Whether it’s the annoyingly itchy scalp or the flakes, dandruff is a condition that does not go unnoticed by any of those who suffer from it. There are many potential underlying causes of this very common yet embarrassing condition. These include sensitivity to hair products and the growth of fungus or yeast on the scalp. Fortunately, dandruff can be easily treated. A doctor may be required for more complex cases, but there is certainly no shortage of over the counter treatments for dandruff. There is also a lot of natural, homemade remedies you can try yourself before running out to your nearest pharmacy. A few of these natural remedies have been listed below.
Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil is renowned for its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a must-have for any medicine cabinet and/ or first aid kit because of these and other healing properties. Tea tree oil is often used in the treatment of acne and is also effective for treating dandruff.
How to use: Add a few drops to a natural oil such as castor, coconut or jojoba oil, then apply your oil blend to the scalp. Alternately, tea tree oil may be added to your shampoo. You could also choose a commercial shampoo that already contains tea tree to experience the benefits it brings to your scalp.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle exfoliant and may be used to remove dead skin cells from the scalp, which can also reduce scaling and itchiness. Baking soda also has antifungal properties that can retard the growth of fungus on the scalp which is another way in which it is beneficial in the treatment of dandruff.
How to use: After shampooing, create and paste using baking soda and some water. Massage into the scalp and let sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is well regarded for its healing properties and is often used to treat skin conditions such as burns and cuts and scrapes. Like tea tree oil, aloe vera has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it effective at treating the symptoms of dandruff. Aloe vera will also soothe and calm the scalp, bringing relief from itching. Aloe vera juice or gel or whole leaf is readily available at many health food stores. Aloe vera is also an effective hair moisturizer and helps promote hair growth so using it will bring your hair and scalp many benefits.
How to use: Apply to the scalp to soothe and treat the symptoms of dandruff.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also often used as a natural remedy to get rid of dandruff. It balances the pH of the scalp, making it less favorable to fungal growth. The shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp is believed to be helped by apple cider vinegar and this is helpful in combating flaking.
How to use: Add a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or create a one to one solution with water and apply all over the hair and scalp. Rinsing is optional. In addition to the antifungal benefits, your hair will be shinier and less frizzy.
Aspirin
One of the compounds found in aspirin is salicylic acid, which gives aspirin its anti-inflammatory properties. Salicylic acid is also an ingredient found in anti-dandruff shampoos and is known to help reduce dandruff over time by preventing flaking.
How to use: Make your own salicylic acid containing dandruff shampoo at home by crushing a couple aspirin and adding them to your shampoo before a wash.
Try these remedies at home and pay close attention to how your scalp responds. No treatment is going to cure your dandruff overnight, but with consistent use you will hopefully be able to reduce your symptoms and gradually become dandruff free.
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