Flake Off: 9 Natural Remedies for Dandruff That Actually Work
Let's be real, dandruff isn't cute. Itchy scalp and white flakes will not only make you uncomfortable but also self-conscious. A lot of things can cause dandruff but, luckily, there are also plenty of things that will help get rid of those pesky flakes.
Check out these nine all-natural home remedies that will end your dandruff for good!
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a classic dandruff remedy. It has been proven to have anti-fungal properties that will help cleanse dandruff-causing Malassezia bacteria. You can add a few drops to your favorite shampoo and wash as normal.
Studies show tea tree oil reduced symptoms in 41 percent of reported dandruff cases. This oil may cause irritation to sensitive skin, though, so it's best to dilute it in a carrier oil before adding it to your shampoo.
A good carrier oil for this would be something like coconut oil or olive oil.
2. Hot Oil Massage (Coconut, Olive, Jojoba)
A warm oil massage can do wonders for hydrating the scalp. Coconut oil and olive oil, for example, will hydrate a dry scalp and leave you with shiny, soft hair.
Coconut oil is also proven to be anti-microbial properties, which will soothe an itchy scalp.
Jojoba oil is a more popular choice among those with thick, curly hair. It helps balance sebum production, which in turn, will reduce dandruff.
Just grab your favorite oil and give your scalp a good massage. This practice will also increase circulation to your scalp, removing buildup product and dirt from your hair follicles, eliminating dandruff.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar is an amazing healer. It has a million amazing properties, but it's a "tried and true" dandruff home remedy.
This natural product has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Thanks to these beneficial effects, it can help reduce the itchy scalp symptom that comes with dandruff.
Apple cider vinegar will also balance the pH of the scalp, thus reducing dandruff. Try diluting ACV in some warm water and rinsing your scalp with this mixture after your applying regular shampoo to alleviate itchiness.
4. Raw Honey Mask
You might be looking at this suggestion like: "honey... in my hair? Wouldn't that make it a sticky mess?!" But raw honey has some incredible medicinal properties! It helps heal the scalp and destroys bacteria.
Raw honey also prevents pathogen infections and reduces the microbes that cause dandruff. To make this sticky remedy more manageable, dilute two or three tablespoons of raw honey in 2/3 cup warm water.
Massage the mixture onto your scalp, rinse, and condition.
5. Aloe Vera
This home remedy for dandruff can be grown right in your backyard. Aloe vera is proven to help treat skin conditions like burns, psoriasis, and cold sores.
This succulent has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that help get rid of dandruff and prevent it from coming back. Aloe vera also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that will drastically reduce the itchiness of dandruff.
Massage it into your scalp before shampooing to ward dandruff for good.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics can help get rid of dandruff and prevent it from coming back in the long run. These beneficial microorganisms help improve the overall immune system, which can help fight against dandruff.
This home remedy has been proven to help decrease other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis too.
7. Aspirin Wash
Salicylic acid is the main active ingredient in dandruff shampoos. It's also the main ingredient in aspirin! This compound helps you get rid of dandruff by loosening flakes so that they can be washed away.
Just crush up one or two Aspirin tablets and add them to about a quarter-sized amount of shampoo. Massage the mixture on your scalp and let it sit for five to 10 minutes, rinse well, and shampoo.
8. Baking Soda Rinse
Baking soda acts as a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells, which will help eliminate flakes and reduce dandruff. It has anti-fungal properties that will help prevent dandruff from coming back.
Due to its anti-fungal effects, this natural remedy can inhibit the growth of pathogens that cause dandruff. It can also be used to significantly reduce the itchiness of psoriasis and eczema.
Massage baking soda into your scalp and hair, let sit for a minute or two, then rinse and shampoo as normal.
9. Reduce Stress
Stress can aggravate a number of medical conditions and contribute to chronic conditions and mental problems. While stress won't cause dandruff, it can make it worse.
Long periods of stress can reduce your body's ability to fight off fungal infections and skin conditions that contribute to dandruff. Many people claim that the majority of their outbreaks were preceded by a stressful event.
Try picking up a new hobby to help fight stress, such as yoga or meditation.
Try These Home Remedies for Dandruff
White flakes and an itchy scalp will make anyone uncomfortable and self-conscious, but the cure can be as easy as walking to your fridge! With a few, simple ingredients, you'll be on your way to flake-free, beautiful hair and get rid of dandruff for good.
You can use these home remedies by themselves or pair them with an over-the-counter shampoo to maximize their effects.
An itchy, dry scalp has many causes and even more cures, but the itchiness can also be a symptom of an underlying condition. If flakes and itchiness continue, consider the help of a professional. Don't wait until it's too late.
In the meantime, check out our other blog posts to keep up with the latest beauty insight and tips!