Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Using Natural Remedies for Dandruff

This time of year, the weather is harsh on skin.  It’s cold and wet and windy.  We usually take precautions to protect our bodies and faces but what about our scalp?  If you have dandruff then this time of year can be especially embarrassing.  It’s awful!  So I thought it would be a good idea to discuss some natural remedies for dandruff.  They can help prevent the problem as well as save you time and money.

Between the darker colors we wear and the addition of hats and scarves and ear  warmers, etc….it can be a dandruff sufferer’s worst nightmare.  So, what do you do?  Prevention is key and I have some tips that can put you on the path to shaking off dandruff for good!  Let’s look at some natural remedies for dandruff.  But first, we need to know the root of our problem.

What’s the Cause?

Did you know that the cause of dandruff is thought to be fungus?  Yep, fungus!  Yeast, to be more specific.  Ok so get over the grossness of that and let’s look at what we can do to stop it!  Of course I want to discuss natural remedies for dandruff.  They’re more cost effective and usually better for you and your overall health.

Most healthy folks have the fungus on their scalp and it causes no issues.  But sometimes we get sick, stressed, the weather is harsh, and other things come into play.  This can cause us to react to the fungus or cause the fungus to grow.  YUCK!  Right?

So, we know the cause is usually fungus.  It’s present on everyone (almost) and can cause our scalp, and our self-esteem to suffer.  Whatever the cause, it’s kind of gross and I know it’s something we’d all like to prevent or reverse.  Let’s check out a few natural remedies for dandruff.

Natural Remedies for Dandruff Prevention or Cure

Whatever it is that causes the fungus to grow or our scalps to react to the fungus, we need to stop it!  If you are female, you know what can cause and prevent yeast issues in other places.  Medicines, illness, stress, improper diet, etc.  It can all make life miserable when it comes to yeast.  The same goes for your scalp.

Two of my favorite products can be used to prevent and control dandruff.  Tea tree oil and vinegar!  Apple cider vinegar is the best for this application.  You can even combine the two for a one-two punch to knock out dandruff!  Natural remedies for dandruff don’t have to be yucky or complicated.

Vinegar is acidic.  When applied to skin and hair, it will change the pH and stop the growth of fungus.  That’s simple enough but how about application?  That’s simple as well!  Dilute your apple cider vinegar with equal parts water and pour or spray onto your clean scalp.  Leave it on for 5-10 minutes then shampoo and condition normally.  Avoid saturating your hair as the vinegar can be drying.  Applying a leave in conditioner before using the vinegar can help with this.

Add this step to your hair care routine 3 or 4 days a week.  Once you start seeing an improvement you can lessen the frequency and eventually be ok with a one a week preventative application.  Remember I said vinegar is acidic.  So if you have sensitive skin or any open sores, it may burn.  So a spot test maybe a good idea.

Next, tea tree oil!  I love it!  Some folks don’t like the smell.  It’s better than vinegar though.  Tea tree oil is one of the great natural remedies for dandruff because it is antibacterial and anti-fungal   It’s a great astringent and has many uses when it comes to health and beauty issues.  It’s even used to help prevent the growth of MRSA, as a preventative against lice and even fleas, and works to help with other skin conditions like eczema!

I like to add a few drops to any bath and body products we use.  Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and even hand soap.  I find that the more often you use it, you become immune to the smell and tingling sensation and can increase the amount used.  I now add about a teaspoon our shampoos and body washes.

Besides dandruff, this will help prevent other fungal problems like athlete’s foot, nail fungi and even eczema.  My son no longer has eczema outbreaks with the frequent application of tea tree oil.  When using it to treat dandruff, start out leaving it on the scalp for 5-10 minutes each day.  You can lessen the time and eventually just wash as normal.  They daily application will help to treat and current dandruff and then to prevent the return.

What to Buy

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge, let’s go shopping!  Apple cider vinegar can be found at just about any grocery or big box store.  You will also find it at health and nutrition shops.  The brand is not really important.  Just make sure it is raw and unfiltered.  You want it as natural as  you can get it.  Turn the bottle upside down and see if there is any sediment.  If there is, buy it.  If not, then it is too filtered and you will want to look for a different brand.  You can order it from Amazon as well.

Tea tree oil is also not about brand but about quality.  Yes, they usually go hand in hand, I know.  But you can find some brands that are lower in price and still have a high quality product.  I have seen tea tree oil in grocery stores, drug stores and big box stores as well.  It can also be purchased on Amazon.com.  You just want to make sure that it is 100% pure tea tree oil and not diluted with other oils.  When it comes to natural remedies for dandruff, or other issues, you always want the best quality product.