Dandruff is not likely to kill you, but it can be severely cripple you with embarrassment, Mayo Clinic warns. In many cases you can correct dandruff by paying more attention to your hygiene, using a mild shampoo daily or going with one of several home remedies. If your dandruff does not clear up after repeated treatments, or your scalp becomes red, inflamed and appears infected, a trip to the doctor is in order.
Description
Dandruff, technically known as pityriasis-capitis, comes about when the skin on your scalp becomes dry and dead skin flakes off, Mayo Clinic and Women Fitness say. In addition to the white flakes of dead skin that pepper your shoulders and head, dandruff often makes your scalp itch. While dandruff may be bothersome, it is not contagious and usually caused by stress, a poor diet and overall health.
Vinegar
An apple cider vinegar soak and rinse is one home remedy for dandruff, Women Fitness notes, as long as you use it consistently twice a week for about three months. Before bed, mix 6 tbsp. of hot water with 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and dab the mixture directly onto your scalp. Tie a scarf or other material over your hair to keep the vinegar contained through the night. Wash your hair as you normally would the next day, followed by a rinse with a mixture containing 1 cup hot water with 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar.
Herbs
Herbs are another dandruff home remedy, Women Fitness says. A hair rinse of 2 cups of water mixed with 1 oz. rosemary and 1 oz. sage works. Concoct the mixture using dried or fresh rosemary and sage, let it steep for 24 hours then rinse your hair with it after washing, using daily for best results. Another mixture, made by boiling 5 tbsp. dried thyme in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes also works. After boiling for 10 minutes, strain out the thyme and let the water cool. Pour half of it on freshly shampooed, damp hair and massage it into your scalp. Don't rinse it out, but rather let your hair dry and then style as usual. Save the other half of the mixture for later use.
Other Home Remedies
A couple of other home remedies for dandruff work, both Women Fitness and Mayo Clinic state. A daily shampoo of tree tea oil is one option, as long as you test a small area first to ensure you are not allergic to it. Another option is a baking soda, which you can use instead of shampoo. Massage your hair and scalp with baking soda, then rinse well. Keep up the practice for a few weeks, avoiding regular shampoo altogether.
Control
You also have ways to help stop dandruff in the first place, or at least stop it from getting worse, Women Fitness and Mayo Clinic say. Eating lots of fresh fruits, drinking plenty of water and keeping your scalp squeaky clean by shampooing at least twice a week helps keep dandruff at bay. Also make sure to thoroughly rinse your hair after each shampoo and regularly massage your scalp lightly and brush your hair to eradicate any built-up dandruff flakes.
