Dandruff is the term for dry, flaky skin that is visible on the surface of your hair shaft. You may have heard of it before because it’s a common condition. It affects around 50% of men and women, regardless of age or race.
There are many causes for dandruff, including stress, overheated oil production from sebaceous glands in your skin, dryness from artificial heat such as from central heating or an office environment, or simply genetics – some people are just more prone to developing it.
However, beard dandruff is its own unique subcategory that only affects men with beards. Whether you grow a full beard or keep things trimmed to just stubble, here’s how to get rid of beard dandruff and prevent it from coming back ever again.
Know the signs of beard dandruff
Beard dandruff is the same thing as regular dandruff, in that it’s just dry, flaky skin. The only difference is that it only applies to men with beards. Technically, dandruff is a condition that can form anywhere that hair grows. Knowing the signs of dandruff can help you know when to take action.
Here are some signs to look out for that might indicate you have beard dandruff
- Dry, flaky skin on your beard.
- Your beard is visibly less full and shiny than it used to be, almost dry and dull.
- Your hair feels coarse and stiff to the touch.
- Your beard smells bad and is hard to wash out.
- Tiny, reddish, itchy spots appear on your face.
Natural ways to eliminate dandruff
If you’ve got dandruff, the first thing you should do is get yourself tested for an underlying fungal infection, such as candida. It’s the most common cause of dandruff. There are many home remedies and natural methods that you can try before you turn to chemical shampoos.
Different natural and home remedies for beard dandruff include
- Cleanse your beard hair regularly with a gentle, non-soaking shampoo.
- Use a natural, anti-fungal shampoo that contains tea tree oil.
- Eat a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush toxins out of your system.
- Supplement with a good quality multivitamin.
- Use a natural conditioner to keep your beard soft and manageable.
- Get plenty of sleep, exercise, and fresh air to keep your skin healthy and looking great.
Shampoos containing zinc and salicylic acid
Zinc and salicylic acid are two common ingredients found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. Others contain keratin and menthol, which help to soothe inflammation. They work by treating the root cause of your dandruff rather than just being a quick fix.
Zinc helps to regulate oil and sebum production in your skin, which is the main cause of dandruff. Salicylic acid also regulates oil production, but it also exfoliates your skin and clears away dead skin cells that have built up. This allows your hair to grow back thicker and healthier.
Zinc and salicylic acid shampoos work best when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and home remedies for dandruff. Some of the best anti-dandruff shampoos containing these ingredients are Alevai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Regenepure NT, and NIZORAL Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.
Shampoos containing tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural, anti-fungal oil with excellent anti-dandruff properties. When used in a shampoo, it works to not only reduce the amount of dandruff you have but also leave your hair smelling better. It also works to soothe any itching and irritation. The best shampoos containing tea tree oil are PURA D’OR Therapy Shampoo, First Botany Tea Tree Mint Shampoo, and Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lavender Mint Shampoo.
Be careful not to overuse tea tree oil shampoos to prevent any potential side effects. They are best used once or twice per week, or as directed by your doctor.
Probiotics and conditioners
Probiotics are good bacteria that help to regulate oil and sebum production in your skin. They’re found in yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented foods. By regularly eating probiotic foods you can reduce the amount of dandruff on your scalp. Conditioner is also a good way to reduce dandruff. It helps to regulate oil and sebum production by regulating the pH level of your scalp.
Some of the best probiotic foods to eat are yogurt and kimchi, there are also probiotic supplements available like the one made by Zeal Naturals. The more natural methods you use to get rid of dandruff, the better. These methods are best because they’re chemical-free, and they won’t cause any side effects like anti-dandruff shampoos can.
Conclusion
Nobody likes having a flaky, itchy beard that smells bad. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of dandruff, you need to take action to get rid of it before it takes over your beard completely. The best way to do this is to use anti-dandruff shampoos like those containing tea tree oil, zinc, and salicylic acid. You can also try home remedies such as eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, supplementing with a multivitamin or probiotic, and cleansing your face regularly.
