10 Steps to Remove Dandruff in Curly Hair: Natural Remedies

Introduction to Dandruff in Curly Hair

Dandruff is a very common hair issue, and when it comes to curly hair, then dandruff in curly hair is more common. Curly hair looks great but it comes with its own set of challenges, like dry hair, coiled hair structure and hair problems like dandruff and split ends.

Hair follicles of curly hair is spiral in shape, they are asymmetrical which form‘s’ shaped structure. Sometimes curly hair have a lot of volume, so washing it properly becomes a task. Accumulation of oil and product build-up causes dandruff.

Dandruff is caused due to excess of oil present in the scalp, and excess oil is present when we are unable to clean the scalp properly.

So, let’s understand dandruff in curly hair I more detail and how to manage it-

Understanding the Causes of Dandruff in Curly Hair

Dandruff as we all know is a very common hair problem and it is more common in curly hair. There has been ongoing research, but the exact reason for the dandruff in curly hair has not been known, but here are some possible reason for dandruff in curly hair-

1. Dry Scalp-

We all know curly hair is more prone to dryness. The dry scalp is one of the reason for the dandruff. Natural oil do not travel down to the hair ends in the curls. And therefore, dry scalp leads to flakes formation causing dandruff.

2. Product build-up-

Curly hair require many hair products like leave-in conditioner, styling cream or gel etc. If these hair products are not washed properly, they start building up. And this product build-up causes dandruff.

3. Volume of hair-

Many times curls have huge volume. And this huge volume makes washing of hair difficult, thus leading to infrequent washing. Infrequent washing of hair causes oil and product build-up, leading to dandruff.

4. Environment-

Cold and dry weather exacerbate dandruff. Dry scalp is very common in cold weather, and in hot and humid weather sweating and oil. Both these environmental condition can affect scalp health and lead to dandruff.

5. Yeast Overgrowth-

A yeast named Malassezia is naturally present in the scalp, but overgrowth of this yeast can cause dandruff. Curly haired people have higher risk of yeast overgrowth, because of the hair structure.

Symptoms and Identification of Dandruff in Curly Hair

After understanding the symptoms of dandruff, let’s understand the symptoms and identification of dandruff in different types of curly hair. Dandruff can manifest in various ways across different types of curly hair. While the core symptoms are generally similar, the specific characteristics may vary based on factors such as hair texture, curl pattern, and individual differences.

• Type 2 (Wavy Hair)-

This hair type notices white and yellowish flakes in the scalp. The flakes can vary in sizes and it becomes more visible in darker hair.

Dandruff can cause itchy scalp, making it drier especially after washing.

• Type 3 (Curly Hair)-

Dandruff in curly hair are more noticeable due to the hair’s coiled structure. Flakes gets trapped in the curls and causes frizz in the hair.

• Type 4 (Kinky Hair)-

Kinky hair are super coiled, and the dandruff visibility on this type of hair depends on the density of hair. The scalp is tight and combing through this hair type may bring dry flakes on the hair.

Dandruff severity can vary from hair to hair. So, you need to be careful regarding it. Also, not all flakes contribute to dandruff.

Let’s understand the difference between dandruff and other scalp condition-

• Dry Scalp- This is characterized by small, white flakes that are accompanied by itching. Dandruff is mainly caused due to excess of oil, and dry scalp is more about lack of moisture in the scalp.

• Psoriasis- This is a condition on the scalp which present as thick, silvery scales. It is totally different from dandruff, little thicker and causes well defined patches.

• Folliculitis- This is a totally different scalp condition. Folliculitis is a small red bump, caused due to bacterial or fungal infection.

• Allergic Reaction- If you have got any allergic reaction, then your scalp will be red and itching. Allergic reaction is caused due to some product build-up and it vanishes away after you try new product.

Specialized Care and Treatment for Dandruff in Curly Hair

Now, you know the difference between dandruff and other scalp condition. Let’s have a look at how to treat and manage dandruff in curly hair. Some of the tips for specialized care and treatment are as follows-

• Use a gentle and moisturizing shampoo. For removing dandruff, you need to look for ingredients like salicylic acid, ketoconazole or selenium sulphide. These ingredients control the yeast growth on the scalp.

• Incorporate regular oil massages for your scalp, this helps to increase blood flow in the scalp and keep it healthy.

• Curly hair tends to be drier, so, it is necessary to keep them well hydrated and moisturized. So, look for the shampoo which nourishes your hair and prevent dryness.

• Try to avoid harsh ingredients like sulfates and chemicals, they strip the natural oil from your hair.

• Wash your hair twice or thrice in a week, not more than that.

• Protect your hair from harsh weather by choosing hairstyles like braid and twist, to reduce friction between hair strands.

• Keep a balanced diet and keep yourself healthy.

Apart from above remedies, you can also try some home remedies to get rid of dandruff in curly hair-

1. Apple Cider Vinegar-

ACV is very effective when it comes to hair care. It keeps the fungal infections away and helps to balance scalp’s pH level.

• Take 1 cup of ACV and dilute it with 1 cup of water.
• Apply the solution on your scalp.
• Massage through the solution.
• Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
• Wash it off with mild shampoo and conditioner.

2. Aloe Vera Gel-

Aloe vera gel works like a magic on curly hair. It keeps the hair soft, smooth and moisturized. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing property helps to soothe the scalp.

• Take a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the gel from it.
• Grind the gel and make a paste of it.
• Apply the aloe vera gel on your hair strands and scalp.
• Leave it for 30 minutes.
• Wash it off with lukewarm water and mild shampoo.

3. Coconut oil Mask-

Coconut oil helps to keep the scalp and hair moisturized and hydrated. It is rich in antifungal property and keep the curls soft and smooth.

• Take some coconut oil in a bowl.
• Warm the coconut oil and apply it on your scalp and hair.
• Massage the oil on your scalp for 30 minutes.
• Shampoo and condition your hair.

4. Baking Soda Scrub-

Baking soda is easily available in the kitchen and it helps to gently exfoliate the scalp and reduce dandruff flakes.

• Take 1-2 tbsp. of baking soda
• Mix it with water and form a paste.
• Apply the paste on your scalp and gently massage.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

5. Rosemary Infusion-

Rosemary leaves are very effective, they have antimicrobial property and can stimulate the blood circulation in the scalp.

• Boil some rosemary leaves in water.
• Let the leaves cool down, strain out the leaves.
• Use the infused water to rinse your hair and scalp.
• This will help to remove dandruff.

Lifestyle Adjustments and Maintenance Tips for Curly Hair Prone to Dandruff

Other factors which influence our curly hair and make it prone to dandruff is the lifestyle we follow. Let’s understand this in detail-

• Diet- It is very necessary to know what nutrients you are taking. Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals help in the overall scalp health.

Omega-3 fatty acid and Probiotics also helps to reduce inflammation and promote a healthier scalp, thereby, reducing the chances of dandruff.

• Stress- This is the most common reason these days for dandruff. People are stressed about their career, their personal life and what not. Chronic stress elevates the cortisol level, which increases the dandruff.

• Hydration- No medicine can solve the problem of hydration. You need to increase your liquid intake to keep your body hydrated. Adequate water intake helps to maintain overall scalp and skin hydration.

• Sleep Patterns– Not many of you will believe in it, but having a proper uninterrupted sleep is very necessary. Lack of sleep not only affects your skin, but it also affects the health of the scalp.

Maintenance Tips for Dandruff in Curly Hair

• Have a proper balanced diet, including foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, yogurt and kefir in your diet. This will give you all types of nutrients and will keep your skin and scalp healthy.

• To relieve from stress, try some management techniques like meditation, yoga.

• Use gentle hair care products, free from any harsh chemicals to reduce the dandruff in curly hair.

• Aim for a good, uninterrupted sleep.

• Cover you hair with hat or scarves, if you are in constant contact with sun’s harmful UV rays. This will protect your hair.

Preventative Measures and Long-Term Management Strategies

Managing and controlling dandruff in curly hair is a long process. There are some unique characteristics of curly hair which makes it more prone to dandruff.

Let’s see how to control and effectively manage dandruff in curly hair-

• Gentle Care Routine-

It is necessary to have a gentle hair care routine. Using mild sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, do not strip the natural oil from the scalp and keep it healthy.

• Moisturize and Condition-

Curls need moisturization and immense hydration. Using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner helps to make curls soft, smooth and defined. It also, helps to reduce the chances of dandruff.

• Scalp Massages–

Massaging your scalp daily keeps the flow of natural oil proper. It helps to stimulate the blood circulation, and promotes healthy scalp and minimize dryness.

• Trimming-

Regular trimming keeps the curls fresh and remove split ends and prevent hair breakage. It keeps hair healthy and reduce the risk of dandruff.

• Hair Wash-

Wash your hair once or twice a week. Finding the right balance in washing frequency, helps to reduce product buildup and gives you a clean scalp.

• Reduce Heat Damage-

Limit the styling of curls, styling requires heating tools and use of heat dehydrates the hair.

• Stress Management-

It is necessary that you manage the stress. Practice yoga and meditation exercise. This will help to improve overall health of the scalp and reduce the dandruff.

FAQ Section: Common Queries about Dandruff in Curly Hair

Above are the ways to handle dandruff in curly hair. Dandruff is caused due to scalp being unhealthy and the improper lifestyle. It is necessary to take care of dandruff as early as possible, as it damages the hair cuticles and can also change the curl pattern.

You need to make changes in your lifestyle, the way you eat and deal with stress affects your hair health a lot. Effective dandruff management is often a combination of lifestyle adjustments and consistent hair care practices. You can even find some salon’s which specializes in dandruff management.

How do you take care of dandruff in your curly hair?

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