How to Get Rid of Dandruff – 6 Natural Remedies!

Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff is a skin condition that affects around 50% of the population. Oftentimes, it is difficult to get to the root of the problem since there may be more than one factor triggering or aggravating the situation.

Here are some common causes of dandruff:

• Dry Skin
  One of the most common causes of dandruff is dry skin! Cold, arid winter months are usually to blame for causing dry scalp. Though having a dry scalp is non-threatening to your health, it can be itchy and become irritated from excessive scratching.
• Oily Skin
  Yes, oily skin can contribute to dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition where the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. This skin condition is characterized by rough, scaly patches, dandruff, itching & redness.
• Yeast-Like Fungus
  A yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, is an organism that thrives on lipids. That’s why you’ll find this fungus present in areas of your body where you produce sebum; for example, your scalp! While this organism is normally present on the surface of your skin, oily skin can trigger an an overgrowth.
• Other Skin Condition
  Eczema and psoriasis are two other skin conditions that have been linked to dandruff. Both of these conditions produce dry skin flakes.
• Hair Care Products
  You may be surprised to hear this, but some hair care products contain chemicals that can irritate your skin and exacerbate dandruff! You may be sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients, so it’s best to read the labels when purchasing any hair care products! Preservatives such as parabens and foaming agents such as SLS can be the culprit of your flakey scalp!

How to Get Rid of Dandruff – 6 Natural Remedies!

1. Tea Tree Oil
   Properties: Antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial
   Use: Just add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash your hair as you would normally.
   Tea tree oil’s antifungal properties are very effective at treating seborrheic dermatitis.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
   Properties: PH balancing
   Use: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spritz all over your scalp. Cover your head with a towel and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Wash your hair following this treatment. Repeat twice per week until your dandruff is gone.
   Apple cider vinegar restores normal PH levels on your scalp and makes it difficult for fungus to grow.
3. Coconut Oil
   Properties: Antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
   Use: Massage 3 or 4 tablespoons of coconut oil into your scalp. Let it soak into your skin for about one hour. Then wash your hair thoroughly.
   Coconut oil is a great way to moisturize your dry scalp and its antifungal properties will keep the dandruff at bay!
4. Honey
   Properties: Antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
   Use:

    

   Honey Yoghurt Lemon Hair Mask Recipe

   Ingredients:
   3 Tbsp honey
   1 Tbsp yogurt
   2 Tsp lemon juice
   Directions:
   Mix these 3 ingredients together and apply the mixture to your scalp. Leave the mask in your hair for about 20 minutes. Wash your hair afterwards.
   The honey in this mask is very healing. Its anti-inflammatory properties will help soothe your skin and its antifungal properties will rid your scalp of the stubborn dandruff!

5. Garlic
   Properties: Antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
   Use: Simply add crushed garlic to a few tablespoons of honey and massage into your scalp prior to washing your hair!
   Garlic is a well-known antifungal agent that will work hard to kill off fungal overgrowth on your scalp. Garlic also contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient found in many dandruff shampoos on the market today. Salicylic acid works by softening dead skin and exfoliating your scalp.
6. Probiotics
   Properties: Promote gut health, immune boosting
   Use: You can obtain probiotics by incorporating foods that contain live bacteria (such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and kombucha) into your diet. Improving gut health can help resolve chronic inflammatory skin conditions and inhibit the overgrowth of dandruff-causing fungus (Malassezia).