Dandruff is one of the most irritating hair problems that often leave an individual embarrassed in the crowd. It is the flakes of dead skin forming on the scalp. Formation of a little flaking on the scalp is normal, as the dead skin cells tend to flake but when the amount of flaking exceeds the normal limit then it becomes an essential nuisance and gives rise to various unpleasant consequences. In the first place, as these skin flakes are very much visible so it impairs the looks and personality of a person to a great extent. As the white flakes of the person fill-up the scalp, it comes over to the upper level of the hair and starts showing off in the dark-colored clothes. Therefore, this in turn not only shields of the good looks and attributes one with an untidy appearance. Dandruff also leads to redness of the scalp and excessive irritation, which in turn makes the situation far more unpleasant. Dandruff falling on the face also gives rise to ugly pimples, which is in every way undesirable. There are various medical and household remedies to fight dandruff. Here is a brief overview on the various types, causes, and prevention of dandruff. This will surely assist you to cope up with the necessary evil called dandruff. Types of Dandruff Pityriasis-capitis: This is the dry form of dandruff and often fall from the scalp as dry white flakes, as the scalp continue shedding the dry skin cells, which greatly depend on the health, diet and stress level of an individual. Seborrhea Dermatitis: These are the thick, oily, scaly crusts of dandruff that essentially require medical treatment. However, if it exists in a mild form, then washing the hair on a regular basis with an anti-dandruff shampoo comprising Selenium or coal tar extract can prevent it to largely. Causes of DandruffAs skin cells die at a rapid pace and are replaced within one-two weeks, it gives rise to dandruff, as the dead skin cells tend to shed in clumps. Thus, small white or grayish patches of dandruff occur on the scalp.The overactive sebaceous gland is also one of the major reasons behind dandruff. Genetic factors, food allergies, excessive perspiration, use of alkaline soaps, yeast infections, and stress are also some of the common causes of dandruff Seasonal changes such as exposure of the scalp to the cool dry weather during winter also triggers up the formation of dandruff. Excessive UV rays can also be considered as one of the causes of dandruff. Poor nutrition, especially, Zinc deficiency can lead to dandruff and it might also appear as the aftereffect of some critical illness. Treatment for DandruffA proper hair care can treat the mild variety of dandruff well. Using an anti-dandruff shampoo regularly can prevent the hazard largely.The anti-dandruff shampoo must possess some chemical properties, such as Pyrithione Zinc, Selenium sulfide, Salicylic acid Neutrogena T/Sal, Ketoconazole Nizoral A-D, Coal tar and Tea tree oil. They are the most effective elements to fight dandruff.It is better to switch to shampoos with different formulations. So never keep on using the same anti-dandruff shampoo as the scalp might get immune to the active ingredients of the shampoo and reap no result. Thus a situation called tachyphylaxis occurs.Hot oil therapy is one of the useful remedies to cure dandruff. Massage hot oil on the scalp at bedtime. Rub lemon juice mixed with vinegar into the scalp, next morning and then after some time rinse it off with egg shampoo. - A hot towel treatment is also good for resisting dandruff. Take a hot damp towel, massage hot oil on the scalp and put it like a turban on the head. The steam fights the dandruff - Boil five tsp of dry tea leaves in water and use the extract as the last rinse after shampoo. This not only fights dandruff but also acts as a great conditioner offering nourishment, shine, and volume to the hair. - Take a handful of baking soda and rub it into the hair instead of shampoo. This absorbs excess oil and makes dandruff lose. Don't use a shampoo and rinse the hair thoroughly with water. The hair might look dry initially but as the dandruff is removed it resumes a glossy look.