Dandruff starts in the hair, but it can be most obvious -- and embarrassing -- on the shoulders and backs of your clothing. Dandruff is a condition often caused by a fungus in which the scalp sheds skin cells excessively, causing them to come off in large flakes that become caught in the hair and sometimes in your clothing. For some people, dandruff is difficult to prevent. To eliminate dandruff, you will need to kill off the fungus residing in the scalp. Though it can be more difficult when you are limited to natural alternatives, it is possible.
Step 1
Wash your hair daily. Although your dandruff is likely caused by a fungus, washing the hair consistently helps clear away dead skin cells that flake off the skin. It can also help control and minimize the presence of your scalp's fungus. Any shampoo works, and natural shampoos can also help.
Step 2
Use a shampoo containing tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a naturally occurring substance with antifungal properties. When mixed into a shampoo, it can help treat your hair and scalp, preventing dandruff from occurring.
Step 3
Get out in the sun. According to the Mayo Clinic, exposing your skin to sunlight periodically can help control and treat dandruff. Avoid sunbathing, which can cause an overexposure to dangerous UV rays and increase your risk of skin cancer. Get moderate amounts of sunlight, and wear sunscreen on your face and body to prevent sunburn.
Step 4
Eat a diet promoting scalp and hair health. Nutrients such as zinc, B vitamins and some fats can help your scalp defend itself against dandruff. Many of these nutrients are found naturally in foods including fruits, vegetables and meats, but you can also take supplements if your diet is deficient in them.
Step 5
Practice stress management skills to reduce the influence of stress on your body. High levels of stress can manifest themselves physically; one such way is by causing or exacerbating dandruff in the scalp. Breathing exercises and other stress management routines can help you keep your stress under control and improve your dandruff.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
