Nobody is immune to a dry and itchy scalp. That’s why we want you to have the best possible hair care routine,no matter what you put your hair through. Here are our favorite home remedies for dandruff that will help you get rid of flaky hair, relieve an itchy scalp, and say goodbye to dandruff (for good!).
Table of Contents
WHAT IS DANDRUFF?
Dandruff isn’t just related to your hair. Instead, it’s caused by overgrown skin cells that become flaky and fall off your scalp. It’s technically a cosmetic problem, but worth investigating the thing that’s causing it.
CAUSES OF DANDRUFF
IRRITATED, OILY SKIN
When consumers have a condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis, they can sometimes experience dandruff. Seborrheic Dermatitis causes scaly patches on the skin, as well as oil and irritation. This can result in flakes of skin that appear as dandruff.
DRY SKIN
A dry scalp can lead to a variety of problems. In winter, you will notice your skin is really dry and flaky. This can become even more severe if you’re using heated rooms indoors. Have you ever noticed how your skin needs extra moisturizer during the winter? Well, it’s no different for your scalp! When the skin on your scalp is too dry, it will start to produce large flakes instead of smaller non-oily flakes like dandruff that is caused by oily skin.
NOT BRUSHING YOUR HAIR ENOUGH
Brushing your hair regularly will do more than give you a polished look. It’s also good for your health! Increased blood flow to the scalp and healthy skin cells can help prevent future problems, like dandruff. What’s more, it can be a lovely, relaxing pastime.
USING THE WRONG HAIR PRODUCTS
If you are still uncertain as to why you have dandruff, take a look at what hair products you use. Some hair products can cause an inflamed, itchy scalp. This is because shampooing your hair too often can further irritate the scalp and cause dandruff. We recommend using dry shampoo instead so it absorbs excess oil in your hair and lessens the chance of having dandruff.
HOME REMEDIES FOR DANDRUFF
BAKING SODA
When bakers and cooks make cookies, they need one thing: baking soda. Just like when people wash their hair! Baking soda removes excess oil produced by the scalp, washing away that grease that contributes to dandruff. It’s not only a natural antiseptic, it helps balance the pH of your hair too. With all these amazing benefits, there’s no wonder why some people have turned baking soda into a DIY dandruff shampoo.
STEP 1
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water to make a paste.
STEP 2
To use this method effectively, start by sectioning off your hair. Divide it into sections, and then apply a few drops of olive oil to each section. Next, put the paste on your scalp and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before rinsing out.
STEP 3
Rinse the mixture well to get all of the soap out. For best results, repeat this procedure regularly—once or twice a week.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy for dandruff because it has probiotics and anti-inflammatory properties that kill bacteria, viruses, and yeast. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe scalp irritations caused by dandruff, while its high acidity makes it more difficult for bacteria and fungus to grow on your skin.
Apple cider vinegar also acts as a mild conditioner, soothing the scalp and adding shine and bounce to hair. Tip: even if you don’t have dandruff, apple cider vinegar is great during the winter to keep your hair looking luscious.
STEP 1
Place 1/4th of a cup of water into a bowl. Add an equal amount of Apple Cider Vinegar. Mix them together in the bowl.
STEP 2
Massage the mixture into your scalp, then leave it on for about 10–15 minutes.
STEP 3
Wet your face. Apply a little of the mask and then wait for about 10 minutes. Rinse off with cold water. Repeat this routine regularly every few days to see results.
BANANA & AVOCADO
Introducing a spa experience for your hair: bananas and avocados. They go on your scalp like a moisturizer, keeping those dry flakes at bay and reducing the inflammation that causes dandruff. And what’s most important? This treatment is all you need for gorgeous locks. Antioxidants in avocados keep the skin cells around your scalp happy and healthy, while bananas are good for conditioning your hair and keeping it soft.
STEP 1
If your scalp is itchy, mash two ripe bananas and one ripe avocado together, apply the mixture all over your scalp, and leave on for 15 minutes.
STEP 2
Keep it in your hair for at least 30 minutes, then rinse it out with cold water. Repeat this regularly until the itchiness goes away.
TEA TREE OIL
Tea tree oil is one of our favorite, essential oils! It has natural anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which can help relieve a dry scalp or an itchy scalp. Tea tree oil comes from Myrtle leaves that are native to Australia and have been used for at least 100 years in Australia. And the uses for tea tree oil are endless! You can use it make homemade cleaning products, treat skin issues, treat viral infections–and of course get rid of dandruff. What’s even better? A little bit goes a long way!
STEP 1
Follow these steps to mix three drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil:
- Measure out and pour the oils into a bowl.
- Add the drops of tea tree oil.
- Slowly and thoroughly mix the mixture.
STEP 2
Massage the shampoo into your scalp and then rinse it out thoroughly with water. The smell of tea tree oil is a bit strong, so you may want to do this before going to sleep or on days when you’re home relaxing. Off-topic: the other day I got a pimple and applied some tea tree oil to it. Come morning, the pimple was down to a red dot.
