How to Care for Hair With Dandruff

An olive oil massage helps to relieve dry scalp.

If your scalp is itchy and you notice oily, white flakes on your shoulders and hair, the Mayo Clinic reports that you may have a condition known as dandruff. The most common causes of dandruff include dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and a yeast fungus known as malassezia. If you have dandruff, clean hair and a scalp are a priority. A hair care regiment that includes the daily use of a product to treat dandruff can help heal the itch and improve the health of your hair.

Things You'll Need

• Soft bristled brush
• Dandruff shampoo
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Brush your hair several times a day, especially right before a shampooing. A soft bristled brush will massage your scalp, increasing blood circulation and exfoliating skin cells. Brushing also helps to disperse the oils resting on your scalp, preventing clogged hair follicles and increasing your hair's shine.

2. Wash your hair daily using a dandruff shampoo that contains salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or zinc tars. Each of these chemicals assists in relieving your itchy, flaking scalp by reducing inflammation and destroying yeast.

3. Massage your scalp with the dandruff shampoo using the tips of your fingers in a circular motion, for two to three minutes. The massaging action will help lift dead skin cells from your scalp.

4. Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Rinse your hair until all traces of the shampoo are gone. A good rinse will not only remove all of the soap, it will also wash the dead skin cells down the drain.

5. Pour 1/2 cup of olive oil into a small bowl and warm it in the microwave until it is warm to the touch--not hot. Massage the olive oil into your scalp if your scalp feels crusty or extremely dry. Allow the olive oil to sit on your scalp for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash your hair regularly afterward, using a dandruff shampoo.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk with your doctor if your dandruff condition gets worse or does not improve. He may recommend a steroid shampoo or anti-fungal treatment, for purchase with a prescription.

• Do not scratch your scalp using your fingernails. Scratching can irritate and cause scalp inflammation. Excessive scratching can also lead to hair loss.

References

• MayoClinic: Dandruff
• Kids Health: Dealing with Hair Problems
• BMJ Group: Dandruff

Resources

• DermNet NZ: Selenium Sulfide