How to Reduce Dandruff Naturally

Dandruff, also called pityriasis capitis, is a condition caused by malassezia (a fungus that causes the skin of the scalp to become itchy, white and flaky). Scalp cells normally die and fall off to make room for newer cells. But, in the case of individuals with dandruff, this happens more often and at a faster rate. Contributors to dandruff include hormonal imbalance, poor nutrition, constipation, emotional trauma, fatigue and the use of harsh shampoos. Dandruff can be mild, moderate or severe. If dandruff is left untreated, it could turn into seborrhoeic dermatitis, a more serious form of dandruff that can spread to areas other than the scalp. Controlling dandruff early on can make it more manageable. There are several over-the-counter shampoos and hair products you can use to help ease dandruff. There are also alternative remedies that can help.

Things You'll Need

• Diet changes
• Tea tree oil
• Sesame oil
• Virgin olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Water
• Sepia
• Sulfur
• Oleander

Instructions

1. Treat dandruff by changing your diet. If you consume a lot of saturated fat, it can cause your scalp's skin oils to become acidic and to thicken. Cut back on or totally eliminate things like fatty foods, sugar, junk foods, animal fats, flour, fried foods and seafood. Try switching to a diet that consists of at least one half raw foods. Eat live culture yogurt on a daily basis, since it aids in killing fungus caused by yeast.

2. Use tea tree oil, which comes from the leaves of a plant in Australia that has been used for a number of medicinal purposes. This essential oil is sometimes used to treat fungus-related problems and has also been utilized as an antiseptic. Find a shampoo that contains tea tree oil and wash your hair with it at least three times weekly. This can aid in reducing dandruff.

3. Do a 10-minute sesame oil scalp massage just before bedtime and then rinse it out with warm water. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that doing this will aid in increasing circulation to the scalp and getting rid of dandruff. You can similarly massage with virgin olive oil or coconut oil to make dandruff go away.

4. Go get some apple cider vinegar and add 1/4-cup of it to the same amount of warm water and put some of it on your scalp. Cover your head with a towel for half an hour and then get in the shower and rinse it out, thoroughly, to get some much needed relief from the itchiness and scaling of dandruff. You only need to do this once weekly.

5. Consider giving homeopathic remedies a try. Some typical homeopathic remedies that can be used to treat dandruff are sepia, sulfur and oleander. Get the help of a practitioner who is familiar with these types of remedies to help you select the remedy that will work best for you and to instruct you on the proper dosage, strength and use.

Tips & Warnings

• If you develop red patches of skin, that spread to the neck, face or torso, consult a dermatologist.

• If these remedies fail to improve your dandruff, see a dermatologist.