WHAT IS DANDRUFF?
Over the past few years there has been much debate over
what causes dandruff and how to treat it. Dandruff is one
of the most common scalp disorders and research indicates
that there are a great many sufferers of this condition.
In its
various forms, dandruff ranges from small, dry, white flakes
falling from the hair and scalp, to extreme matting of the
hair with a sticky scale. Some of the causes which medical
authorities have listed for dandruff, include poor blood
circulation, inadequate nerve stimulation,
infection, dermatitis, an unbalanced diet, and careless
grooming habits.
TREATMENT
OF DANDRUFF
Whilst definitive evidence of the role of bacteria, yeasts
and fungi is hard to find, it is thought
that a normal yeast that lives on the scalp, Pityrosporum
ovale and a fungus, Trichoplyton spp, play a dominant role
in dandruff becoming a clinical condition. For most people
washing with shampoo will control the evidence of flaking
scalp cells. For more severe cases a medical shampoo is
required to control the build up of these infections. Typically
these products contain anti-fungal and bactericidal agents
like selenium sulphide, zinc pyrithuene, salicylic acid
and coltar derivatives. Consumers, however, are looking
for more natural alternatives.
AUSTRALIAN
TEA TREE OIL (melaleuca alternafolia)
Recent research conducted into the anti-microbial activity
of Tea Tree Oil has indicated that it may be the answer.
It was found that even very low concentrations of Tea Tree
Oil were helpful in the control of a number of harmful bacteria
and fungi including one of the principal dandruff related
yeasts, Pityrosporum ovale.
Australian
Tea Tree Oil is a totally natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
agent. Today Tea Tree Oil is being used in more and more
essential products ranging from skin and hair care to toothpastes,
insect repellents, feminine hygiene and animal care products.
It is widely recognised as nature's ultimate green healer.
HAIR
AND SCALP TREATMENT TIPS
-
Massage your scalp for 2 to 3 minutes when washing. This
will help to stimulate circulation.
-
Avoid using harsh detergents on your hair.
-
Keep heat treatment for grooming and styling to a minimum.
When possible, towel your hair and allow it to dry naturally.
-
Look for non-drying alternatives when selecting grooming
agents such as hairsprays, gels and mousses. Try to keep
these aids to a minimum.Try
not to over wash your hair.
-
Rinse your hair after swimming in a chlorinated pool or
even in the sea.
-
Protect your hair from U.V. rays.
-
Eat a balanced diet. Supplements such as GLA- rich Evening
Primrose Oil, or Spirulina Tablets which are rich in all
organic minerals will help if you are at all in doubt
about your dietary intake.
-
Always consult a professional at your regular
hair salon to ensure that you maintain your hair and scalp
in its natural, healthy condition.
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