A dandruff attack is a nightmare, both aesthetically and personal hygiene wise. Dandruff may be caused by certain factors like the environment, eating habits, and stress. Whatever the underlying cause of dandruff, it can happen to anyone and be reduced effectively with a proper hair care routine. However, ignoring it could promote poor scalp health. Here’s a haircare routine formulated for you to follow religiously for effective results and a clean scalp.

1. Overnight care 
Similar to a nightly skincare routine, caring for your hair with an overnight routine works wonders on your hair. A fantastic way to reduce scalp itching and nourish your tresses is to oil the night before you wash it. Tea tree oil, extra-virgin coconut oil, and jojoba oil are good to treat dandruff and, at the same time, nourish your hair and scalp. Besides these natural oils, anti-dandruff oils are available off the shelf to allow the oil to penetrate the scalp overnight.

2. Shampooing regularly with a dandruff treatment shampoo
A clean scalp helps to prevent yeast infections and oily residue build-up, which can cause dandruff. Wash your hair as per your scalp condition, either daily or at intervals which suit your hair. If your scalp is dandruff-prone, then exposure to pollution and impurities can cause further itching and irritation of the scalp. Use a shampoo that contains anti-dandruff ingredients to suit your scalp condition.

3. Deep conditioning of the hair
Excess oil and over dryness both cause dandruff in the hair. Deep conditioning with a hair mask or hair cream will give your scalp the right amount of nourishment without stripping it of oil and making it dry. Deep conditioning of your hair will leave it soft, healthy, clean, and smooth.

4. A healthy diet and exercise routine
Yes, you read it right. What you eat shows on our skin and hair. Foods rich in sugar, unhealthy saturated fats, refined and processed foods increase the growth of yeast on the scalp. Instead, opt for foods containing iron, zinc, and vitamins that nourish your body and enrich the scalp. Exercise helps in improving both flow and circulation throughout the body. More nutrients and oxygen can reach the scalp when there is improved blood flow and circulation. A healthy scalp will not be a breeding ground for dandruff and infections. Engage in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three times a week helps to nourish the hair follicles.

5. Healthy sleeping routine
Dandruff doesn’t happen only from lack of hygiene or an unhealthy diet. Lack of sleep can lead to reduced blood flow to the scalp, leading to an unhealthy scalp. Sleep deprivation alters immune functions, hormone secretions, and physical and mental stamina. Reduced immunity can increase the chances of infections in the body. Scalp infections can increase as the body’s defense mechanism is at its low. Stress due to sleep deprivation weakens the body and increases the chances of fungal growth. It also interferes with the supply of essential nutrients to the scalp, thereby worsening dandruff conditions. Develop a routine of sleeping for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night to maintain healthy hair and skin.