Dandruff is one of the most common health issues of today, characterized by an itchy and flakey scalp. This itchiness occurs because the scalp is shedding an excessive amount of dead skin cells, irritating the skin and causing the small white flakes associated with the problem.
Some people suffer from dandruff continuously while others have periods of dandruff that come and go depending on a number of environmental and health factors.
Because there is a negative stigma attached to having dandruff, this minor health condition can cause some people significant social and emotional problems in addition to the discomfort actually caused by dandruff.
What Causes Dandruff?
In reality, dandruff can be caused by many different problems or changes of environment or physiology. Some of the most common causes are:
- Skin dryness (the most common)
- Shampooing too often
- Eczema of the scalp
- Psoriasis (skin disease)
- Malassezia (yeast-like fungus)
- High levels of sebum (oil secreted by the skin)
- Allergy or intolerance to some environmental factor
How Can You Treat Dandruff Naturally?
Treatment for dandruff usually comes in the form of a cream or treated shampoo. Those you buy in the supermarket, if not explicitly organic, almost inevitably contain a mix of chemicals that can sometimes irritate your skin even further.
Some of these over the counter products target the bacteria or fungi that may be causing your dandruff while others focus on hydrating your skin to prevent the death of scalp cells. If you are not sure what is causing your dandruff exactly, this array of options can be confusing and lead you to choose a product that will not get to the source of your individual problem.
Choosing to treat your dandruff naturally is a cheaper alternative that offers milder solutions by treating various potential causes of your dandruff, providing similar and sometimes even more long-lasting results then over the counter medications.
What are some natural, homemade solutions you can take advantage of to treat your dandruff problem effectively and safely?
Aspirin
Aspirin can be used to treat your dandruff problem because of its active ingredient salicylic acid. This element is commonly used to treat many types of bacterial infections and is found in many anti-dandruff shampoos.
To make your own dandruff-curing shampoo with aspirin, simply mash up to two aspirins and add them to a small bottle of your normal shampoo. Wash your hair with this shampoo, leaving it to soak in for a couple minutes, before rinsing and washing your hair once more with regular shampoo.
Tea Tree Oil
Another natural treatment for dandruff is tea tree oil. The active ingredients in tea tree oil act as antiseptic and antifungal medications that are commonly used to treat minor bacterial infections. This homeopathic medication is better for you if you think your dandruff is being caused by a fungus instead of bacteria.
Some organic shampoos used in the treatment of dandruff already contain tea tree oil, but you can always make your own by adding some tea tree oil bought from a producer of natural goods so that the solution is roughly 5% tea tree oil, 95% normal shampoo.
Baking Soda
Even baking soda, found in most kitchens as a cleaning agent, can help refresh your scalp and get rid of dead skin cells, attacking any fungus that may be causing you problems. Simply add a handful of baking soda to wet hair and wash your hair and scalp as normal.
Once finished, wash out the baking soda and condition as usual. This treatment may cause dryness initially, and therefore may not be the best option for those who think that their dandruff is being caused by a dry scalp.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is frequently used as a homeopathic treatment around the world to get rid of dandruff. This natural medicine can affect the pH of your scalp, making it difficult for any dandruff-causing yeast to grow.
Use this natural remedy by adding a quarter cup of vinegar to half a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray your scalp and let sit, wrapped in a towel, for fifteen minutes to an hour. Repeat twice a week for prevention.
Coconut Oil
Worried about smelling like vinegar or baking soda? No worries! Coconut oil is another natural treatment for dandruff that smells great. Try rubbing 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil into your scalp about an hour before washing your hair.
Then, wash and condition your hair normally. You should see results in no time.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can also be used as a homeopathic treatment for dandruff. Like apple cider vinegar, the acid in lemon juice can prevent infections from flourishing on your scalp.
Some shampoos may contain lemon juice, but you can easily make your own lemon juice treatment by massaging about two tablespoons of lemon juice into your scalp, rinsing with water, and then rinsing again with a mixture of one teaspoon lemon juice with one cup water.
Repeat this process everyday and watch your dandruff disappear.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a common ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. It both relieves the irritation and itching that accompanies dandruff and acts as an antiseptic to prevent further problems.
Rub some fresh aloe vera directly onto your scalp a little while before washing your hair normally for a soothing and natural dandruff treatment.
Garlic
Garlic is actually a great natural weapon against problematic bacteria and fungus. Unfortunately, its strong smell often deters many people from choosing it as the first choice homeopathic treatment, but this is no reason not to give it a try yourself.
Simply crush some fresh garlic and massage it into your scalp. You can minimize its smell by first mixing it with honey if you like, or washing your hair with your normal shampoo directly after application.
Olive Oil
The many uses of olive oil never seem to disappoint. A natural way to banish your dandruff for good is by using olive oil. It will work to both calm your skin and prevent future flakes. It should not be difficult to find a shampoo that includes olive oil, but you can easily make your own by adding a few tablespoons to the shampoo you usually use.
You can also treat your scalp directly with olive oil, massaging about ten drops into your scalp and letting it set in under a towel over night. Shampoo your hair normally the next day.
Fenugreek Seeds
Usually used as a spice, fenugreek seeds can also fight against dandruff. Make your own fenugreek seed treatment by mashing the seeds into large pieces and letting them soak in two cups of water overnight. In the morning, strain the seeds and use the solution to rinse your hair after normal shampooing.
Conclusion
Don’t worry about over-treating or mistreating your dandruff problem in addition to spending tons of money in the process. Try some of these natural, home remedies for dandruff to get your problem under control safely and effectively. These natural cures will give you dandruff-free hair and a painless scalp in no time.
Great tips. My favorite remedy for dandruff is apple cider vinegar.