If you’ve ever had someone try to pick the white flakes in your hair, then you know how embarrassing dandruff can be. Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. You can notice it through an itchy scalp and when you comb your hair, as it tends to fall on the shoulders and back. 

Health experts say that a common fungus known as ‘malassezia’ may contribute to dandruff. This fungus lives on the scalp of most healthy adults without causing any problems. ‘Dandruff may worsen when you’re stressed or sick. Cold, dry winters can trigger dandruff or make it worse, too.’

Annick Umutibagirana, a skin and haircare expert at Kaso Organic, a products store in Kiyovu, notes that dandruff can be triggered by dry skin and worsen with time. She is of the view that having dandruff doesn’t imply that only the scalp is dry, because there is a possibility the skin in general could be dry too. 

Umutibagirana says that if you don’t use enough shampoo, you may develop dandruff because oil piles up, thus causing the flakes.  

Sometimes dandruff is caused by allergies triggered by a new hair product. For instance, if you see any sort of scalp irritation like itchiness or soreness after using a certain product, it could be an allergic reaction, 

Umutibagirana recommends some remedies to eliminate dandruff, such as coconut oil. She says that the most effective product for dandruff is coconut oil (extra virgin). All you have to do is to apply three to five teaspoons of coconut oil to your scalp and leave it on for one hour. Then shampoo your hair and wash it out. Do this at least once a week until it is better.

She says that baking soda is also magical, noting that you have to smoothly apply it to the scalp in the shower and rinse after a few minutes.

Alternatively, Umutibagirana suggests using apple cider vinegar by mixing a quarter cup of it with a quarter cup of water. Then the next step is to apply it in your hair for 15 minutes to about an hour, and then rinse out. You can do it twice a week. 

"Lemon juice has other uses, besides drinking it. You can apply two teaspoons of it to your scalp and rinse out. Then add one more teaspoon mixed with one cup of water. To see results, do it every day,” Umutibagirana says.

She further notes that tea tree oil shampoo is a must-have because it reduces dandruff and the excessive itching. But also, using lemongrass shampoo can combat fungi that cause dandruff.

Umutibagirana adds that aloe vera is also a great deal and recommends using it on your scalp before washing your hair. Olive oil offers anti-inflammatory properties which can heal and repair an affected scalp, and it opens your pores by fading away the dirt, grease and excess sebum (a fatty lubricant matter secreted by sebaceous glands of the skin.)