Dandruff is a condition that causes excess shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. On a smaller scale, the issue is called flaking. While everyone goes through flaking, for some people, the amount of flakes is unmanageable. It can also lead to irritation in the scalp, redness, and bleeding. Here are some great tips for preventing dandruff and flakes.

• Exfoliate your scalp:  Haven’t heard of this one before? Exfoliating the scalp helps remove the top layer of your scalp and breaks the dead skin cells that can get accumulated on the skin. By exfoliating, you are forcing the flaking to happen inside the bathroom rather than over your shoulders all through the day. You can use a gentle exfoliant or plain sugar and coconut oil mix to rub on the scalp.
• Use tea tree oil in your shampoo:  One of the great tips for preventing dandruff and flakes and completely avoiding them in the future is to use tea tree oil. This is an excellent antimicrobial product and can also work on mild infections on your scalp that might be aggravating the flaking. Open your shampoo bottle and add a few drops of tea tree oil to it. Shake well and use this as a regular everyday shampoo.
• Wash your hair regularly:  Some people are of the idea that washing the hair will cause more flaking and avoid it. Not washing your hair simply piles up the dead skin cells and this will cause excess flaking on the days you wash your hair. Not shampooing regularly can make the condition worse. Another point in the list of tips for preventing dandruff and flakes offered by hair experts is to frequently wash your hair using a mild and natural shampoo.
• Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):  Apple cider vinegar is an excellent product for overall hair maintenance. It is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, and hence works well on mild to moderate dandruff and flaking. Try spot application of ACV as a mask and leave it on for 15 minutes before you take a bath. You can also use ACV as a final rinse after your head wash.
• Try using aspirin:  Aspirin is a commonly used pain reliever that almost everyone carries in their bags. The main ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, which is anti-inflammatory and is the main ingredient in a lot of dandruff shampoos. Try crushing a couple of tablets of aspirin and add to your shampoo. Use this to wash your hair. You will start seeing results from the first wash.

All these tips for preventing dandruff and flakes help you take care of the condition using products you have at home. Eating healthy food, choosing natural hair care products, and following a healthy hair care regime all help control dandruff and flaking. Give these tips a try and you will not be disappointed.