Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. As skin cells die, a small amount of flaking is normal, however some people experience an unusually large amount of flaking either chronically or as a result of certain triggers. This can also be accompanied by redness, irritation and often causes itching. The severity of dandruff may fluctuate with season and it often worsens in winter. So if you are one of these people who suffer from dandruff, I’m sure you will find this natural treatments for dandruff helpful:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV has been known for a long time to treat dandruff due to its acidity. One cause of dandruff is excess yeast growth on the scalp, and the acidity of ACV changes the pH of the scalp, so it’s not any more an ideal environment for yeast to grow. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part water.
Wash your hair normally, then pour the mixture onto the wet hair and massage into your scalp. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water. Be careful not to let any of the mixture get into your eyes as it will burn. Repeat the treatment daily for about a week. If you love ACV, read my article about 10 uses for ACV for great health and at home. Using ACV is also one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.
2. Lemon and Yogurt
You can create a hair mask that uses 2 ingredients that are known to get rid of dandruff: lemon and yogurt. You can add honey to the mask or a few drops of carrier oil (such as almond oil) to prevent dryness of the hair. Just wash and rinse your hair, then rub the mask into the scalp, and leave for 10-15 minutes. You may apply this mask 2-3 times a week.
3. Aloe vera
The juice in the leaves of the aloe vera plant can ease dandruff, itching and scaly skin in people. Aloe vera has antiseptic properties as well as moisturizing tendency that helps in preventing the skin from drying up.
Apply aloe vera gel directly onto the affected area, let the gel remain for about an hour, and then wash your scalp under cold running water. Don’t shampoo your hair after using aloe vera.
You may apply this gel 2-3 times a week. Aloe vera is a common medicinal herb and is useful for other ailments, not just for the skin. If you want to learn more about aloe vera as well as other herbs, you can find more useful information in my e-book the Herbal Remedies Guide. This guide will teach you how to treat common ailments using herbs.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda is used in many ways, and one of them it to treat dandruff. Instead of shampooing, rub a heaping tablespoon of baking soda into your wet hair and scalp and rub the baking soda on your scalp a few times a week. Wash thoroughly after one minute and don’t use shampoo afterwards. You can see other uses for baking soda in my article 6 uses for baking soda as a kitchen medicine.
5. Coconut oil or olive oil
Warm the oil before applying to the hair. Apply a little bit of either of these oils onto your scalp and massage gently. Cover your hair with a towel and leave the oil for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. Wash with a good anti-dandruff shampoo afterwards. R
6. Tea Tree Essential Oil
There are several essential oils that are known to help treat dandruff, but probably the best known among them is the tea tree oil which is a natural antiseptic. Shampoos with at least 5% tea tree oil have been shown to effectively treat dandruff.