Dandruff, a common scalp condition, occurs when skin cells accumulate on the scalp and cause itching, flaking and redness. A variety of factors may cause dandruff including dry skin, irritated or oily skin, not shampooing often enough, psoriasis, eczema, sensitivity to hair care products or in some cases, a yeast-like bacteria known as malassezia that lives on the scalp. Mild cases of dandruff usually require nothing more than daily washing with a gentle cleanser. Medicated shampoos are available for more stubborn cases, but you can also use simple natural remedies to help get rid of dandruff for good.
Tea Tree Oil
One of the most common and effective natural remedies for dandruff, tea tree oil contains antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-fungal agents. A study published in the December 2002 edition of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" found that patients using a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo daily for four weeks experienced significant improvement in scaliness, itchiness and greasiness. Researchers noted that tea tree oil works well as a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of dandruff. Make your own tea tree oil dandruff treatment by adding 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil to every 8 ounces of your normal shampoo. Use the mixture every time you wash your hair, massaging it gently into the scalp for the best results.
Aromatherapy
In addition to tea tree oil, numerous other essential oils may provide relief for sufferers of dandruff. Though lacking scientific studies to prove their efficacy, many of these oils exhibit strong anecdotal evidence. In his book "Alternative Cures," Bill Gottlieb recommends adding eight drops of cedarwood oil, six drops of pine oil, six drops of rosemary oil, four drops of clary sage oil, four drops of lemon oil and 10 drops of tea tree oil to 8 ounces of mild, unscented shampoo and using several times per week. Rosemary and cedarwood increase circulation to the scalp, pine and lemon encourage the elimination of toxins from the scalp, clary sage balances oil production and tea tree oil helps normalize bacteria.
Parsley
A common culinary herb, parsley may also help control dandruff. The herb leaves the hair shiny and soft, which makes it an ideal rinse for the hair after shampooing. Though lacking clinical support, parsley's long-standing use as a folk remedy for dandruff speaks volumes about its effectiveness. In her book "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies," Jude Todd recommends pouring 2 cups boiling water over ½ cup chopped, fresh parsley, allowing the mixture to stand for 30 minutes, then massaging onto the scalp. Allow the parsley water to remain for 15 minutes before rinsing clean with cool water. Perform this treatment after using tea tree oil shampoo for the best results.
Stinging Nettle and Vinegar
Todd also suggests a natural dandruff treatment made from stinging nettle and apple cider vinegar, two substances commonly used in folk medicine to eliminate dandruff. Steep 4 tbsp. dried stinging nettle in 2 cups boiling water overnight, then strain and add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Massage the mixture into the scalp and allow it to remain for at least 15 minutes before rinsing. This treatment works as a final rinse after shampooing or you can use it alone on dry, clean hair.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Dandruff Alternative Medicine
- Mayo Clinic: Dandruff Causes
- PubMed: Treatment of Dandruff with 5 Percent Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies"; Jude C. Todd; 2002
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
