7 Natural Ways to Deal with Dandruff

Dandruff is probably one of the most annoying hair issues, because well, it’s a visible one. Just like the skin on the rest of your body can get flaky when it’s irritated, your scalp can start flaking if it’s irritated, too dry or too oily, or if you’re sunburnt, have a fungal overgrowth, are prone to eczema or sensitive to a product you’re using. Most people who experience dandruff think their scalps are just doomed to a flaky existence, or that they have to turn to harsh medicated shampoos. Not so!

7 Natural Dandruff Remedies

Here are 7 ways to balance out your scalp and to get rid of dandruff naturally—using products you probably already have.

Note that these methods work best when used continuously over time. Try them a couple times per week for a month and see if your scalp seems healthier!

1. Tea Tree Oil

A few drops of anti-fungal tea tree oil added to your shampoo (or a DIY tea tree shampoo) can help minimize flakes. You can also massage it right on your scalp, but make sure you dilute in a carrier oil like olive or jojoba.

2. Baking Soda

In addition to its uses as a toothpaste and body scrub, a baking soda shampoo can help get rid of styling product build-up (which could be a cause of your flakes) and get your scalp’s oil levels back to normal.

3. Fenugreek Seeds

To combat dandruff, soak two tablespoons of protein- and lecithin-rich fenugreek seeds overnight, then ground them into a paste and apply to the scalp. Leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing. This remedy can also help with thinning hair.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Rinsing your hair with this wonder ingredient can help nix flakes and balance the pH of your scalp and hair. Try this herb-infused DIY rinse. You can also spritz it onto your scalp with a spray bottle, leave in for 15 minutes and rinse.

5. Coconut Oil

Seriously, what can’t coconut oil do? Massage a few tablespoons of coconut oil into your scalp and let it sit for about an hour before you shampoo—or look for a shampoo that contains coconut oil. This also works with olive oil, although coconut oil’s a little easier to work with

6. Lemon Juice

Like apple cider vinegar, the acidity of lemon can help bring your scalp’s pH back into balance. Put a few teaspoons of lemon juice onto your scalp and massage, then rinse with water. You can also add a little lemon juice into the water you’ll use to rinse your hair after shampooing.

7. Aloe Vera

If itching is becoming bothersome, aloe can treat that immediate symptom (after all, itching will only make it worse!) as well as balance your scalp’s oil production out over the long term.

What methods do you use to combat dandruff?

Photos by Ana Stanciu

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