You may already be aware that there are dozens of products that are made to specifically target this scalp problem. But before you delve into the various shampoos and chemicals used to control dandruff, here is some info about the physiological basis of this condition.

The skin on the scalp, like on the rest of the body, has an outer layer called the stratum corneum. This top layer of epidermis normally sheds off on a regular basis to give rise to healthier and younger skin cells. However, in the case of a scalp that is affected by dandruff, this skin shedding is abnormal, and more regular than usual.

What brings about this skin abnormality? The skin on the scalp tends to produce too much sebum or oil, which causes the growth of a fungus known as Malassezia. This fungal species feeds on sebum and secretes certain oils that affect the stratum corneum, causing the cells to be irritated and shed off more rapidly than it can regenerate.

Besides the physiological causes, there are some sources that define dandruff as a possible allergic reaction to certain hair products. There are also scientific and health sources that explain how dandruff can be aggravated by the type of diet as well as the hygiene habits of an individual.

To be more specific, there are foods that cause active secretions of the sebaceous glands in the skin, especially on the scalp. These include spicy foods and overly fatty foods. One way to reduce the occurrence of dandruff is to keep the scalp clean, thus reducing the possibility of fungi thriving on it.

Dandruff cannot be totally eliminated, contrary to what anti dandruff shampoo commercials claim to be able to do. However, with the right approach, this scalp irritating problem can be controlled. For one thing, you can switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains any of the following active ingredients: zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid. Ketoconazole is also a known type of medication that is formulated to kill fungal spores and stop the growth of fungi. Ketoconazole can actually be found in some specially medicated shampoos for people with dandruff.

Also, homemade recipes for hair are so simple to do, and you can even do it several times a week to maintain the hair beauty and strength of your tresses.

For people who have dandruff, you can do more than just wash your hair everyday with anti-dandruff shampoo. You can create a hair rinse using thyme to get rid of this fungal irritation on your hair. Boil a handful of fresh thyme leaves in water for about five minutes. Let it sit to cool before straining off the leaves.

While leaning over a bowl, pour this solution onto your hair, catching the liquid so you can use it again. Do not immediately shampoo your hair after using this anti-dandruff rinse. The aromatic oils in thyme will help stunt the growth of fungi that cause that itching and flaking associated with dandruff.

You can use a hair mask to care for your hair after it has become dry or overly damaged from the use of hair chemicals. A common mask that you can apply on your mane is composed of beaten egg and a few tablespoons of olive oil. These fatty foods help retain moisture on the scalp as well as stimulate growth of healthy hair.

Apply this oil and egg mixture on your hair from roots to tips, and also massage your scalp. Cover your head with a shower cap to allow your body heat to let the oils penetrate each strand of hair. Leave on for thirty minutes before rinsing completely with a mild shampoo, such as a baby shampoo.

You can also create a hair mask using dairy products, because they are good sources of protein which also help hair grow strong and healthy. Examples of these are yogurt and milk. Honey may also be added to hair masks to make strands shinier and smoother. Always remember to keep the hair mask on for at least half an hour before rinsing the mixture off using mild shampoos. Try these hair masks at least twice a week to maintain lovely, soft, and strong hair.

In the case of women, for instance, when they reach their menopausal age, they tend to have thinning hair due to the decline of certain types of hormones in the body. This condition is referred to as pattern baldness or alopecia. Hair loss may also be attributed to poor health habits, poor hygiene, constant stress, and improper care for hair.

Hair loss is not always caused by these external factors. In truth, as many scientists would try to explain, pattern baldness can actually be hereditary, or passed on from generation to generation. This is more apparently manifested in male members of the family; however, there are women who are prone to pattern baldness or hair loss because they have relatives who have the same condition.

For whatever causes it, there are now many ways to deal with hair loss. For one thing, it is recommended that hair-loss prone people, women especially, should avoid undergoing hair treatments that expose the tresses to harsh chemicals. Most of these will do more damage to the hair instead of good. Some beauty experts would say that blow drying on a regular basis is not good for hair growth, in the same way that constant hot water exposure to hair is not ideal.

To be able to keep hair growing healthy, one must avoid the intake of toxins in the body. Examples of these are excessive alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. Foods that contain excessive amounts of sugar and fats should also be avoided. In return, people who want to prevent baldness should switch to vitamin-rich diets to nourish the scalp and hair. Exercise to keep the blood circulating throughout the body is also good, so that the scalp is stimulated for rapid hair growth. At the same time, enough rest is needed to help get rid of stress.

Other methods that may help individuals deal with their hair loss include hair transplantation or hair grafting surgery. There are some sources that provide info on herbal remedies or dietary supplements that stimulate hair growth and help prevent baldness. Regardless of these, the best option would be to consult a medical expert to determine the best method to deal with pattern baldness.