Dandruff affects half the population. Among its main symptoms are an itchy scalp and flakiness.
Regarding the causes, dandruff can occur due to dry skin, sensitivity to hair products, seborrheic dermatitis, or the growth of a specific type of fungus on the scalp.
In this article, you will find nine home remedies that will help you eliminate dandruff naturally.
1. Try Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is widely used to treat skin problems such as acne and psoriasis.
But in addition, the researchers found that it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which alleviate the symptoms of dandruff.
According to a review, tea tree oil helps combat the specific strain of the fungus that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
On the other hand, a study conducted on 126 people found that washing your hair with shampoo made from tea tree oil helps reduce the severity of dandruff symptoms by 41%.
It is better to dilute the tea tree oil by adding a few drops to a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil), as it can irritate sensitive skin.
2. Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is often used as a remedy to treat dandruff.
This is so because coconut oil improves skin hydration, which prevents dandruff.
According to a study, coconut oil is as effective as mineral oil promoting skin hydration.
Another study found that applying coconut oil to the skin for eight weeks reduces symptoms.
Also, the research found that coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. However, there are still no studies that corroborate the positive effect of coconut oil on the type of fungal strain that causes dandruff.
3. Apply Aloe Vera
When applied to the skin, Aloe vera helps treat conditions such as psoriasis, burns, and cold sores.
Also, according to a review, aloe vera has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help treat dandruff.
On the other hand, a study conducted in test tubes found that aloe vera could help control fungal infections that cause hair loss.
Finally, research has shown that aloe vera helps treat inflammation, which helps reduce symptoms.
4. Minimize Stress Levels
Stress has a significant impact on both mental and physical health.
While stress doesn’t cause dandruff, it can worsen symptoms like itchiness or dryness.
On the other hand, having high-stress levels for a long time causes the immune system to weaken. This reduces the body’s ability to fight dandruff-causing conditions.
In fact, one study found that most episodes of seborrheic dermatitis, one of the causes of dandruff, occurred after stressful events.
5. Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Routine
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits. For example, it helps improve insulin sensitivity and increases weight loss.
In addition, apple cider vinegar is also used to treat dandruff.
This is so because the acidity of the vinegar stimulates the removal of dead cells from the scalp while balancing the pH of the skin.
Additionally, test-tube studies found that apple cider vinegar can prevent the growth of certain types of fungi.
6. Try Aspirin
Aspirin contains a compound called salicylic acid, which provides anti-inflammatory properties.
According to a study conducted on 19 people with dandruff, using a shampoo that contains salicylic acid effectively reduces the severity of scaling.
In addition, another study found that shampoo containing salicylic acid has a similar effect to medications prescribed to treat dandruff.
7. Up Your Intake of Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids have many beneficial health functions, including enhancing the immune system.
In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for skin health as they help manage oil production, promote wound healing, and prevent premature aging.
In fact, a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids can lead to dandruff.
8. Eat More Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria for your health.
Its main benefits are protection against certain types of allergies, reduction of cholesterol levels, and weight loss.
In addition, probiotics improve immune health, which helps fight fungal infections that cause dandruff.
According to a study, taking probiotics for 56 days helps reduce the severity of dandruff.
On the other hand, probiotics also help reduce the symptoms of skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema.
9. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda helps treat dandruff by acting as an exfoliant that removes dead cells from the skin, reducing scaling and irritation.
In addition, baking soda has antifungal properties that help fight dandruff.
According to a study conducted in test tubes, sodium bicarbonate inhibited fungal growth in 79% of specimens after seven days.
Another study found that baking soda is also suitable for treating psoriasis because it reduces itching and irritation.
The Bottom Line
There are many natural remedies to reduce the symptoms of dandruff.
You can use these remedies on your own or alongside over-the-counter products such as anti-dandruff shampoos.
