How to rid of Dandruff with 10 Natural Tips?

Last updated on July 16th, 2023 at 01:38 pm

10 minutes read.    

  

Do you know you can actually get rid of that flaky white stuff that has refused to leave your scalp for a long?

Dandruff is more common than you may think, as most of us have had it at some point in our lives.

It is the result of the overproduction of dead skin cells, but it can also be caused by numerous other factors such as winter air that produces dry skin, a vitamin-deficient diet, and harsh chemicals found in unhealthy shampoos, even dandruff shampoos that are supposed to reduce the flakes!

In this post, I will review to you ten natural tips that can help you destroy that stubborn dandruff.

Let’s jump in,

In this article:

• What’s dandruff?
• Causes and Symptoms
• Ten Natural Tips to get rid of Dandruff
• How to Prevent Dandruff
• Conclusion

What’s dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin disorder that is estimated to affect 50 percent of the world’s population and is linked to the proliferation of lipophilic yeasts of the genus Malassezia. (1)

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology tells us that dandruff is the shedding of excessive amounts of dead skin flakes from the scalp. There also may be a bit of itching but typically no redness or scabbing. (2)

Dandruff usually gets worse during the fall and winter because of the dry air while improving in the summer.

 It is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, and in many more severe cases, a yeast-like organism aggravates it. While this germ is normally present on everyone’s scalp, it can produce some irritation if it grows heavily.

According to scientific research published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology; Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the pre-pubertal age and of any gender and ethnicity. (3)

No population in any geographical region would have passed through freely without being affected by dandruff at some stage in their life. The word dandruff (dandruff, dandriffe) is of Anglo-Saxon origin, a combination of tan meaning “tetter” and “drof “meaning dirty’ (4)

Dandruff affects aesthetic value and often causes itching. It has been well established that keratinocytes play a key role in the expression and generation of immunological reactions during dandruff formation. (5)

The severity of dandruff may fluctuate with the season as it often worsens in winter. (6)

The study also indicates that there are several natural remedies (like using coconut oil for hair) that have been said to have anti-dandruff characteristics. In most cases, these naturopathic agents are often found in combination with synthetic agents.

Studies from India have shown that herbal preparations are as effective as synthetic substances in controlling dandruff.

Though it may seem contrary to popular belief, dandruff is improved when shampooing more often. It also gets worse when you’re stressed or anxious, and since dandruff is a natural process, it cannot be eliminated but often can be controlled.

When scaling of the scalp is accompanied by redness or the redness and flaking spreads to cause greasy scaling on the face, eyebrows, or sides of the nose, it may be diagnosed as seborrheic dermatitis and related to severe dandruff conditions.

Have you heard of the cradle cap? That is another name for dandruff that typically affects infants, but no need to worry. It’s completely harmless and usually clears up by age 3.

Causes and Symptoms

There are many causes of dandruff, including:

1. Dry skin

The most popular cause of dandruff is, in fact, dry skin. Usually, you’ll also experience symptoms of dry skin (like being itchy) on other parts of the body, such as your legs and arms.

2. Oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis)

Believe it or not, oily skin is one of the most frequent causes of dandruff. It is marked by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.

Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, it may affect your scalp and other areas rich in oil glands, such as your eyebrows, sides of the nose, and backs of the ears.

In addition, the breastbone, groin area, and armpits may be affected. Not using enough shampoo can create oily skin.

While it is important to not shampoo too frequently so you can have a healthier scalp and produce natural oils, if you don’t occasionally wash your hair with shampoo, oils and skin cells from your scalp can actually build up and cause dandruff. Especially if you’re a black person with relaxed hair.

Washing every two to three days is ideal in most cases.

3. Skin conditions

Those with eczema and psoriasis are often known to have dandruff since both of these conditions have characteristics of dry skin, oftentimes severe and very irritating.

4. Yeast-like fungus (Malassezia).

While Malassezia lives on the scalps of most adults, it may irritate the scalp.

This irritation can cause more skin cells to grow, and when that happens, the extra skin cells die and fall off, producing that white flakiness in your hair or on your clothes.

5. Hair care products.

Because most hair care products contain harsh chemical ingredients, e.g., paraben. They can cause your scalp to become red, itchy, dry, introduce excess oil, and mark it scaly. Using shampoo or styling products too often may also irritate your scalp and can also cause dandruff. Look out for paraben on the ingredient list of hair care products you buy.

Ten Natural Tips to get rid of Dandruff

Now that you know what causes dandruff and its symptoms, it’s time to explore home remedies for this irritating issue.

You can treat dandruff with some pretty minor dietary and lifestyle changes that answer the age-old how to get rid of dandruff question.

Here are some of the top ways to get rid of dandruff:

1. Drink Enough Water (not enough soft drinks)

Often the lack of enough water in our bodies causes dry skin, and this is one of the many reasons to drink water.

 It is very important to drink plenty of water daily to help your overall health as well as the dryness of your skin and scalp. (7)

2. Coconut Oil, Avocados, and Banana

Because coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid and capric acid, it has strong antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. These properties help target and kill the fungus and any viruses or bacteria that may exist. (8,10)

In many, results can occur within just a week or so.

3. Essential Oils

There are essential oils for hair that can really make a difference when it comes to how to get rid of dandruff. Because some of these oils contain antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, much like coconut oil, they can reduce inflammation and treat infections.

You need to choose 100 percent pure oils, such as lavender, wintergreen, thyme, lemongrass, evergreen, cypress, oregano, and tea tree oil, all of which help to fight fungus and yeast.

A study was conducted on subjects between the ages of 20 and 60, all of whom had dandruff, and reported that lemongrass essential oil significantly reduced their dandruff around day seven of use.

You can take some of these oils internally, such as oregano oil, as long as they are 100 percent pure. Try combining one to two drops of oregano oil, lemongrass, and lavender with four to six ounces of water to make a tonic that you can drink. (9, 10, 11,12, 13)

4. Aloe Vera Gel

Benefit-rich aloe vera has been known to soothe and help treat irritated skin. Aloe can ease itching and scaly skin in people with seborrheic dermatitis, a more severe skin condition that can create dandruff.(14, 15)

Research also shows that along with serving as a home remedy for reducing dandruff, it also helps improve hair loss, fight fungal infections, and relieve itchy scalp.

Related: Why You Should Eat One Banana Every Day

Related: How to Use Raw Onions to Smoothen Your Skin & Remove Acne

5. Olive Oil

The olive oil (or coconut oil) in your kitchen cabinet can be very useful because it can temporarily remove dandruff flakes.

Just apply a little bit of unrefined organic olive or coconut oil to scaly patches on the scalp. Let it sit for about an hour, and then use a comb or brush to smooth out the hair.

If you apply too much, you will likely have oily hair and may need to shampoo. You can also add a few drops of the essential oils noted in this article and may benefit by including coconut oil in your diet. Just make sure it is unrefined and organic. (16)

6. Relax

Skin irritations are often caused by depression, anxiety, and stress. Try to pay attention to changes in your skin at these times, and more importantly, try to avoid these feelings by implementing stress reduction behaviors and techniques. (17)

Try yoga, short walks or workouts, massage therapy, and diffusing lavender, for example.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

It’s no surprise that apple cider vinegar uses (ACV) include being great for killing the fungus that causes dandruff. It is known to provide instant relief from itchiness and may be your answer for how to get rid of dandruff with just a few applications. (18, 19)

Try combining equal parts ACV with water, and massage onto the scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse.

Repeat for five to seven days, and see if you notice a difference. If you experience any irritation, discontinue or use every other day for seven to 10 days to see if there is an improvement.

8. Probiotics

It is common that what you eat could be part of the problem. Try a high-quality probiotic supplement.

Not only can it help reduce dandruff, but it can help boost your overall health by providing beneficial bacteria for your gut.

A study published in Beneficial Microbes found that restoring the scalp microbiome with beneficial bacteria significantly reduced the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe dandruff. (20, 21, 22)

9. Omega-3s

Add omega-3 foods into your diet, such as fresh, wild-caught salmon or chia seeds. The omega-3s can help provide much-needed hydration for your skin from within, and therefore, they may reduce dandruff.

In addition, deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients found in omega-3s may increase the risk of getting dandruff. One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology indicates that supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 improved hair condition and hair loss. (23,24, 25)

Fish oil may work as a dry scalp remedy for healthy skin and hair to combat dandruff.

10. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is best known for its anti-acne effects, but it’s touted as a natural anti-inflammatory and exfoliant, too. Look for salicylic acid as an ingredient in shampoos and hair masks, and use them as a method how to get rid of dandruff. (26, 27)

How to Prevent Dandruff

Many commercial shampoos contain chemicals that are harmful, and dandruff shampoos are even worse.

Selenium sulfide shampoo and zinc pyrithione shampoo are two examples of conventional anti-dandruff products that may cause irritation and even hair loss for some people, so if you are using them, take it slow and look out for adverse effects. (28, 29, 30, 31)

When choosing a store-bought shampoo or hair product, make sure you avoid parabens, sodium laureth, or lauryl sulfate. Opt for products that are made with gentle, natural ingredients from companies that you trust.

When it comes to your diet, it’s important to minimize your sugar intake and avoid processed foods and oil or better use them in a very reduced amount.

Conclusion

Dandruff is a skin disorder that is estimated to affect 50 percent of the world’s population and is linked to the proliferation of lipophilic yeasts of the genus Malassezia.

It is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells due to dry skin, oily skin, and in many more severe cases, a yeast-like organism aggravates it. While this germ is normally present on everyone’s scalp, it can produce some irritation if it grows heavily.

Some of the top ways to get rid of dandruff:  Drinking enough Water (not enough soft drinks), Coconut Oil, avocado, bananas, Essential Oils (lavender, oregano, and tea tree oil), Aloe Vera Gel, Olive Oil, Relax, Apple Cider Vinegar, Probiotics, Omega-3s, and Salicylic Acid.

You can prevent it by avoiding most commercial shampoo and dandruff products because they contain harsh chemicals that will irritate your scalp and cause effects which as more dandruff in your hair later. Also, you should avoid white sugar, sugary food, and industrially processed product.

I hope you get the value worth your time, I appreciate the time you spend with me. Leave a comment below if you find this article helpful and don’t forget to drop your question, opinion or criticism if any. Cheers!

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