Taking care of your hair requires a certain amount of maintenance, especially if you’re a naturalista. But a special level of patience is required for the natural hair girls who suffer from dandruff. The itchy scalp, greasy patches and flakiness is impossible to resolve, but not without the right products.
What Is Dandruff?
According to medical experts in the hair industry, dandruff can both be a genetic and situational occurrence.
“Dandruff is an accumulation of dead skin cells mixed in with oil and sebum- the natural oil-based substance that comes from our scalp,” said Tonya Lane, a cosmetic chemist who specializes in natural hair care. “They could be white or yellowish, large flakes.”
To manage your dandruff effectively with recommended products from Lane, and actually get back to wearing black shirts without dandruff flakes.
- Best Shower Filter: AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter
- Best Shampoo: Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo
- Best Scalp Serum: Pacifica Scalp Love Rosemary Mint Serum
- Best Pre-Poo: Aloderma Organic Aloe Vera Gel
- Best Scalp Rinse: The Rootist Pre-Shampoo Clarifying Scalp Treatment
Best Shower Filter
According to Lane, the type of water you use also affects your hair.
“Hard Water leaves high levels of mineral deposits on the hair and the scalp, causing it to dry out,” she said. “It can lead to the oil or sebaceous glands in your scalp to over-produce more oil to kind of substitute for the dryness, which is then going to increase dandruff.”
The AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter reduces dandruff by helping to remove chlorine, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dirt, and odors from your showerhead. It also requires no tools to install. Lane also mentioned the temperature of your water can help combat dandruff, suggesting people stick to lukewarm water on washdays.
Best Shampoo
Dandruff is a buildup of dead skin cells and oil, so investing in a good shampoo is a must.
“Naturally, our scalp has a pH around 5.5. But, if a person doesn’t consistently or effectively cleanse their scalp, they’re going to have a build up of oil, dirt, sweat, and in some cases, product build up,” Lane said.
She pointed to the Briogeo Scalp Revival Dandruff Relief Charcoal Shampoo, which features salicylic acid to relieve dandruff and lactic acid to clear excess buildup from the scalp.
Best Scalp Serum
Those prone to dandruff don’t need heavy oils to moisturize their scalp. Instead, use a scalp serum. Lane recommends the Pacifica Scalp Love Rosemary Mint Serum.
“The formula has glycerin, it has aloe vera and tea tree, which are going to be amazing for combating dandruff,” she said.
In addition, the serum contains sage, thyme and witch hazel, which helps to loosen buildup and hydrate the scalp.
Best Pre-Poo
Sometimes, sticking to the basics is best. When it comes to dandruff, Lane suggests using aloe vera straight from the source to manage your strands.
“Aloe vera is great for reducing inflammation within the scalp,” she said. “It’s also good for soothing an itchy, irritated scalp which is associated with dryness and dandruff.”
Amazon offers the Aloderma Organic Aloe Vera Gel, which can be used as a pre-shampoo to hydrate and soothe your scalp.
Best Scalp Rinse
Lane also supports the use of products with apple cider vinegar to relieve dandruff. The Rootist Pre-Shampoo Clarifying Scalp Treatment includes 3-percent ACV to remove buildup and 10-percent glycolic acids to clarify the hair without losing moisture. The applicator tip also allows the product to get directly on your scalp.
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