Dandruff flakes are stubborn and getting rid of them can be a rather tricky task. These flakes are a type of fungus that can by triggered by factors like food, stress, hormonal imbalance, harsh products, and unclean hair. While the cause could vary, there might be a few things that could help reduce or eliminate dandruff. Here is a simple hair care routine that will help one get rid of these flakes for good.

1. Oiling the scalp before hand
Like our skin, the scalp too needs moisturizing, and oils are a convenient and affordable way to it. Amazingly, coconut oil, olive oil, and tea tree oil are beneficial to the hair in more ways than one. Coconut oil provides moisturization and prevents fungal growth. Olive oil helps reduce dandruff and hydrates the scalp. Tea tree oil provides relief from itchiness and promotes a healthy scalp.

3. Using Medical-grade Anti-dandruff Shampoo
Any anti-dandruff shampoo containing zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid are effective at eliminating dandruff. zinc pyrithion and selenium sulphide contain anti-fungal properties that help relieve itchiness and treat flakes. Ketoconazole helps kill the yeast that cause dandruff and salicylic acid reduce flakes. Anti-dandruff shampoos can be used 1-2 times every week. Most of these shampoo cause the scalp to dry, therefore, it is important to use a moisturizing conditioner after every use.

4. Follow-up Tasks
A dry scalp is usually the cause of dandruff. Therefore, one must always remember to provide their scalp with moisturization. One can either try out basic DIY hair masks using lemon and yogurt, or purchase a good-quality hair mask for a local store. Using a hair mask weekly after shampooing the hair helps keep the scalp is moisturized. This can help reduce dandruff, or even eliminate it.

5. Exfoliating
A salycylic acid-based exfoliation product can work wonders on one’s scalp. This is because excess oil, product buildup, and dirt on the scalp can promote the growth of dandruff. And exfoliation can help eliminate all of these problems, thus promoting healthy and dandruff-free hair. Massage the scalp every week preferably after shamppoing the hair. One can also use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of excess product buildup or oil once a week.

6. Trying Out Natural Remedies
Various natural elements such as lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can help reduce and even eliminate dandruff in the hair. Lemon helps relieve itchinessand reduce the fight off the fungus that helps dandruff grow. Apply generous amounts of lemon juice on your scalp, massage thoroughly, and keep it on for 20 minutes before washing. Similarly, apple cider vinegar accelerate the shedding of dead cells on the scalp and maintains its pH balance.