How to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally?
What Are Dandruff?
Dandruff consists of small flakes, which are actually tiny pieces of skin that shed from the scalp. These small, whitish or yellowish elements can be quite bothersome because they are not only aesthetically unpleasing but can also come with itching.
There are two types of dandruff:
- Dry Dandruff: These are the most common type of dandruff. They are whitish and rather fine. When you scratch them, they crumble into small flakes or may remain stuck in the hair. While they usually don't cause itching, they are still unsightly and give the appearance of a 'dirty' and neglected scalp. They are commonly found on dry or normal scalps.
- Oily Dandruff: These flakes are thicker than dry dandruff and are yellowish in color. The main difference between oily dandruff and dry dandruff is that the former is harder to remove. They accumulate, mixing with sebum, forming a thick layer that can be unpleasant when removed roughly. It may feel like you are opening a small wound when you scratch these flakes off.
Why Do I Have Dandruff?
Every individual has a fungus called Malassezia on their scalp. However, some of us react negatively to the presence of this organism. In response, the scalp undergoes a rapid renewal process, shedding dead skin cells in as little as 10 days, instead of the usual 28 days. These rapidly discarded cells accumulate to form flakes, which are the dandruff.
Several factors can contribute to this negative reaction, including scalp irritation, the use of hair products – even including some anti-dandruff shampoos –, having a dry scalp, and an excess of sebum. Some people have a genetic predisposition to dandruff, and certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis can be inherited from parents.
In nearly half of the population with dandruff, the issue is typically not related to hygiene, contrary to common belief. Some people wash their hair daily, even using specialized anti-dandruff shampoos, and still have dandruff.
How to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally?
Like with many aesthetic and medical questions, you can turn to manufactured products and/or natural remedies.
If you have stubborn dandruff, you have probably already used an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo. While it may be effective at first, it can be harsh on the scalp, and its surfactants can potentially lead to more dandruff than they eliminate.
If you suffer from a skin condition such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, you have likely already consulted a dermatologist who recommended specialized shampoos and hair care products. These may offer more immediate relief, but their effectiveness can decrease over time.
Here, we will offer you some natural solutions to get rid of dandruff, either in addition to or instead of your usual products.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a powerful ally against dandruff.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil is incredibly rich in vitamin E, which gives it exceptional moisturizing and purifying properties. This makes it a great choice for calming discomfort such as dandruff and soothing dry and/or irritated scalps.
How to Use Prickly Pear Seed Oil for Dandruff Treatment:
Add a few drops of prickly pear seed oil to your shampoo or apply a few drops directly to your scalp and massage it in.
Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil is recommended for scalp care, especially in cases of hair loss, and is also helpful for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It is ideal for those dealing with stubborn dandruff.
How to Use Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil for Dandruff Treatment:
Add a few drops to your regular shampoo or use it regularly as part of a hair care routine. Do not apply it directly to the skin by itself, as it can be quite irritating. Instead, dilute it at 20% in another carrier oil. You can apply this mixture as a hair mask, massaging it into your scalp and leaving it on for less than an hour.
Coconut Oil is also effective in combating dandruff. It has antifungal properties, which means it helps eliminate Malassezia, the fungus responsible for dandruff. Additionally, coconut oil is very moisturizing, soothing itching and continuous dryness.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Dandruff Treatment:
Apply coconut oil as a mask and leave it on for up to a whole night, paying extra attention to the scalp.
Naat Tip: Coconut oil is solid at room temperature. Instead of warming it up in your hands, which might leave some lumps, you can microwave the container for a few seconds.
White Vinegar
Malassezia, the fungus responsible for dandruff, thrives under certain pH conditions. Changing this pH can effectively address the issue. Apple cider vinegar is a simple and cost-effective way to adjust your scalp's pH.
How to Use Vinegar for Dandruff Treatment:
After using your regular shampoo and conditioner, pour a mixture of warm to cold water and apple cider vinegar over your hair. Wait for a few minutes, then rinse your hair as usual. If the vinegar smell persists, feel free to shampoo again. The added benefit is that your hair will become shiny and soft.
For occasional use, you can dilute the vinegar to a 15% concentration. For regular use, a 2% dilution is sufficient.
