Dandruff is an extremely common problem, though that doesn’t make it any less annoying. Dandruff is actually a scalp disorder called seborrheic dermatitis and it is caused when a yeast-like fungus, malassezia, grows out of control. Malassezia actually occurs naturally on the human scalp, living off of the fatty oils produced by hair follicles. Scientists don’t yet know what causes malassezia to suddenly start growing wildly, but when it does, it causes irritation that speeds of the process of skin cell shedding that normally takes place over the course of a month. It causes so many dead skin cells at one time that they clump together with the body’s oils and form masses that are large enough to be seen by the unclad eye. Of course, the question is “How do I get rid of it?” Luckily, there are several home remedies that can solve your flaking problems.
Tea Tree Oil
As an antifungal and antiseptic, tea tree oil is a proven remedy for dandruff. You can purchase dandruff shampoo that contains tea tree oil, but nothing works better than the actual oil by itself (plus, it’s usually cheaper). To use, massage tea tree oil into your scalp (make sure it gets to the scalp and not just in your hair) and let it sit there for 30 minutes before shampooing. With frequent usage, you should see a reduction not only in dandruff but the side effects associated with it, such as itchiness, greasiness, and scaliness.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal qualities that fight dandruff. It also breaks down proteins, most notably in this case, dead skin cells. By reducing the amount of dead skin cells, aloe vera reduces the amount of dead skin clumps that constitute dandruff. Use aloe vera juice or gel in your hair regularly, making sure to massage into the scalp. Leave it in your hair for at least 15 minutes, then wash it with a mild shampoo.
Thyme
Thyme is another substance that is both an antifungal and an antiseptic. However, it differs from the previous two remedies in that it is not an oil, but an herb. To use thyme as a hair treatment, mix 4 tablespoons of dried thyme in 2 cups of water, boil it for 10 to 15 minutes, strain it, and let it cool. Then massage it into the scalp, let it sit for a several minutes, then rinse your hair well.
Yogurt
This remedy is messy, but effective. Yogurt contains “good bacteria” which controls the growth of yeast and this is why it is also a fabulous home remedy for yeast infections, but instead of putting it in your hair, you eat it. For this cure, you want to make sure and get live culture (not pasteurized) plain yogurt. Spread it on your scalp. Wait an hour, then wash it out.
Side note: For yeast infections, you need the same type of yogurt; if you can’t stand the taste of plain yogurt, a few drops of honey will vastly improve it.
Lemon
The acidity of lemon help restore the pH balance of the scalp. A lemon remedy can actually be prepared in two ways:
Mix lemon juice and coconut oil (your mixture should be one part lemon juice and five parts coconut oil) and then apply it to your scalp. Let it sit for at least half an hour, then wash it out with a mild shampoo. Coconut oil will condition your hair and has antibacterial qualities, so it is a great addition to any DIY hair remedy.
Boil the peels of 3 to 4 lemons in hot water. Cool down the mixture then apply it to the scalp, letting it sit before rinsing it out.
Fun fact: Lemon remedies like these can also be used to help with acne and blackheads.
Rosemary
Not only is rosemary effective at eliminating dandruff, it also smells quite wonderful, so not only will you be treating dandruff, but you will be giving your hair a lovely scent as well. Rosemary works on dandruff because it combats fungi and bacteria. Simply boil 1 tsp. of rosemary in 1 cup of water, let it sit for a few minutes, strain, then use it to rinse your hair daily until the dandruff is gone.
Vinegar
Both apple cider vinegar and regular white vinegar work as dandruff remedies. Vinegar, like lemons, has acidic properties that help restore the pH balance of your scalp. Apple cider vinegar specifically has clarifying qualities and helps clean out clogged pores and hair follicles. There are several different ways to use vinegar:
Apply vinegar directly to the scalp, wrap it up in a towel, and let it sit for several hours, preferably overnight. Rinse your hair the next morning.
Mix vinegar and water and use it as a hair wash.
Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water, then add 15 to 20 drops of tea tree oil. Massage this onto your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes, then wash it out. Repeat this process 3 or 4 times a week until dandruff is gone.
Indian Lilac (Neem)
Depending on where you live, neem may be something you have never heard of, but it is often used in Indian home remedies for hair and skin problems. Its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities make it a natural treatment for dandruff, as well as scalp acne, hair fall, and itchy scalp. Simply boil the neem leaves in water, strain the solution, let it cool, then use it as a hair rinse several times a week until dandruff is gone.
Dandruff Cures or Cooking Essentials?
It is incredible that so many effective natural home remedies for dandruff can be found either in the grocery store or already in your cupboard at home. If the best dandruff shampoos and store-bought treatments either do not appeal to you or have not worked for you, take the natural route with some of these recipes and free yourself from the itch, flake, and embarrassment of dandruff.
Source: naturalnews.com
by Greenstarnetwork admin..
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