6 Natural Remedies For Dandruff

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No one likes an itchy, flaky scalp, but the truth of the matter is that dandruff impacts up to 50 percent of people across the globe. (Crazy, right?!) While the root causes can vary, from overly dry skin to a specific type of fungus that can grow on the scalp, dandruff is often easily treatable with simple, natural ingredients. So before you run to the dermatologist for the strongest pharmaceutical on the shelf, give a couple of these home remedies a try.

1. Coconut Oil

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Coconut oil is one of the best natural dandruff treatments because of its ability to improve skin hydration and prevent dryness. It also contains compounds that exhibit antimicrobial properties, keeping your scalp healthy after moisturizing it. On the weekends, massage a few tablespoons of coconut oil into your scalp and then chill for an hour with a book or Netflix before hopping in the shower, rinsing it out and proceeding with your standard cleansing routine.

2. Aloe Vera

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This miracle succulent can help relieve a lot more than just a painful sunburn. Its thick gel, which has both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, can not only soothe the itchiness that comes along with dandruff, but also effectively moisturize the dry skin at the root of the issue. And on the plus side, it’s not oil-based like some of the others on this list, so it rinses out a lot easier when it comes time to shower.

3. Tea Tree Oil

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Tea tree oil’s powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an all-star defense against pesky dandruff. In fact, it’s one of the best natural remedies for the fungus that can cause the itching and flaking. You also don’t have to add another step to your shower routine with tea tree oil. Just squeeze a few drops into your typical shampoo bottle and wash up like you normally would.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

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We don’t love taking shots of this stuff (poor tooth enamel!), but we’re definitely not opposed to massaging it into our scalp for dandruff relief because it can help balance its pH and prevent yeast growth. Mix one part ACV with one part water in a spray bottle, spritz your hair with it, sit with your hair wrapped in a towel for about 30 minutes and then take your shower to rinse it out.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

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Sometimes dandruff is an indicator that your body isn’t getting the important nutrition it needs, especially when it comes to healthy fat sources. Try upping the amount of omega-3 fatty acids present in your diet with foods like salmon, soybeans, walnuts and flaxseeds and see if you notice a change in your dandruff symptoms, as well as dry skin anywhere else on your body.

6. Meditation

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Sometimes dandruff is a symptom of one of life’s greatest toxins: stress. So if you make a point to reduce the amount of cortisol pumping through your body at any given time, your scalp will likely benefit, too. Consider taking up just a 5-minute daily meditation practice to help calm your mind and reduce feelings of anxiety that tend to creep up on you as the day progresses. It could make a world of difference for your dandruff symptoms.

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