Hair Problems Solution
It’s an antifungal agent and may help reduce the body’s production of testosterone and other androgens that lead
to hair loss. You can also find 1 percent strength at your local pharmacy, but it may not be as effective.
One of the most common side effects is skin irritation where the product is used, which can take the form of
pimple-like bumps. In some individuals, it may also cause either oiliness or dryness of the hair or scalp, abnormal
hair texture, or discoloration. It can cause permed hair to lose its curl as well.
In rare cases, ketoconazole shampoo can result in hair loss, so talk with your doctor right away if you notice this
side effect.
Light and laser therapy
Laser devices may stimulate hair growth for people with
androgenic alopecia and pattern balding. Other names of
laser treatment include:
● red light therapy
● cold laser
● soft laser
● photobiomodulation
● biostimulation
Devices are available without a prescription in the form of:
● brushes
● combs
● other hand held items
They emit light and may also make existing hair thicker
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.You can apply laser light treatment two to three times a week. It may take several weeks to a few months before
seeing results.
It’s important to note that laser treatment is not as FDA regulated as medications are. Long-term safety and other
considerations are unknown. Currently, there are no adverse effects associated with laser therapy.
Portable devices are available without a prescription through companies like HairMax. Their devices include laser
caps, bands, and combs that are all meant to stimulate weakened follicles and reverse hair thinning or loss.
HairMax devices use laser energy to directly revitalize and stimulate hair follicles, working to promote the growth
of new healthy hair with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The laser devices help increase blood circulation and
remove waste in the follicle to support natural hair growth.
Healthy habits to prevent hair loss in women
There are other things you can do at home for the health of your hair and scalp. These approaches may be
particularly helpful if your hair loss is caused by:
● telogen effluvium (TE) — second most common form of hair loss diagnosed by dermatologists,
occurring when there’s a change in the number of hair follicles that are growing hair
● stress
● trauma to the hair from hair styling
● dietary deficiencies
- Do your best to opt for gentle hair care
Try your best to stay away from tightly bound styles, like braids, buns, or ponytails, and resist twisting or rubbing
your hair.
Gently wash or brush hair, switching to a wide-toothed comb if
necessary to prevent too much pulling at the roots.
Hot rollers, curling or straightening irons, hot oil treatments, bleaching,
and other chemical processes are other things to avoid. - Choose nutrient-rich foods
You may want to try to implement more nutrient-rich foods that have
been found to help with hair regrowth.
For example, eating a variety of whole foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals will help fuel your body and
the areas responsible for hair regrowth.
Foods rich in vitamin A, like sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, spinach, and kale can help hair regrowth.
Consuming whole grains, almonds, fish, and meat rich in vitamin B can also help.
Vitamin C rich foods, including strawberries, peppers, guavas, and citrus fruits, can help to create a protein
known as collagen — an important part of hair structure.
If you suspect you may be deficient in certain vitamins, talk with your doctor who can order blood tests to check
your vitamin levels and address any other dietary issues, such as eating disorders or health conditions that might
block nutrient absorption. - Adding iron and zinc
Consider asking your doctor about iron and zinc supplements.
believe that deficiencies in these vitamins may lead to hair loss and that proper supplementation may help
reverse the effects for a number of conditions, like alopecia areata.
Again, you can talk with your doctor about getting a blood test to check your iron and zinc levels.
From there, if you and your doctor determine that you need supplementation, you can work with them to find an
appropriate dose according to your deficiency level.
Excessive or unnecessary supplementation can be dangerous, so consult with your medical professional before
adding any new supplements to your diet. - Trying acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. There are many
types of acupuncture applications, and some researchers believe that it may help with hair loss from alopecia
areata.
The needles inserted into the scalp may help stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth.
More research needs to be done in this area, but some smaller
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studies have shown promising results. Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a licensed acupuncturist if
this treatment sounds appealing to you.
- Managing stress
While trauma can come on suddenly and unexpectedly, you may be able to help manage ongoing stress in your
life with exercise, like yoga, or mindfulness techniques, like meditation.
Some researchers are even exploring these alternative healing modalities in relation to reversing hair loss. The
idea is that yoga and meditation may help regulate blood sugar and enhance circulation, promoting regrowth.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which hair loss treatment is best for me?
Choosing a hair loss treatment plan is a highly personal decision. When exploring your options, it’s best to talk
with your doctor to first identify what is causing your hair loss to select the best treatment. Some people find
success with home remedies or OTC hair loss treatments, and some are better candidates for prescription
medications and treatments.
How do I know if I have hair loss?
Signs of hair loss can greatly vary from person to person, but you may notice more hair collecting in your
hairbrush or in the shower drain, or thinning hair on your scalp. A dermatologist can help you understand if you
have hair loss, excessive hair shedding, or both, along with identifying the underlying causes.
When should I see a doctor?
If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or a rash on your scalp, consider talking with a dermatologist. Sudden
hair loss can be an indicator of an underlying medical condition that may
require treatment.
Takeaway
If you are experiencing hair loss, remember that you’re far from alone.
According to one study, hair loss affects approximately 40 percent of
women by age 50. While it can be a difficult experience to navigate, there
are effective treatment options available for many.
Some conditions that lead to temporary hair loss will go away without
treatment or with simple lifestyle changes. Others may respond well to
treatments for promoting regrowth, so starting sooner rather than later is key.
Before starting any treatment, talk with your dermatologist to find the treatment path that is right for you.
10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally
Dandruff, which is characterized by itchy, white flakes of skin on your scalp, can be uncomfortable and
embarrassing to deal with. It may also cause other symptoms, such as greasy patches on your scalp and tingling
skin.
However, it’s easy to treat and relatively common, with some reports estimating that this condition affects up to
42% of infants and 1–3% of adults worldwide
Dandruff may be caused by multiple factors, including dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products,
and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on your scalp
Though there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) products designed to treat dandruff, natural remedies are
often just as effective.
Here are 10 simple home remedies to naturally get rid of dandruff. - Tea tree oil
Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments such as acne
and psoriasis.
It is also proven to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of dandruff
In fact, according to one older review, tea tree oil is effective at fighting
the specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis
and dandruff
Another study found that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree
oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription antifungal treatment at healing lesions caused by this fungus
What’s more, in an older study, 126 people with dandruff used a shampoo containing either 5% tea tree oil or a
placebo daily. After 4 weeks, tea tree oil reduced the severity of symptoms by 41% and improved greasiness and
itchiness, compared with the placebo
Still, more high quality research is needed.
Additionally, tea tree oil may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s best to dilute it by adding a
few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin.
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity and symptoms
of dandruff.
- Coconut oil
Renowned for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil is also used as a natural remedy for dandruff.
It may work by improving skin hydration and preventing dryness, which can worsen dandruff.
According to some research, coconut oil may be as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration when
applied as a moisturizer
Other research suggests that coconut oil aids the treatment of eczema, a skin condition that may contribute to
dandruff.
One older, 8-week study found that applying coconut oil to the skin reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis — a
type of eczema characterized by itching and inflammation — by 68%
In a 12-week study in 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp led to significant improvements in the scalp
microbiome and certain markers of dandruff
Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties in some test-tube studies,
although researchers have not yet examined the effects on the specific strain of fungus that causes dandruff
SUMMARY
Coconut oil may improve skin hydration and reduce dryness, thereby combating symptoms of eczema and
dandruff. - Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that’s often added to skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions.
When applied to the skin, it may help treat skin conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and cold sores
According to one review, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera may also protect against dandruff
Similarly, several test-tube studies show that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may
help control certain fungal infections
Test-tube studies have also found that aloe vera can reduce inflammation, which may relieve symptoms
Despite these promising results, additional studies are needed.
SUMMARY
Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties that may reduce inflammation and decrease dandruff
symptoms, but more research is needed. - Minimize stress levels
Stress is believed to affect many aspects of health and wellness, influencing everything from chronic conditions
to mental health
While stress itself doesn’t cause dandruff, it may worsen symptoms such as dryness and itching
Long-term high stress levels may alter or suppress your immune system’s activity, which may impair your body’s
ability to fight off some fungal infections and skin conditions that contribute to dandruff
In fact, in a study in 166 people with seborrheic dermatitis — one of the most common causes of dandruff —
approximately 28% reported that stress was a trigger for dermatitis symptoms
To keep stress levels under control, you can try stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep
breathing, or aromatherapy.
SUMMARY
Stress may weaken your immune system and decrease your body’s ability to fight off infections that cause
dandruff. Furthermore, stress often precedes episodes of seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most common causes
of dandruff. - Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of
health benefits and is often used as a natural remedy for
dandruff.
That’s because the vinegar’s acidity is believed to help
stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp. Apple
cider vinegar is also said to balance the pH of your skin to
reduce fungal growth and thus fight dandruff.
However, no studies support these claims. Many of the
supposed benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff are based
on anecdotal evidence.
In fact, one small study in 22 people found that applying diluted apple cider vinegar to the skin topically didn’t
improve eczema or skin barrier integrity — and even worsened skin irritation
That said, test-tube studies show that apple cider vinegar and its compounds may prevent the growth of certain
types of fungus
If you’d like to give apple cider vinegar a try, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with essential
oils and spray directly onto your hair.
SUMMARY
While no research backs these claims, apple cider vinegar is anecdotally said to remove dead skin cells and
balance the pH of your scalp to reduce dandruff. - Aspirin
Salicylic acid is one of the primary compounds found in aspirin that’s responsible for its anti-inflammatory
properties
This acid is also an ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos.
It works by helping to get rid of scaly skin and loosening flakes so they can be removed
In an older, 4-week study, 19 people with dandruff used two shampoos containing either piroctone olamine and
salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione. Both shampoos decreased dandruff, but the one containing salicylic acid was
more effective in reducing the severity of scaling
Another small study showed that a shampoo containing salicylic acid — along with other ingredients such as
glycolic acid and urea — significantly improved irritation and itching in 10 people with scalp inflammation
For an easy dandruff remedy, try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before
washing your hair.
SUMMARY
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. This acid has been shown to
be effective in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
- Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in your body.
Not only do they make up the cell membranes that surround
your cells, but they’re also crucial for the function of your heart,
immune system, and lungs
Plus, omega-3s are vital to skin health. They help manage oil
production and hydration, promote wound healing, and prevent
premature aging
A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can cause an array of
symptoms, including dry hair, dry skin, and even dandruff
Although more research is needed, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation, which may, in turn, relieve
irritation and dandruff symptoms
Fatty fish like salmon, trout, and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take a fish
oil supplement or increase your intake of other omega-3-rich foods, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and
walnuts.
SUMMARY
Omega-3 fatty acids are important to skin health and may help reduce inflammation. Deficiency can cause dry
skin, dry hair, and dandruff. - Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that have been linked to numerous health benefits, including allergy protection,
lower cholesterol levels, and increased weight loss
These bacteria may also enhance immune function, which may help your body fight the fungal infections that
cause dandruff
In fact, one study showed that taking probiotics for 56 days significantly reduced dandruff severity in 60 people
Probiotics have also been shown to help treat and prevent skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis,
especially in infants and children
Probiotics are widely available in supplement form for a quick and convenient dose. They can also be found in
many fermented foods, such as kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut, and natto.
SUMMARY
Probiotics may help enhance immune function and have been shown to reduce dandruff severity. - Baking soda
Baking soda is a quick, convenient, and readily available dandruff remedy.
It’s believed to act as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and reduce scaling and itchiness. It also has
antifungal properties that may benefit dandruff treatment.
An older test-tube study measured the antifungal effects of baking soda on some of the most common strains of
fungus that cause skin infections and found that it completely inhibited fungal growth in 79% of specimens after 7
days
Another older study looked at the effects of baking soda on 31 people with psoriasis. Treatment with baking soda
baths significantly reduced both itchiness and irritation after just 3 weeks
However, more research is needed, as one study found that baking soda had no effect on psoriasis, skin
hydration, or skin redness
For best results, apply baking soda directly to wet hair and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes,
and then continue shampooing your hair as usual. - Avoid certain foods
Although more research is needed on the relationship between diet and dandruff, some people may find that
limiting consumption of certain foods relieves inflammation, which may help improve scalp health.
Furthermore, some studies suggest that dietary modifications prevent fungal infections by controlling the growth
of yeast and improving the gut microbiome, which may aid in the treatment of dandruff
● refined carbs such as white bread, white pasta, tortillas, and crackers
● red meat
● processed foods
● fried foods
● sugary foods and beverages
Additionally, certain foods may trigger flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema, which may contribute to
dandruff.
While specific trigger foods vary from person to person, some of the most common are white flour,
gluten-containing products, and nightshades such as eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes
SUMMARY
Making changes to your diet may reduce inflammation and prevent fungal infections, which may help treat
dandruff. Some foods may also trigger symptoms of eczema, which may cause itchy skin and dandruff.
If home remedies don’t work
Although many home remedies for dandruff are available, additional treatment may be necessary in some cases.
Many OTC medicated shampoos and scalp treatments contain antifungal or antibacterial ingredients designed to
decrease dandruff.
If these products don’t work after 2–3 weeks, you may want to consult a dermatologist to determine whether
other prescription shampoos or medications would be beneficial.
Healthcare professionals often prescribe topical antifungal medications, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators
to treat dandruff and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dermatitis
SUMMARY
While home remedies are often beneficial, you may need topical medications or shampoos to treat dandruff.
The bottom line
Although dandruff can be a difficult problem to deal with, a variety of natural remedies may reduce symptoms and
provide relief.
The next time you start spotting flakes, try a few of the natural remedies above to support scalp health and
decrease dandruff naturally.If these remedies don’t work, consult a dermatologist to find out whether other
treatment options may be necessary to provide long lasting relief
