Confession: I’ve always had a little dandruff, but I’ve definitely noticed a few more pesky flakes as of late. Yet instead of reaching for Head and Shoulders, I prompted myself to try all-natural beauty remedies.
My dandruff is most likely a result from my dry skin, but the white flakes have a whole host of causes besides dryness: irritated skin, oily skin, not shampooing enough, sensitivity to hair products and malassezia, the yeast-like fungus that lives on everyone’s scalp and unknowingly causes flakes for some. With the vastness of conditions, it’s no wonder it’s so common. Growing up, I always had friends who suffered from a little dandruff, and even my boyfriend is dealing with the hair nuisance too.
For the past few months, I’ve been experimenting with different dandruff cures and have just recently started using natural solutions biweekly for dandruff. Good news: While I am still at the beginning stages of doing this routine, I have noticed improvement and better hair. Below are my recommendations for dandruff home remedies.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is not only super moisturizing, but it is also an anti-fungal treatment, a double whammy for taking care of dandruff. Slather some coconut oil in your hair and leave to up to an hour if you like (I usually do around 30 minutes) and then rinse off in the shower.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is now one of my go-to products for so many ailments. I use it as a breath-freshener, skin brightener, and drink it with hot water every day to boost my immune system. It also works to relieve dandruff. The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes your scalp’s pH, making it harder for the malassezia yeast to grow. Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water and leave on your hair for up to an hour. Rinse out in the shower. Apple cider vinegar also works great at making your hair ultra-soft and shiny.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is often used in all-natural shampoos that treat dandruff. So adding a few drops to your shampoo can also work as a good alternative.
Olive oil
Olive oil is also another moisturizing hair treatment to try out on a dry scalp. It is one of the best oils to treat dryness, helps repair dry, coarse hair, and is non-irritating. Use the olive oil hair treatment the same way as the coconut oil option.
Baking soda
Washing your hair with baking soda might be the miracle trick for dandruff. Wet your hair and massage your scalp with baking soda then rinse. Baking soda reduces overactive fungi and is perfect for a no-shampoo alternative. I definitely suggest, though, conditioning with coconut or olive oil since your hair can get dried out from the baking soda initially.
Natural treatments to avoid:
Some sites recommend a few all-natural alternatives that might actually do more harm than good. Lemon juice, while great as a salt alternative and in your water, is best to avoid on hair and skin. Lemon can help naturally lighten your hair, but it will also definitely dry out your hair, so it’s best to avoid this option.
More Natural Beauty solutions: How to Grow Out Your Hair Faster
__
Photo: lulia.pironea via Flickr
