Do you find yourself constantly scratching your head because of an itchy scalp? How about those annoying white flakes that fall from your head onto your shoulders? You’re not alone. Many people experience dandruff, which is not only uncomfortable, but can also be quite embarrassing in public. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite home remedies for dandruff that will help you reduce a dry scalp, relieve your itchy scalp, and say goodbye to dandruff.
WHAT IS DANDRUFF?
Dandruff isn’t so much about your hair, as it is about your scalp. Dandruff is basically due to the overgrowth of skin cells, which flake and fall off the scalp. Technically, it’s just a cosmetic problem and dandruff in itself is harmless, however, what is causing dandruff is worth some looking into.
CAUSES OF DANDRUFF
IRRITATED, OILY SKIN
You likely have experienced dandruff if you suffer from a condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis. This condition affects many areas of the skin, including the scalp. This causes scaly patches, and oily, irritated skin that flakes off as dandruff.
DRY SKIN
This is especially an issue during winter months, as the cold winter air, combined with heated rooms indoors can cause an itchy scalp and flaking skin. Have you ever noticed how your skin tends to get dry or flaky during the winter, and needs that extra dose of moisturizer? Your scalp is the same! During colder months, the skin on your scalp gets dry, resulting in white flakes. Dandruff that is caused by dry skin, rather than oily skin, usually falls off in smaller, non-oily flakes.
NOT BRUSHING YOUR HAIR ENOUGH
This may seem very simple, however, brushing your hair regularly increases blood flow to the scalp, and helps in the normal shedding of skin cells, reducing the risk of dandruff. An added bonus: it’s totally relaxing!
USING THE WRONG HAIR PRODUCTS
If you are still uncertain as to why you have dandruff, take a look at the hair products you are using, as some hair products can lead to an inflamed, itchy scalp. Shampooing your hair too often could also irritate the scalp further, causing dandruff, so we recommend to make use of dry shampoo instead, to soak up excess oils in your hair.
OR…
Other causes could include medical reasons such as eczema, psoriasis, fungus or bacterial infections on the scalp, in which case we recommend consulting a doctor.
HOME REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF
BAKING SODA
Baking soda is not only amazing for baking cookies, but is also a powerful disinfectant when it comes to cleaning anything, including your scalp. Baking soda removes the excess oils produced by the scalp, washing off that extra grease that contributes to dandruff. Not only that, dandruff is a natural antiseptic, as well as helps balance the pH level of the scalp, making it a great DIY dandruff shampoo.
STEP 1
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water until you reach the perfect paste consistency.
STEP 2
For best results, part your hair in sections and apply a few drops of olive oil before spreading the paste on your scalp, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
STEP 3
Thoroughly rinse the mixture out. For best results, repeat this procedure regularly—once or twice a week.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple Cider Vinegar is a great home remedy for dandruff because it has probiotics and anti-inflammatory properties that kill viruses and yeast that cause itchiness on the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe scalp irritations caused by dandruff, while the high acidity makes it more difficult for dandruff that causes bacteria and fungus to grow. Apple cider vinegar also acts as a mild conditioner, soothing the scalp and adding shine and bounce to the hair.
Tip: even if you aren’t suffering from dandruff, Apple Cider Vinegar is amazing to keep your hair looking luscious during the dry winter months.
STEP 1
Mix half a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar with half a cup of water.
STEP 2
Massage it well into your scalp and then leave it in for about 10–15 minutes.
STEP 3
Rinse off with cold water. Repeat this routine regularly every few days until you start seeing results.
LEMON JUICE
Have you ever gotten lemon juice on a recent cut? Did it sting like crazy? That’s because lemons contain antiseptic properties, which is why they are a great home remedy for an itchy scalp and dry scalp. Lemon juice, much like Apple cider vinegar is acidic, and therefore alters the pH level of the scalp, banishing unwanted dandruff causing bacteria and fungus. Keep in mind, however that lemon juice is just a temporary fix since the pH level of your scalp changes throughout the day.
STEP 1
Massage fresh lemon juice onto your scalp and leave it in for 5 minutes. We recommend testing a drop of lemon juice on a small part of your scalp first—if it really stings, then dilute the juice with water.
STEP 2
Repeat this procedure at least daily until the itchiness goes away.
BANANA & AVOCADO
This is pretty much a smoothie for your scalp. Bananas and avocados are great dandruff treatments because they are both extremely moisturizing, which means they can reduce those dry flakes and inflammation. Avocados are rich in antioxidants, which keep the skin cells on your scalp happy and healthy, while bananas are especially great for conditioning the scalp and hair
STEP 1
Mash two bananas with one avocado and apply all over your scalp where it is itchy.
STEP 2
Leave it in for at least 30 minutes. Rinse it out with cold water and repeat this regularly until the itchiness subsides or goes away.
TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil is one of our favorite essential oils! It has natural anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which will help relieve your dry scalp or itchy scalp. Tea tree oil comes from leaves of the Myrtle Tree, which is native to Australia, and has been widely used in Australia for at least 100 years. The uses for Tea tree oil are endless. It is used in making homemade cleaning products, healing skin issues, treating viral infections, and of course, getting rid of dandruff. What’s even better, a little bit of Tea tree oil goes a long way.
STEP 1
Mix three drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil.
STEP 2
Massage it well into your scalp and then rinse thoroughly with water. The smell of tea tree oil is a little bit strong, so you may want to do this before going to sleep or on days when you’re at home.
An off-topic side note: if you ever get an unwanted pimple, dab a little bit of tea tree oil onto it and watch it dry out overnight.
