As anyone who has ever dealt with dandruff can tell you, it can be a real pain – uh, itch – and it definitely detracts from one’s physical appearance.
Just what causes it? The Mayo Clinic ascribes dandruff to several potential causes…
- Irritated, oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis)
- Not shampooing often enough
- A yeast-like fungus (malassezia)
- Dry skin
- Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
Most of the causes can be remedied with a change of habit or over-the-counter solutions – but commercial products often expose you to chemicals and artificial ingredients – or they can be expensive.
Here are some remedies we researched that may offer a more natural – or less costly – option. Check them out!
1) Plain old aspirin
Salicylic acid, which is found in the majority of dandruff shampoos, is also a key ingredient in aspirin.
Simply crush two tablets into a fine power and combine with normal shampoo. Apply the aspirin-shampoo solution to your hair, leave in for one to two minutes, rinse and rewash with normal shampoo.
2) Tea tree oil
Adding a couple of drops to your shampoo, or using a shampoo containing tea tree oil, significantly reduces the severity of dandruff in your hair.
3) Baking soda
Baking soda can be a very effective dandruff remedy. Simply wet your hair, apply a generous amount of baking soda to your scalp, massage in, then rinse.
4) Apple cider vinegar
This common salad dressing ingredient also works wonders in getting rid of dandruff! The acidity of the vinegar changes the pH level of your scalp, thereby making it an environment non-conducive for the microbes causing dandruff to grow.
Simply measure out ¼ cup apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup water and pour the solution in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto your scalp, and leave in your hair for 15-60 minutes, depending on severity. Wrap your hair in a towel for best results, and then wash as normal (Note: lettuce, tomatoes and onions not necessary 🙂 ).
5) Mouthwash (Say what?)
If you have a really bad case of dandruff, in-between your normal shampoo and conditioner routine, rinse your hair with an alcohol-based mouthwash. The antiseptic properties just might eliminate the flakes.
6) Coconut oil
An hour prior to showering, massage three to five tablespoons of coconut oil into your hair, rinse and shampoo as normal.
7) Lemon
The acidity of a lemon helps balance the pH of your scalp. Simply massage in two tablespoons of lemon juice and rinse with water.
8) Salt
Salt works really well when you apply it to dry hair as the abrasiveness of the crystals scrubs the dandruff out of your hair. For best results, pair with a dandruff-specific shampoo.
9) Aloe Vera
Combat the itchiness that comes with dandruff with this natural “miracle”. Prior to shampooing, massage some aloe vera into your scalp and continue with your normal hair washing routine.
10) Garlic (Huh?)
Garlic contains strong antimicrobial properties that can help – but of course, on its own, it doesn’t smell very good. For some reason, honey kills the odor. Get a bowl, mash garlic cloves using a garlic press, add about seven tablespoons of organic honey and stir. Saturate your hair and scalp with the mixture, and massage in.
Leave for five to 10 minutes and then rinse. (Note: If you suddenly develop the urge for a pizza, followed by a sweet dessert, you’ll know why.)
11) Olive oil
Best used to combat dandruff when applied to the scalp and left to soak overnight. Follow with your regular shampoo routine in the morning.
So there you have it – time-tested. somewhat natural, dandruff remedies. Though the fight against dandruff can be long and arduous, using these just might help you scratch and flake a little less! Good luck!