Dandruff is a chronic skin condition that causes flaking and itching on the scalp. Dandruff can be caused by eczema, psoriasis, oily skin or fungal infection. Although anti-dandruff shampoos are available to treat the condition, you can try natural remedies at home before relying on commercial formulations, which contain zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid.
Shampoo and Massage
Combat dandruff by washing the hair every day with your regular shampoo to get rid of the excess oil on the scalp that could be causing the skin condition. Work up a good lather and leave the shampoo on the hair for several minutes before rinsing out. Reapply at least one more time. While lathering, massage the scalp gently to loosen the scaling and wash out any flakes. Avoid scratching at the scalp to remove the dandruff, because this may increase your chance of scarring and infection. The Mayo Clinic states that as an alternative, you can shampoo the hair with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antifungal and antibiotic properties that can help clear up dandruff.
Olive Oil Treatment
"The Doctors Book of Home Remedies," featured on the website Mother Nature, recommends using a weekly hot oil treatment to loosen scales on the scalp and get rid of dandruff. Heat 1 cup of olive oil until it feels warm to the touch; never put scalding or boiling oil on your scalp. Wet your hair with lukewarm water, then dip a cotton ball into the olive oil and apply it to all areas of the scalp. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it in place for about 30 minutes, then rinse and shampoo as normal.
Thyme Rinse
Thyme has antiseptic properties and can be used in a rinse to treat dandruff naturally, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Boil 4 tbsp. of thyme in 2 cups of water or 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool, then saturate the scalp completely. Do not rinse out the solution.
