20 Homemade Dandruff Remedies

Homemade Dandruff Remedies

Nothing is worse than an itchy scalp with embarrassing white flakes falling all over the place. Some of us have naturally dry skin and in the cold months it just gets drier, including the skin on your scalp.

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Why do I suddenly have dandruff?

Pinpointing the exact cause of your itchy, flaky scalp can be difficult, but here are a few common culprits:

• irritated and oily skin, a condition also known as seborrheic dermatitis (a more severe form of dandruff)
• not shampooing enough, which causes skin cells to accumulate and create flakes and itching
• yeast called malassezia, which aggravate your scalp and cause excess skin cell growth
• different personal care products may cause contact dermatitis, which makes your scalp red and itchy

When you start getting dandruff flakes your first reaction might be to run to the store and pick up some Head and Shoulders or other medicated dandruff shampoo. While those products are fine to use, there are other more natural ways to get rid of dandruff.

Did you know you can make your own dandruff shampoo? Yes, you can and you only need one simple item out of your medicine cabinet: Aspirin. The full recipe for DIY anti-dandruff shampoo is at the bottom of this post. Check out these other easy solutions first.

Can dandruff be completely cured?

Although dandruff is not curable, it is controllable. While the exact cause remains unknown, typically dandruff is easy to control with medicated shampoos and topical products. Dandruff may spontaneously clear even without treatment. Babies frequently completely outgrow their dandruff or "cradle cap".

How do I get rid of dandruff overnight?

Lets go over some ingredients and recipes that can help you get rid of dandruff as quickly as possible. Common household ingredients that can help with dandruff are:

• Vinegar
• Coconut oil
• Tea tree oil
• Listerine
• Honey
• Aspirin
• Lemon juice

How does coconut oil help dandruff?

Proponents of coconut oil as a natural dandruff remedy claim that by moisturizing the scalp, it helps to restore scalp health and reduce flaking. In fact, coconut oil is a good moisturizer and has anti-fungal properties.

For dry, itchy scalps apply a nickle sized amount to your palm and let it melt slightly. Gently massage it into your scalp and leave over night. Shampoo your hair like normal in the morning.

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Can apple cider vinegar help with dandruff?

Apple cider vinegar can help with dandruff. The acidity of the vinegar makes it harder for the fungus that contributes to dandruff to grow on your scalp. Not only that, just a side information that apple cider can also be a substitute for apple juice.

Mix equal parts (about ¼ cup each) apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray onto your hair after shampoo, let sit for 15 minutes and rinse. Use twice per week, in combination with other methods mentioned in this post.

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Is honey good for dandruff?

Honey is pH balancing and healing, plus also has antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that a dandruff prone scalp will literally drink up. To make and anti-dandruff hair mask, use three tablespoons of raw honey, one tablespoon of organic yogurt, and two teaspoons of lemon juice.

Mix the ingredients and apply it to your scalp. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse out.

How to use tea tree oil to help with dandruff

An effective and natural remedy to treat dandruff is Tea Tree oil. Tea tree oil has excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, making it a good treatment for dandruff. Simply add a few drops to your shampoo and use it as usual.

How to use Listerine for dandruff

Listerine is actually one of the best remedies for dandruff. In fact, in the 50s, the makers of Listerine marketed the product as a cure for the scalp issue. The mouthwash has strong antifungal properties which help kill the root of the problem, restoring the health of your scalp.

Mix ½ cup of Listerine with ½ cup of water and apply to towel dried, clean hair, pouring it as close to the scalp as possible. Rub it in with your fingertips, leave it for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Listerine has a lot of alcohol in it so use caution if your scalp is already very dry. You could aggravate it if you use Listerine on your hair too often.

What can I eat to help control dandruff?

A diet full of healthy fats helps keep your scalp hydrated and can help with dandruff. Fill your diets with these foods:

• Salmon and other fatty fish
• Flax seed
• Olive oil
• Walnuts and other nuts and seeds
• Canola oil
• Eggs
• Garlic, onions and scallions

What should I avoid eating to help control dandruff?

Try to avoid the following foods that can trigger skin irritation and dandruff breakouts in some people:

• Sugar and simple carbohydrates
• Dairy
• Alcohol
• Fried foods
• Chocolate

Does Vaseline help with dandruff?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using a pomade or oil-based product, like petroleum jelly, can help moisturize your scalp, but it may also aggravate dandruff and make the problem worse. Furthermore, if you get the Vaseline on your forehead, it may clog your pores and cause breakouts.

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How to Make your Own Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The ingredient in shampoo used to treat dandruff is salicylic acid.  Salicylic acid is found in aspirin. To make your own dandruff shampoo crush two tablets until they form a powder then mix it with the usual amount if shampoo you use to wash your hair.

The salicylic acid in  the shampoo will help to exfoliate your scalp. Use the homemade dandruff shampoo for a few days and your flakes will start to clear up!

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