Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to get rid of dandruff!
First and foremost, I am glad that you have found this dandruff guide. To give you a quick introduction, I have had dandruff for the past 15 years and have tried everything possible. I’ve also wasted a lot of time trying out things that didn’t work very well for me.
It was only after understanding dandruff and getting the right treatment, that I was able to overcome it! I have decided to create a website for people who were once like me; lost and don’t know how to get rid of dandruff.
Don’t worry! Follow this guide, and you will get rid of dandruff in no time!
This guide is informational and goes into detail. If you wish to skip certain sections, feel free to use the table of contents below to navigate around. If you are completely new and don’t have much knowledge on dandruff, I strongly encourage you to start from the top.
You can also browse around the website if you feel like learning more. Below is a quick table of contents for easy navigation through the dandruff guide.
- What is Dandruff? (Read More)
- What Causes Dandruff? (Read More)
- How to Spot Dandruff? (Read More)
- How to Treat Dandruff? (Read More)
- Conclusion (Read More)
What is Dandruff?
I live by a very simple philosophy. In order to deal with anything in life most effectively, I want to understand what I am dealing with as much as possible.
This is also true when dealing with dandruff. But don’t worry! Understanding dandruff is much simpler than it sounds. Though most of us are familiar with dandruff, not everyone knows exactly what it is. That leads me to the first step. Let’s start by looking at what dandruff actually is.
Once you know that, we can move on to understand what it’s caused by. Most people that I know who have dandruff only have a basic understanding of it. Their understanding is that it is a scalp condition where dry skin is shed. Not many people even know that the condition should be treated with special types of shampoos.
But, no worries! One step at a time. Let me teach you more about dandruff first.
Dandruff is also known by the terms scurf or pityriasis simplex capillitii (pityriasis in short). It is a skin condition, that appears primarily on the scalp. It takes the appearance of scaly white or yellow flakes that have a tendency to peel off. The shedding of your scalp is often accompanied by an itching sensation, which is common. Studies indicate that around 50% of adults have dandruff [1].
Dandruff can be caused by a variety of different factors, such as:
- Dry scalp
- Oily scalp
- Skin sensitivities and irritation
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
Some of these skin conditions are preventable, and others are not. I’ll explain it later on.
Dandruff is usually characterized by a dry and itchy scalp. This often leads to the shedding of skin as well, which is how people tend to recognize the condition. If you have an itchy scalp and notice that your skin is shedding, it could mean that you have dandruff. Dandruff is chronic and is therefore not curable, but you can control it with ease. It may take a while, but you will reach a stage where you don’t even notice having it anymore.
If your scalp shows these symptoms, you may have dandruff. But don’t panic. Keep in mind that dandruff is completely harmless and not contagious. Usually, dandruff can be easily taken care of. Rarely do people with dandruff require a visit to the doctor or dermatologist.
In some instances, people with severe dandruff may require prescription shampoo. If you feel any pains or discomfort, please seek help from a dermatologist immediately.
What Causes Dandruff?
If you want to know how to get rid of dandruff it is necessary to understand what dandruff is caused by. I hope that you are curious about the answer to this question.
I can remember it being on my mind all the time, the moment I knew that I had dandruff. The reason why the answer to this question is important is that it gives you valuable information. You may be able to understand what skin condition you have, and you can then treat it accordingly.
To be honest, the first few years of having dandruff were a complete waste of time for me. I was too stubborn to learn and understand. I thought I didn’t need to understand more about the topic and a simple shampoo that had the words “anti-dandruff” on it would suffice. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong, and in turn, I wasted a few years of further embarrassment and scratching.
There are several different skin conditions that could cause dandruff, and it is important to understand them. Even if you don’t think that you are at risk of developing dandruff, you should be paying attention to what can cause it.
You never know when this information will come in handy.
The exact cause of dandruff is still unclear [2]. It hasn’t been clearly determined yet, but there are multiple factors that are known that can cause dandruff. That’s why it’s good to pay attention to the causes because upon understanding them, you can see which one applies to you.
Let’s dig in and learn about the various skin conditions that could lead to dandruff!
Dry Scalp
I’m sure we can all recall a time when our scalp became dry or itchy. This can happen after using a shampoo or other beauty treatments that you apply directly to your scalp.
It can also happen when the skin is not properly hydrated, or when being exposed to extremely cold and dry weather. Having a dry scalp can cause your skin to flake without you even noticing it at first.
You can avoid it by using non-drying or moisturizing shampoos and hair products. A lot of these shampoos use ingredients that dry your hair and scalp. Make sure that you use shampoos that have moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera or natural oils.
It’s also good to ensure that you are fully hydrated by drinking plenty of water and maintaining a well-balanced diet.
It is possible to have dry scalp without actually having dandruff. Just because your scalp feels dry and itchy does not necessarily mean that you have dandruff.
Your scalp becomes susceptible to dry skin in colder and drier seasons. If you live in Europe, America or Canada, for example, the cold air and low humidity can cause you to have a dry scalp. Unfortunately, we are not always able to choose the location we live in.
If you feel that your scalp is drier in colder seasons, it may help to use moisturizing shampoos and creams. This will keep your scalp and hair moist.
Oily Scalp
Popular to contrary belief, an oily scalp can be the cause of dandruff, too. I know you are probably thinking that this sounds illogical. But this is true.
However, it is also important to mention that having an oily scalp does not necessarily mean that you will develop a case of dandruff. It depends on your body and how it deals with the excess oils on your scalp. Sometimes the scalp will become oily if you do not wash your hair often enough or have too much product build-up in your hair.
Often, this is not a big deal. In some cases, your scalp may naturally over-produce hair oils (sebum). This could be a cause for your dandruff [3]. It is sometimes good for the scalp if you only wash your hair every other day. If you have dandruff due to an oily scalp, you may want to wash it more often.
Sensitivities to Ingredients
Another contributor to dandruff could be the ingredients in your hair products. These do not necessarily have to be ingredients that you are allergic to.
But harsh chemicals can cause dandruff! There is no need to panic. Just keep an eye out for which type of ingredients seem to irritate the skin on your scalp.
I usually stay away from some brands that contain harsh chemicals. If you do some testing, you are able to narrow this down a specific ingredient. Discontinue the use of a specific shampoo or ingredient if you are able to identify it.
My scalp is sensitive to a few of the harsh chemicals in some of the shampoos, so I switch to more natural variants. Fortunately, I found this out fairly quickly. Immediately after washing, my scalp became extremely dry and inflamed. It felt as if someone dried glue on my head and it was all stuck together. It’s a simple fix. Just switch to milder shampoos.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that affects your scalp and leaves it dry, red, itchy and flaky. It affects around 5% of all people on our planet.
Nobody really knows what exactly causes seborrheic dermatitis but many studies have been linking it to a sensitivity of oleic acid, which is produced by Malassezia [4]. Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that is naturally part of the scalp. Every person has this fungus on their scalp, as it is essential in maintaining good scalp health. Seborrheic glands are located inside our skin. These glands naturally produce hair oils, also known as sebum.
Sebum is very important for our scalp and acts as a protective barrier against germs. It is also responsible for maintaining a proper pH balance. However, the seborrheic glands in some people may overproduce sebum.
When Malassezia reacts with sebum, it produces a by-product called oleic acid. Some people are sensitive to oleic acid and can develop inflamed, itchy and dry skin, which in turn can cause dandruff. The Malassezia fungus itself is not a concern, as it actually does our scalp good. However, you can use certain anti-fungal shampoos and treatments to reduce the fungus and inflammation.
You can also develop seborrheic dermatitis on other oily areas of your body, such as the nose, ears, eyebrows, and beard. I have had this condition for over 15 years now and was shocked when I first found out. Dry and red skin patches also started forming on my cheeks and eyebrows.
As always, don’t panic! You can easily control seborrheic dermatitis with anti-fungal shampoo and home treatments that I will mention below.
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that leaves skin patches red, itchy and flaky. The severity can range from mild to extreme. I’ve also heard stories of people whose entire scalp and even some parts of the forehead and neck were covered with it.
The exact cause of scalp psoriasis has not been determined. There have been several studies indicating that it is an autoimmune disease. In more serious cases, scalp psoriasis can leave behind heavily crusted plaque areas that easily flake off in clumps.
Some of the symptoms may resemble that of seborrheic dermatitis, but the scales of scalp psoriasis are often thicker and drier in appearance. If you suffer from scalp psoriasis I advise you to consult a dermatologist to get medicated treatment.
How to Spot Dandruff?
It is important to know the answer to this question, as a lot of people confuse a dry scalp with dandruff. Having dandruff is completely harmless. The only downsides to it are, that it can take extra time to manage and it can get embarrassing when people notice.
Also, dandruff can worsen if not properly cared for. If your dry scalp symptoms persist over a longer period of time, it is probably time to start checking for warning signs. Let’s have a look at some of the symptoms of dandruff and the differences between several skin conditions that can affect your scalp.
Symptoms of Dandruff
There are a few symptoms that you should be looking out for when it comes to dandruff. These symptoms include:
- White or yellow skin flakes on the scalp
- Itchiness on the scalp and hairline
- Red patches on the scalp are also common
- Flaky skin on other parts of the body
It is worth mentioning that these skin flakes are usually going to look oily, depending on the condition that you have.
You will probably find them on your scalp, your shoulders, and your clothing as well. Try to take regular looks in the mirror and make sure they are cleaned off.
Difference Between Scalp Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis
It is necessary to note that both skin conditions are different in nature but have certain similarities in symptoms. They also require different types of treatment. Take a look at the symptoms below and see if either one matches yours. If you are confused or unable to tell, please see a doctor or a dermatologist!
Just so you know, you don’t have to have every symptom of a particular condition in order to have the condition. You should also be aware that there can be other symptoms that are not listed below and are exclusive to certain individuals.
Scalp Psoriasis
The symptoms of scalp psoriasis are usually:
- Red skin
- Dry flakes or clumps
- Raised patches
- Itchiness
- Soreness
The flakes that you will experience with scalp psoriasis are often silvery. This is one of the best ways to identify if you have psoriasis.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are usually:
- Red skin
- Greasy-looking flakes
- Itchiness
- Found also on eyebrows, nose, and ears
These flakes tend to look greasy.
If you think that you are unable to differentiate between scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis and your condition becomes unbearable, please consult a dermatologist immediately.
Also remember, none of these conditions are contagious and they can be treated.
How to Treat Dandruff?
It is always helpful to know which condition you are treating. Using any of these treatments is generally good for either condition. You may not get the most effective result if you are unsure of what’s causing your dandruff.
But none of these treatments are going to be harmful unless you are sensitive or allergic to a specific ingredient. Please check thoroughly before using a product.
Shampoos for Dandruff
The first treatment that comes to everyone’s mind is anti-dandruff shampoos. Most of us have seen them in TV commercials and other advertisements. It is often the first choice that people make when it comes to treating their dandruff. It was also mine!
One of the best things about dandruff shampoos is that you can find them in any supermarket or store. You do not have to spend a lot of time, energy and money to find them. They are also affordable.
Of course, this will depend on what type of shampoo you buy, but in most cases, they are inexpensive.
Make sure that you choose the correct anti-dandruff shampoo by identifying what ingredients your scalp is going to respond best to. I have made the big mistake of using generic anti-dandruff shampoos initially. I had used them for years and they mostly had no effect on my scalp.
If anything, they made it worse. So, make the right choice and go by the type of ingredients. I will explain them all individually below.
You can also get a prescription dandruff shampoo if you think that you need to. In my experience, prescription shampoos usually do not work any different from over-the-counter shampoos.
However, if you choose to go to the doctor or dermatologist, it is a good idea discuss with them which shampoos you had no success with. This way, the dermatologist will be able to tell and recommend other ingredients.
It is important to know that there are different shampoos that are best for different types of dandruff. Do your best to identify which type of dandruff you have.
Only then will you be able to find a shampoo that will yield the best results. Let’s take a look at various types of anti-dandruff shampoo ingredients to get rid of your dandruff.
Types of Shampoos for Dandruff
As previously mentioned, there are several causes for dandruff, and they all need to be treated in different ways.
There are certain types of ingredients that work more effectively for certain conditions. Using the research I have done, I will comment on how the ingredients work for each condition.
Please also understand that everybody reacts differently to the ingredients. So please do some testing as well, but make sure that you aren’t allergic or sensitive to the ingredients.
The shampoos that I will cover are:
- Coal tar shampoos
- Pyrithione zinc shampoos
- Salicylic acid shampoos
- Selenium sulfide shampoos
- Ketoconazole shampoos
Coal Tar Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Anti-dandruff shampoos containing coal tar have been around for a long time. They are very effective against dandruff.
Coal tar slows the skin cells’ process of dying and flaking. It is best used for conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
The good news about coal tar shampoos is that they are easily available at any grocery store, supermarket or drugstore. They are available over-the-counter, which is great because it saves you a trip to a dermatologist. These anti-dandruff shampoos are usually very affordable.
Since coal tar contains quite a lot of chemicals, it’s best to wash your hair with it every other day.
How does coal tar in shampoos work?
Coal tar shampoos basically prevent additional shedding and scaling of your scalp. This is extremely important for wanting to get rid of dandruff.
A recent clinical study shows that the coal tar ingredient inhibits the growth of 52 Malassezia strains. It also highlights that it seems to have anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. This works well for scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Pyrithione Zinc Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Pyrithione zinc is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
This ingredient is helpful against dandruff that is caused by Malassezia.
As we have learned, one of the main causes of dandruff is Malassezia. Malassezia is a fungus that is naturally found on the scalp. It is completely normal and healthy, but it can sometimes be at fault for causing dandruff.
Malassezia breaks down the sebum into oleic acid, which your scalp can be sensitive to.
As with most of the other shampoos, pyrithione zinc shampoos are available at most local stores and do not require any type of prescription. They have also been described as affordable and effective.
How does pyrithione zinc in shampoos work?
The ingredient pyrithione works well against fungus and bacteria that are causing dandruff. This is most effective against the types of dandruff that are caused by the fungus called Malassezia.
A recent study shows that over a course of a month, pyrithione zinc treatment resulted in patients having less dandruff [5].
Pyrithione zinc is often used as a secondary ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos. Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are usually preferred. If you decide to use pyrithione zinc, I recommend washing your hair every other day.
Salicylic Acid Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Salicylic acid is another common ingredient that is found in anti-dandruff shampoos. It works pretty well for exfoliating the scalp.
When used too often, this type of shampoo can be drying. You should combat that dryness with a good conditioner, to ensure that you have a hydrated scalp. Salicylic acid is effective at removing dead skin and promoting new skin growth.
What does salicylic acid in shampoos do?
Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and is a good ingredient for both scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
This ingredient possesses keratolytic properties. Keratolytic agents can cause the epidermis to shed more easily[6]. This means using this ingredient helps to mainly remove the dry skin from your scalp. I recommend using this ingredient as a supplement to other ingredients that are anti-fungal.
Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Selenium sulfide has good anti-fungal properties. Shampoos with selenium sulfide work well for scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
In line with the majority of other shampoos, selenium sulfide is very common in anti-dandruff shampoos. They are available in most grocery stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies.
How does selenium sulfide in shampoos work?
There have been several studies trying to document the exact reaction selenium sulfide has on fungus. The exact process still remains unclear.
However, studies have shown that this ingredient has good anti-fungal properties that work well against dandruff. All of my anti-dandruff shampoos contain selenium sulfide, as the ingredient works great for me. Be sure to do some testing and see if it has the same effect on you!
Ketoconazole shampoos
Ketoconazole is one of the most effective ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos. They are known to have excellent anti-fungal properties. They are often used as a last resort because they work so well when others fall short.
Ketoconazole shampoos are some of your stronger over-the-counter options. They are excellent against fungus growth.
Hence, they play a big role in getting rid of dandruff. I’ve had quite a struggle to find anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole locally, but it was easy when I resorted to online shopping.
How does ketoconazole in shampoos work?
Due to its great anti-fungal properties, ketoconazole works well against dandruff caused by fungus. A recent study highlights that people who use anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole are 31% less likely to show recurring symptoms [7].
I mainly use anti-dandruff shampoos that contain ketoconazole as an active ingredient. It works absolute wonders for my seborrheic dermatitis.
An article published in 1982 underlines that the use ketoconazole improves the condition of scalp psoriasis [8].
I encourage you to try these type of shampoos, as well. The only downside for me is that it can leave my scalp extremely dry. A good trick is to use some home remedies containing natural oils to keep your hair moisturized and hydrated.
More Information on Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Now that you have a good understanding of various ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos, you are able to identify which one may work best for you.
Keep in mind that there are no specific types of shampoos that are guaranteed to work. A lot of it is down to testing on how your scalp reacts to it. This guide should give you a good insight.
If you feel that none of these ingredients work well for you, I advise you to speak to a doctor or a dermatologist.
They should be able to properly diagnose your condition and give you medicated shampoos and other medications that help. They will also be able to evaluate the severity of your condition.
When picking a shampoo for your dandruff, make sure that you always read the ingredients at the back. You can always refer back to this article to check how they can help your dandruff situation, depending on the skin condition that you have.
How to Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoos
Ideally, you would want to use anti-dandruff shampoos either every day or every other day.
This depends on how harsh the chemicals are in the shampoo and how your scalp reacts to them. If your scalp is sensitive to the chemicals in a particular shampoo, opt to wash it every other day.
You may also switch to a less potent version, instead. If your shampoo is on the mild side, you may want to shampoo your hair every day.
Always be sure to read the instructions on your shampoo bottle. The label will explain how to best use it and how long to leave it in your hair.
As instructions vary amongst different brands, it is very important to understand each one. You do not want to make your dandruff worse by not following the directions.
A general routine that I recommend is to wash your hair every other day and to supplement this with natural home remedies. I will go more into detail in the next sections.
Keep this routine up for 2 – 3 weeks and you should see a noticeable difference. If you do not notice any positive results from your routine, you may want to re-evaluate the ingredients that you are using. You can also supplement your routine with an anti-dandruff diet.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
You may want to supplement your current routine with various anti-dandruff home remedies. If they work well for you, it can save you some valuable time and money. I will introduce you to the best home remedies below.
All ingredients are natural and are not harsh on your scalp unless you are allergic to them. Please check before using.
Please note that these remedies will not work for everyone, as everybody reacts differently to the ingredients. However, through research and my own experience, these home remedies can work wonders.
Home remedies can definitely be effective against dandruff. They even provide other health benefits, too. When in doubt, please seek the advice of a certified dermatologist. There are dozens of home remedies out there and I have tried them all! The great news is that just about anybody can treat their dandruff from the comfort of their own home.
As already stated, most of these home remedies involve natural ingredients, which means that they are easily available. You can easily find them online and are generally very inexpensive.
This means that you know exactly what is going onto your scalp. You can pinpoint anything that may irritate it. You will also be able to see which methods yield the best results for your dandruff. Let me give you more insight into some of the home remedies for different types of dandruff and how they work!
Home Remedies for Different Types of Dandruff
As you learned, there are different causes for dandruff. Therefore, there are different ways to treat dandruff, depending on your skin condition. In general, you should be safe using most of the home remedies, regardless of the type of dandruff you have.
Please take note of the 3 scalp conditions below, as you may need to refer back to these once we take a look at some of the home remedies.
Oily Scalp
If you are suffering from dandruff as a result of an oily scalp, you should mainly focus on removing the excess oil.
You should also focus on getting rid of the skin flakes. These remedies will usually involve ingredients that are less moisturizing to the scalp and hair. Generally, it is not a bad idea to use moisturizers on an oily scalp, but there are some treatments that will work better.
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, for example, will cut back on some of the oil and help to relieve the itchiness on your scalp.
Dry Scalp
One of the biggest discomforts that people face when their scalp is dry is the itchiness. It can be very bothersome—as if dandruff or the dry skin was not bugging enough!
The goal of treating a dry scalp is to make sure that you are putting enough moisture back into it. You should look for moisturizing options. You can do this by using certain moisturizing conditioners or natural oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
The goal here is to give the scalp more moisture while removing the flakes. Adding more moisture should work pretty well for both of those goals.
Sensitivities to Certain Products or Ingredients
Certain people can develop some type of reaction to a product they have used. This could be a harsh shampoo or even just a bad reaction to a single ingredient. Signs of sensitive reactions are redness, itchiness, and irritation on the scalp.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms just after washing your hair?
Do yourself a favor and try to figure out what ingredient or product caused the reaction. Immediately discontinue using the product. Even if someone said it’s the best product ever! You don’t need it. It can make your dandruff situation much worse than it already is.
If you find that your scalp is very sensitive to most types of shampoos, please do not proceed to use them over an extended period of time. You may even worsen your skin condition, which can cause irreversible damage. Choose milder oils or shampoos.
There are many alternatives. Always remember, speak to a doctor or dermatologist if you are lost and do not know what to do next.
Best Anti-Dandruff Home Remedies
While there are specific remedies that target each type of dandruff, most of the home remedies should work well, regardless of your skin condition.
They are all relatively gentle, so you don’t have to worry about them making your dandruff worse.
If you have very sensitive skin or you are allergic to a specific ingredient, please don’t use that ingredient anymore. If you notice a product making your dandruff worse, stop using it immediately and try something else. In this case, it’s a good idea to call a doctor or a dermatologist.
As a general guideline, use the more moisturizing options on a dry or irritated scalp. Save the drying methods for oilier scalps. If you decide to switch things up, you should still have good results.
Remember when I said that you may need to test them out yourself? Well, getting rid of dandruff does require some trial and error, but I have personally tested all these home remedies and they worked great for me.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of my favorite home remedies because it has been very effective for me. This particular oil can be found in many pharmacies and supermarkets.
It is also suggested to mix tea tree oil directly into your shampoo. I personally do that sometimes as well. I routinely use tea tree oil on its own after shampooing my hair, too.
How does tee tree oil help with dandruff?
The reason why tee tree oil is so great against dandruff is that it contains terpinen-4-ol, which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. This means that it can reduce fungal growth on your scalp and inhibits your dandruff getting worse.
If your scalp reacts the same way as mine, you may also experience less scalp irritation and inflammation.
Not only does it remove the excess oil from the scalp, but it is also known to be a natural germicide and antiseptic. There are many additional health benefits you gain from tea tree oil, so give it a try!
I usually use a dropper and apply it evenly on my scalp. If you do not have a dropper, you can simply pour some into your hands and massage your scalp to evenly distribute the oil.
Jojoba Oil
Another great natural oil for dandruff is jojoba oil. This oil is very affordable and can be found at most health food retailers. You can also find it relatively inexpensive online.
It can also be used for many other skin conditions. I have incorporated jojoba oil into my skin and hair care routine.
I enjoy finding versatile products that I can use for many different things. It’s always good to have products that have more than one purpose!
How does jojoba oil help with dandruff?
Jojoba oil can be directly applied to the scalp. This can be easily done by mixing it into a bowl and using a spoon to distribute it on your scalp if you don’t have a dropper.
Alternatively, you can also put a few drops of jojoba oil on your fingers and rub it into your scalp. You can do this with wet or dry hair. I do it just after showering when my hair is still moist. After that, I evenly massage my scalp for 2-3 minutes. This will help distribute the jojoba oil evenly.
Jojoba oil restores moisture to the scalp, which is good if your scalp is dry.
When the scalp has enough moisture, it will stop shedding skin flakes. Additionally, the jojoba oil will help to dissolve sebum and prevents dirt and germs from clogging your hair follicles.
I have good results using jojoba oil for dandruff and I recommend that you give this a try, too!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil works a lot like jojoba oil, in that it restores moisture to the scalp.
You can find coconut oil in grocery stores, drugstores or also online. You might already have it in your kitchen or bathroom because it has many other uses and benefits.
How does coconut oil help with dandruff?
You can use coconut oil the same way that you use jojoba oil. You can simply rub it into your scalp, which will condition the scalp by restoring moisture.
It works great if you have a dry scalp. Massaging the scalp gently can also relieve itchiness.
Coconut oil has moisturizing properties. This means that it will give your scalp the additional hydration that it needs, especially when you are situated in a cold or dry environment. Besides restoring moisture to your scalp, coconut oil also has several anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
This can help to reduce the inflammation and dandruff.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The great thing about apple cider vinegar is that it’s extremely versatile. It can be used for any type of dandruff.
Though it can give you relief for any skin condition, it is most effective on an oily scalp. Apple cider vinegar can be found at local grocery stores, supermarkets, online and probably in your own kitchen. It is also very inexpensive.
How does apple cider vinegar help with dandruff?
Apple cider vinegar is created through fermentation of apple cider. The sugars are broken down by using bacteria and yeast.
As a result, you get apple cider vinegar. As the vinegar can be quite potent you should dilute it with water before applying it to your scalp.
Mix ¼ of a cup of water with ¼ of a cup of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle or in a bowl. You can then spray this or apply it directly on your scalp. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then rinse it out.
Apple cider vinegar is known to have some anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Even though the initial smell of it may turn you off, it gets rid of any excess germs and bacteria. I usually leave it sitting in my hair while doing some work or reading a book. Make sure to rinse it out thoroughly, as you do not want to get the smell of it on your pillow and sheets.
Aloe Vera
You can buy aloe vera in plant form or in a bottle from the drugstore, pharmacy or grocery store. It is inexpensive and easy to find.
It is also natural and very gentle. In fact, aloe vera is commonly used for its soothing properties and is therefore often found in shampoos and healing creams.
How does aloe vera help with dandruff?
To use aloe vera for dandruff, simply massage it into the scalp. You can apply it directly and do not have to mix it with anything else.
You may find it helpful to apply it several times throughout the day if you have an inflamed scalp. Pay attention to how your scalp is reacting to make sure that you are not doing it too often.
As already mentioned, aloe vera has healing properties, which is why we frequently use it to heal minor cuts and sunburns. It can do the same thing to dandruff. The greatest benefit of using aloe vera on the scalp is that it relieves the itchiness and irritation.
It’s anti-inflammatory properties ensure that you don’t experience any severe irritations.
There are aloe vera liquids, oils, and creams. As you are trying to distribute it evenly onto the scalp, I recommend you opt for the oil or liquid option.
Lemon Juice
Most of us have lemon juice on hand at all times, as it is often used in cooking. If you do not own any lemons, do not worry. A lemon—or a small bottle of lemon juice—is inexpensive and easy to find.
How do lemons help with dandruff?
There are two ways to do this. You either get a bottle of lemon juice or you buy fresh lemons and squeeze them yourself. I prefer to squeeze the lemons myself and use the remainder for a refreshing drink.
You can simply add a couple of drops of lemon juice to your scalp with your fingers or even better yet, use a dropper.
You can let this set for a few minutes and massage your scalp. Be sure to rinse it out after you are done. This can be repeated as often as needed. Lemon juice is an excellent way to balance the skin’s pH. Our skin has a protective layer that is made of sebum.
The protective layer is also known as the acid mantle. It is recommended that the skin layer is slightly acidic at about 5.5.
As lemon is an astringent, it helps to keep the hair follicles unclogged and also balances the oil production on your scalp.
Conclusion
I hope that you have enjoyed this guide on how to get rid of dandruff. It was made possible through researching various journals, websites and research papers about dandruff.
I created this guide for people who were once in my shoes.
Since young, I have been struggling with dandruff. It took some time and commitment before I managed to get it under control. I hope that I have explained things well enough for you to take things into your own hands and control your dandruff.
I will keep this guide updated from time to time if I discover more information or new types of treatments. Getting rid of dandruff can be easier than you think. You just need a little trial and error. I would like to thank you for coming this far and I hope it was an interesting and insightful read.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I am more than happy to reply and help as much as I can. Please remember, if you are experiencing discomfort, please seek advice from a dermatologist immediately.
Thank you for reading and let’s get rid of your dandruff, together!