Experiencing dandruff can be a drag. While usually not severe in nature, it is often uncomfortable and even embarrassing. Fortunately, there is a variety of natural, affordable, and effective remedies available to help get rid of dandruff.
Dandruff refers to the white or yellow flakes that come off of your hair, often landing on your shoulders and/or clothes. Per yurielkaim.com, dandruff is comprised of dead skin cells from the scalp, which are usually shed because of oil produced by the skin to help get rid of dead cells.
Shedding dead skin cells is quite normal, but when dandruff is being produced, the shedding might be excessive. An itchy scalp often occurs in tandem with dandruff. Most cases of dandruff are not severe enough to necessitate a doctor’s attention, per mayoclinic.org.
Why Am I Getting Dandruff?
Per healthline.com, about half of people get dandruff at some point in their lives. If you are experiencing dandruff, and especially if it happens repeatedly, you might be asking, Why is this happening? It can sometimes be difficult to pin down a cause for dandruff, because there are various possible sources of the unwelcome condition. Fortunately, they are usually pretty minor and easy to address.
Per yurielkaim.com, dry skin is the most common factor in the production of dandruff. For those experiencing dandruff for this reason alone, the right moisturizing method could be enough to solve the problem. However, other factors such as cold and dry weather, a reaction to a certain hair product, or certain skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or eczema can be among the culprits. If this is the case, then changing up hair products or using other treatments or remedies might be necessary to get rid of dandruff.
Natural Remedies
Aloe vera is a plant popularly known for its efficacy in treating dandruff. Per webmd.com, there is credible scientific research showing that applying aloe vera extract to the affected areas on the scalp can ease both the shedding of dead skin and the itching. Per yurielkaim.com, it is the anti-fungal properties of aloe vera, as well as the presence of the substance pectin in it that make aloe vera effective. One recommendation is to use an aloe vera shampoo when washing your hair to help stop the production and shedding of dandruff.
Tea tree oil is a remedy that can be effective for treating various mild conditions of the skin, including dandruff, per yurielkaim.com. Terpenes are the compounds contained in tea tree oil that make it effective. A great way to make use of tea tree oil is to use a shampoo containing it, or to mix a few drops of tea tree oil extract in with your regular shampoo.
Coconut oil might be effective in treating and preventing dandruff due to its effectiveness in hydrating skin, per healthline.com. The scientific evidence to back coconut oil as a treatment for dandruff is nil, but the evidence for its effectiveness in hydrating skin and providing relief to a variety of other skin ailments (including some linked to eczema) is well-established. We recommend rubbing coconut oil on the affected area for a few minutes and then rinsing, a few times a week.
Baking soda is a super affordable and common product that can help remedy dandruff. Per yurielkaim.com, baking soda is effective at treating dandruff for two reasons. One is its exfoliating effect on dead skin, thereby helping to get rid of it before it clumps up into dandruff. The second reason is its ability to help remove excess oil on the scalp. The recommended method with baking soda is to mix a couple of tablespoons with water, massage it into the scalp for a few minutes, and rinse.
Olive oil is another household method that might help provide relief from dandruff, per yurielkaim.com. While used most commonly for cooking, olive oil has a great deal of effectiveness in hydrating skin. It can be effective in reducing, and perhaps even eliminating, the itchiness and skin shedding that causes dandruff. The recommended method is to take a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, massage it into all affected areas on the scalp, and let it soak overnight with a shower cap on. Upon waking, rinse it out in the morning. Be careful to not overuse olive oil, as it can make your hair oily and be difficult to rinse out.
Other Tips for Preventing Dandruff
Consuming probiotics through certain foods or a supplement may be helpful in fighting the bacterial infections that might be causing your dandruff, per healthline.com. If a bacterial infection is indeed the cause of your dandruff, then the immune-boosting effect of probiotics could be a huge help. One study showed that taking probiotics for 56 days reduced dandruff severity in 60 people.
Treating stress that you might be feeling can contribute to alleviating dandruff. Per webmd.com, chronic stress can have negative effects on the skin, and dandruff occurrence could fall into this category. It is recommended that if you experience dandruff in tandem with periods of poor mood, then taking measures to improve your mood (meditation, exercise, getting enough sunlight in the winter) could be helpful in reducing dandruff occurrence.