According to MayoClinic.com, dandruff is most commonly caused by dry skin, irritated and oily skin, psoriasis, eczema, not washing your hair enough, sensitivity to certain hair products and, in some cases, a fungus called malassezia. However, there are some natural treatments to help get rid of dandruff while helping to repair damaged hair, according to Nicola Naylor, author of "Discover Essential Oils," and Julie Lawless, author of "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well Being."
Step 1
Combine 1/2 tsp. rosemary essential oil, 1/2 tsp. tea tree oil, 1/2 tsp. cade essential oil, 1/4 tsp. eucalyptus essential oil, 1/4 tsp. lavender essential oil, 1/4 tsp. lemon essential oil and 1/2 cup olive oil in a small container with a tight-fitting lid.
Step 2
Cover the container and shake gently for 15 to 20 seconds to combine the ingredients.
Step 3
Pour a small amount of the mixture onto your wet hair and scalp in the shower.
Step 4
Massage the mixture onto the roots of your hair and onto your scalp for two to three minutes. Leave the mixture on the hair and scalp for 10 minutes after massaging it in.
Step 5
Rinse your hair with lukewarm water and wash with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
Step 6
Air-dry your hair without blow-drying or vigorous towel use.
Step 7
Repeat this treatment daily for as long as needed. Stop using the mixture if it causes any sort of irritation, redness or sensitivity to the scalp or skin.
Step 8
Store unused portions of the essential oil mixture in a dark, cool place for up to 90 days before discarding it.
Tips and Warnings
- If you notice that the oil mixture causes only very minor irritation to your scalp, add another 1/4 cup of olive oil to the mixture to dilute it.
- Like many herbal, natural remedies, this treatment has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Contact your doctor or dermatologist if you are concerned about its safety.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 tsp. rosemary essential oil
- 1/2 tsp. tea tree oil
- 1/2 tsp. cade essential oil
- 1/4 tsp. eucalyptus essential oil
- 1/4 tsp. lavender essential oil
- 1/4 tsp. lemon essential oil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Small container with tight-fitting lid
- Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
References
- "Discover Essential Oils"; Nicola Naylor; 1998
- "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health and Well Being"; Julia Lawless; 2002
- MayoClinic.com: Dandruff: Causes
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