Dandruff is characterized by itching and flaking skin on the scalp. These flakes then accumulate in hair and drift down onto clothing. Some dandruff cases result from an excessively dry or oily scalp. More severe chronic cases are known as seborrheic dermatitis, and are associated with a fungal infection. Milder cases of dandruff often can be stopped with simple home treatments, while more stubborn chronic cases may need medicated shampoo.
Reduce Scalp Oil
Wash your hair daily with a gentle shampoo, particularly if your hair is oily, recommends the Mayo Clinic. An oily scalp is more prone to dandruff. Additionally, avoid using styling products when you can. Hairspray and spritz, styling gel, mousse and conditioner can all build up on your hair and scalp, making them oilier. If you do use these products, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo at least once a month.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can help stop dandruff, explains Hairfinder.com. Apply apple cider vinegar to problem areas with a long-tipped applicator bottle or a cotton ball. Allow it to stay on your scalp for 15 to 20 minutes, then shampoo and rinse. Some people like to use apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing, but keep in mind it can change your hair color.
Lifestyle Tips
Include adequate zinc and B vitamins in your diet, advises the Mayo Clinic. Consuming essential fatty acids can also help. These are especially prevalent in oily fish such as tuna and salmon, or you can take fish oil supplements. A little sun exposure may help clear up dandruff as well. The Mayo Clinic recommends learning to manage stress, because stress can make people more vulnerable to health disorders, such as fungal infections, which can trigger or worsen dandruff.
Use Tea Tree Oil
Dandruff is commonly caused by the fungus Pityrosporum ovale, also known as Malassezia. Research published in the December 2002 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" found tea tree oil to be effective against this fungus. A group using shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil experienced a 41 percent improvement in condition severity, while the placebo group experienced only 11 percent improvement. Participants also reported reduced itchiness, scaliness and greasiness. Tea tree oil shampoos are available at stores selling natural foods and other natural products. You also can mix 10 drops of tea tree essential oil with every 8 oz. of your regular shampoo, or apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to your scalp before shampooing.
Use Medicated Shampoo
If you're not having any luck stopping your dandruff with other remedies, try a medicated shampoo. Dandruff shampoos contain a variety of active ingredients such as coal tar, ketoconazole, resorcin, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, sulfur and zinc pyrithione. These substances treat dandruff by eliminating fungus, slowing skin cells from dying and flaking away, or helping slough off loose dead skin cells so they can be easily washed away.
