How to Reduce Scalp Dandruff

Dandruff. Those flaky white pieces of your scalp that peel and look unsightly. Hormones, seasonal changes, overactive sebaceous glands and fungus are all causes of dandruff. Though the causes vary, no one wants dandruff on his collar or shirt. With proper hair care, you can reduce mild dandruff and improve your scalp health.

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Dandruff shampoo

Instructions

1. Wash your hair with a shampoo that contains coal-tar, pyrithione zinc, or a
   salicylic acid and sulfur combination. Once you've lathered up, let the shampoo sit for five minutes.

2. Air dry your hair whenever possible. The heat from a hair dryer can irritate the scalp.

3. Brush your hair with firm strokes from a natural bristle brush. This style brush helps to evenly spread out the natural oils of your scalp and protects your scalp from drying, which contributes to dandruff.

4. Rinse your hair with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution once a week. The acidic nature of the vinegar can help to restore balance to the pH level of your scalp, kill the microorganisms that cause dandruff, and remove all traces of soap, shampoo and conditioner from your hair and scalp, allowing your scalp the chance to breathe.

5. Put a handful of baking soda on your scalp and rub it into your scalp with water. Rinse well. Baking soda is an anti-fungal treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• If these remedies don't reduce your dandruff, consult a medical provider. You may have a more serious condition such as dermatitis.

References

• The Dr. Oz Show: Dandruff Causes and Solutions
• WebMD: Understanding Dandruff Treatment