Dandruff. Just saying the word can make us feel uncomfortable. Whether you’ve dealt with flaking and a relentlessly itchy scalp before, or you’re completely new to this frustrating condition, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 50 million Americans are dealing with dandruff today.
Beyond causing physical discomfort, dandruff has emotional effects, as well. Those little white flakes can have an oversized impact on confidence, especially when you’re wearing your favorite black shirt. No one wants the embarrassment of sporting specks all over their shoulders!
The good news is, there are tons of dandruff treatments available, from over-the-counter (OTC) options to natural remedies that you can create right at home.
What is dandruff?
Affecting a staggering 50% of the world’s population, dandruff is a scalp condition characterized by itchy, flaking and sometimes tingling skin.
Left unchecked, dandruff’s uglier cousin, seborrheic dermatitis, can develop and affect the scalp and other seborrheic or oily areas of the body (such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest). These symptoms involve itchy and flaking or scaling skin, inflammation and pruritus (extremely itchy skin).
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Dry skin, eczema, psoriasis or Malassezia (a yeast-like fungus)
- Harsh climate, especially cold, dry winters and indoor heating (which can further dry out our skin)
- A lack of proper vitamins, poor immunity, or too much stress
- Allergic reactions or sensitivity to hair and skin products
- Not shampooing enough (oil and dead skin cells build up on your scalp) and shampooing too often (can strip hair of oils, causing dry scalp)
How to treat dandruff naturally
As irritating as dandruff is, don’t lose hope! Along with OTC treatments for dandruff, there are a number of natural remedies that can help.
Combine the natural remedies listed below with natural dandruff solutions, such as Jane Carter Solution Scalp Nourishing Serum, to maximize the effectiveness of your DIY treatments.
DIY natural dandruff remedies
Tea tree oil and lemongrass oil
Both tea tree oil and lemongrass oil have antimicrobial and antiinflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity and symptoms of dandruff – and they smell wonderful, too!
DIY dandruff treatment:
Mix either tea tree essential oil or lemongrass essential oil into a dollop of your shampoo, lather up on your scalp, let sit for three to five minutes, then rinse. You can also mix these essential oils with coconut oil for an at-home hair mask.
*Do not apply tea tree oil or lemongrass oil directly onto skin as it is very potent and can irritate the skin and even cause an allergic reaction.
- Also, try Jason Normalizing Treatment Shampoo Tea Tree to harness the power of tea tree oil and fight back against dandruff!
Coconut oil
Coconut oil, another natural ingredient with antimicrobial properties, helps improve skin hydration, soothes a dry, itchy scalp and can even help calm eczema.
DIY dandruff treatment:
Scoop a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil into a bowl and add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil (we recommend tea tree oil or lemongrass oil when dealing with dandruff for their added anti-dandruff effects). Work the coconut oil mixture through your hair and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes. Wash out and voilá! Repeat this hair mask once every two weeks to help ease your dandruff symptoms.
Aloe Vera
Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, aloe vera helps calm inflammation and itchiness in skin – including the scalp. This miracle-working plant also contains powerful bioactive compounds like amino acids and antioxidants which help to improve moisture-retention – and even promote wound healing.
DIY dandruff treatment:
Squeeze a dollop of aloe vera jelly into your hands and work through your scalp. Allow it to sit for five to ten minutes, then wash out. Repeat this hair mask every other week to replenish your scalp!
- Also, try Mill Creek Botanicals Dandruff Control Shampoo for a soothing aloe vera itchy scalp treatment!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another wonder-working liquid that’s great for your insides and outsides, apple cider vinegar is thought to help remove the build-up of dead skin cells as well as balance the pH of the scalp – and one study reports that it may even prevent the growth of certain fungus-types.
DIY dandruff treatment:
Add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your shampoo, or combine it with some essential oils and spray onto your scalp. Allow it to sit for 3 to 5 minutes, then wash out.
- Can’t get enough apple cider vinegar? Check out these 9 Must-Have products for the Apple Cider Vinegar Obsessed!
Baking soda
An everyday household item, baking soda has antifungal properties that can help to relieve itchiness and skin irritation. It also can act as a gentle exfoliant to your scalp, removing dead skin cells and inhibiting the growth of common strains of fungi that cause skin infections.
DIY dandruff treatment:
Apply a few spoonfuls of baking soda directly to your wet hair and massage into your scalp. Allow to sit for one to two minutes, then wash out with your shampoo.
Aspirin
Not just for aches and pains, aspirin is thought to be effective in relieving seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff. Because it contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos, aspirin is believed to help exfoliate excess dead skin cells, prevent sebum (oil) build-up and even reduce inflammation on the scalp.
DIY dandruff treatment:
Crush up two uncoated aspirin tablets and add the fine powder into a dollop of your shampoo. Work through your hair, let sit for three to five minutes, then rinse out.
- Also try Avalon Organics Therapy Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with its powerful salicylic acid properties to treat and prevent dandruff!
Change your diet & lifestyle
- Probiotics – These beneficial bacteria are thought to support healthy immunity, and they may even reduce the severity of dandruff. To ensure you get plenty of probiotics, eat yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut and natto.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Important for healthy skin and hair, omega-3s are believed to help manage oil production, calm inflammation and improve hydration. Eat more salmon, trout, mackerel, fish/fish oil. chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts to get more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet!
- Zinc – This is an important mineral that supports the immune system and promotes healthy cell growth, especially in the skin. Many dandruff shampoos contain zinc pyrithione because it helps to prevent fungal growth and removes dead skin cells. To get more zinc in your diet, load up on whole grains, nuts and animal proteins.
- Reduce Stress – Because stress can weaken the immune system and decrease the body’s ability to fight infections (that can lead to dandruff), adjusting your lifestyle to lessen stress may have the added benefit of getting rid of white flakes on your shoulders. Try incorporating more stress-relieving activities into your life, such as meditation, yoga, exercise, aromatherapy and more!
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