help in the circulation of blood to the scalp.
Simple things such as massaging the scalp weekly and clarifying the scalp with a clarifying shampoo can keep dandruff at bay.
2. Give the Hair Space to Breathe
If you spend a lot of time wearing your bonnet or a hat or jumping from one protective style to another, you are not allowing your naturally curly hair to breathe. Allowing air to pass through your hair, caressing your scalp, can cause mitigate the growth of natural oils on the scalp that leads to dandruff.
Stop lying in bed all day with your bonnet on. Take it off and let that curly mane breathe. Also, after a protective style, try wearing your natural hair out for a while to refresh it.
3. Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can be found in many hair care products. It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal, which are great properties for treating conditions, such as dandruff. Tea tree oil is also excellent at keeping the scalp and hair free from flakes and irritation, remaining hydrated, fighting acne, and controlling some skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
In your fight to get rid of dandruff, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil to the shampoo, or a few diluted drops mixed with coconut oil. Apply the mixture to the scalp about three to four times a week. Note that tea tree oil carries a strong scent and may cause your eyes to water, so do not use too much. Other oils, such as jojoba and almond oil, can be used in the diluting process.
4. Hair Masks
Using a hair mask can provide your scalp with necessary nourishment and keep your scalp and hair moisturized. Having a healthy and well-nourished scalp can minimize the chances of dandruff and can even heal it altogether. Show your curly hair some love by finding yourself a simple DIY hair mask, include it in your hair care routine, and say bye-bye to dandruff and hello to a healthy hair and scalp.
5. Remove All the Chemicals
Your skin is an extremely sensitive organ that may react negatively at any time to anything, but some definite sources of issues can include bleach, hair dyes, relaxers, and any other products that contain silicones, sulfates, and parabens that can be harsh on the hair and scalp. You can eliminate all these from your hair and apply “The Curly Girl Method” of tailoring products to suit your hair.
6. Starve the Fungus
The natural oil, sebum, that lubricates the hair and scalp is the fungus’ favorite food, so keeping your scalp clean without stripping the rest of the hair of the oil, is essential in getting the fungus under control. You can do so by coating your hair with conditioner, starting from the mid shafts, out to the ends, and then scrub the scalp with the clarifying shampoo of your choice.
7. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
This is a gem in the natural curl care arena. Mixing three cups of organic apple cider vinegar with one cup of water and spraying it throughout the curls ensures the strands are completely saturated.
Cover it with a steam cap and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Apple Cider Vinegar is a chemical-free treatment that rinses, cleans, removes product buildup, adds extra shine, and helps manage all kinds of scalp conditions, such as dandruff.
Conclusion
Remember to bear in mind that getting rid of dandruff takes time, effort, attention, and patience while utilizing these practices and waiting for them to take effect. Be attentive to how your hair and scalp react to any of the treatment methods used. This attentiveness can reward you with a nourished scalp and healthier hair.
