Dandruff occurs when the scalp becomes overactive and sheds skin cells faster than normal. This condition is not life-threatening but its tell-tale white flakes are often inconvenient and embarrassing. There are several home remedies that can help control dandruff, without the use of harsh chemicals.
Step 1
Use homemade dandruff removing shampoo. Measure 4 oz. of castile soap into a small, plastic bottle. Add 18 drops of rosemary oil, 10 drops of thyme oil and eight drops of sage oil. Roll the bottle between your hands to blend the shampoo. Use this shampoo two or three times a week, to keep your dandruff under control
Step 2
Try homemade scalp stimulating shampoo. Measure 4 oz. of castile soap into a small plastic bottle. Add 10 drops of sage oil, 10 drops of lemon oil, five drops of basil oil, seven drops of eucalyptus oil and seven drops of peppermint oil. Roll the bottle between your hands to blend the shampoo. Use this shampoo after you have gotten your dandruff under control, to stimulate a healthy scalp.
Step 3
Rinse with a vinegar scalp treatment. Combine 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with five drops of thyme oil, five drops of carrot oil, three drops of sage oil, three drops of eucalyptus oil, and two drops of peppermint oil. Mix with 1 oz. of spring or distilled water and massage the mixture into your scalp. Try to avoid getting the mixture into your hair. Let the mixture sit on your scalp for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.
Step 4
Use an overnight treatment. Combine 1 tbsp. of jojoba oil with 15 drops evening primrose oil, five drops carrot oil and three drops cypress oil. Massage the oil mixture into your scalp, and try to avoid getting the mixture into your hair. Cover your head with a towel and leave the mixture on overnight.
Step 5
Get enough omega-3. According to Linda B. White, MD, author of "The Herbal Drug Store," omega-3 fatty acids are often used to combat inflammatory conditions, like dandruff. Take 1 tsp. of flaxseed oil, per day to control dandruff. Or, use a flaxseed oil-based omega-3 supplement, per the package directions.
Things You'll Need
- Two small plastic bottles (6 to 8 oz. capacity)
- 12 oz. bottle unscented liquid castile soap
- Apple cider vinegar
- Jojoba oil
- Flaxseed oil or omega-3 supplements
- Spring or distilled water
- Rosemary essential oil
- Thyme essential oil
- Sage essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
- Basil essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Carrot essential oil
- Evening primrose essential oil
- Cypress essential oil
References
- The Herbal Drug Store; Linda B. White, M.D. & Steven Foster;2000
- The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy;Valerie Ann Worwood;1991
