Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff is a frustrating problem that may cause some people to feel embarrassed. But, as frustrating as it may be, it's manageable. With an abundance of products on the market touting their ability to give you a flake- and itch-free scalp, it's good to know that there are also natural remedies for dandruff. Gain back your confidence without compromising your goals for a more natural lifestyle with these proven home remedies.

What Causes Dandruff?

Dandruff seems to be one of those taboo subjects: no one wants to admit they have it and no one wants to talk about it. But it doesn't have to be that way. Dandruff is actually a very common issue, and several factors can contribute to it. According to the Mayo Clinic, the origin of your dandruff could be:

• Oily or dry skin
• A skin condition (dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, etc.)
• Not enough shampooing
• Yeastlike fungus overgrowth
• Age, hormones, or immune conditions

Luckily, no matter the cause, there's likely a natural remedy you can try!

How to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally

It's hard to imagine that anything other than the typical medicated remedies could help you become flake-free. Luckily, natural remedies for dandruff not only exist but are effective.

Essential Oils

The use of essential oils for dandruff, for example, has been tested for efficacy and safety. In an article published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, certain essential oils and essential oil combinations were found to be capable of treating skin conditions that may be underlying causes of dandruff.

The following essential oils were cited in the study to treat dandruff and other dermatological conditions:

• Tea tree oil (or melaleuca)
• Rosemary
• Cedar wood
• Clary sage

Many natural shampoo and scalp treatment products incorporate these essential oils. In fact, tea tree oil—a popular ingredient in many natural dandruff shampoos—is effective at reducing those pesky flakes when used at 5 percent in a shampoo formula, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Be sure to follow your dermatologist's recommendation for using a specially formulated dandruff shampoo.

Diet Changes

According to the Mayo Clinic, zinc, vitamin B, and certain good fats can help to prevent dandruff. The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health recommends a yeast-elimination diet to help control the scalp's oil production, which can exacerbate the fungus present in many dandruff cases. Removing simple carbohydrates, such as breads and sugar, can help starve this fungus.

Before making any dietary changes to control a skin condition, be sure to discuss your options with a medical professional.

Stress Reduction

The Mayo Clinic suggests that proper stress management can not only reduce your risk for disease but play a role in the prevention of dandruff, too. Yoga, meditation, and breath work can all be effective ways to help reduce stress.

Hair Care

To help control dandruff conditions, the Mayo Clinic recommends daily shampooing. Those with drier scalps may benefit from the addition of a coconut oil hair "mask," which can help to provide moisture, according to Penn Medicine. Simply apply approximately two teaspoons of coconut oil mixed with warm water directly to the scalp, comb through, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Discover more natural solutions to incorporate in your personal care routine on the DIY Naturally board by @tomsofmaine on Pinterest!

Image Sources: Pexels | Burst | Pexels

The views and opinions expressed in any guest post featured on our site are those of the guest author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Tom's of Maine.