Dealing with dandruff can be embarrassing and frustrating, but you may have some surprising cures right in your kitchen! Chemical shampoos and treatments may be tough on your hair, especially considering they can strip natural bacteria which may be beneficial to your skin.
According to Paula Simpson, author of Good Bacteria for Healthy Skin, “more recent research indicates that an imbalance in scalp microflora may also be a key factor in dandruff.” This suggests that focusing on balancing your natural bacteria naturally may be key to effective treatment for dandruff.
These 4 DIY treatments are safe, easy, and will even make your hair healthier. Best of all, they’re all natural!
- Raw Honey
Honey has long been used as a natural remedy for skin and hair issues like dandruff, psoriasis, and dry scalp. Raw honey is naturally anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and high in antioxidants, as well as being a natural humectant, pulling in moisture from the environment. A 2001 study showed that using a diluted raw honey hair mask every other day and leaving it on for 3 hours relieved itching and scaling in as little as one week. Skin lesions healed within 2 weeks. However, participants who did not continue the treatment relapsed within 2-4 months. Raw honey can also be used in combination with other home hair mask ingredients, like eggs or yogurt, for an added boost.
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another commonly used natural treatment, as it is also anti-fungal and anti-microbial, as well as anti-inflammatory. Tea tree oil is very gentle on skin, but should never be used outside of a mixture, such as adding a few drops to shampoo or coconut oil, as it can be irritating to those with sensitive skin. Tea tree oil kills the fungus that causes dandruff while moisturizing and clearing the scalp, allowing increased hair growth and a healthier scalp.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a widely used moisturizer with anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It is gentle enough to be used daily on the scalp and is great for cleansing and moisturizing irritated areas. Aloe can be used as a scalp mask under a hot towel or for a daily scalp massage to cleanse and rejuvenate. Aloe juice can also be mixed into hair products for continuous treatment.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular hair rinse that is anti-fungal and can help the scalp’s PH balance. It kills fungus that causes dandruff but also is full of vitamins and minerals for a healthy scalp. Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe an irritated and itchy scalp. Using apple cider vinegar as a treatment is as easy as mixing up to 5 tablespoons into water and using as a rinse after washing the hair. Apple cider vinegar should always be diluted, as it is an acid and can have effects opposite of what is intended when overused or used improperly.
Dandruff is an extremely common and uncomfortable ailment. These simple ingredients can be found in most kitchens or grocery stores. They can even all be mixed and matched for added effect! Try these all-natural cures mixed into a favorite conditioner, combined or with other natural ingredients like yogurt or avocado, or on their own and say goodbye to dandruff!
