Banishing Flaky, Itchy Scalp The Natural Way

Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds white flakes. These flakes are actually dead skin cells. Shedding dead skin cells is normal. The cells pushed themselves outwards the skin and scalp and die off. They flake out and go away on their own.

But for some, the cell turnover is abnormally fast, shedding becomes persistent. The dead skin cells flake off in large, oily patches on the scalp. It’s also accompanied by irritation and persistent itchiness. This is called dandruff. And it happens to anyone regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. The severity of dandruff will depend on the season. Dandruff is treatable, but there is no cure. Usual treatments include dandruff shampoo or antifungal treatments. However, if store-bought dandruff treatments won’t do, consider these all natural remedies:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an effective dandruff treatment because it has natural anti-fungal properties. It also hydrates dry, itchy scalp. To use coconut oil to banish dandruff, mix a couple of tablespoon with equal parts of lemon juice. Mix the two fluids together and massage directly on the scalp. With your fingertips, massage the oil until fully absorbed. Wait 20 minutes and wash the hair thoroughly. Repeat twice or thrice per week until dandruff disappears.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Just like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties. It also restores the natural pH of the scalp. This inhibits yeast growth. Apple cider vinegar also removes hair buildup, clears clogged pores and removes blockages from hair follicles.

To use apple cider vinegar to treat dandruff, mix an equal part of it with water. Add 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil. Mix them all together and apply directly to dry scalp. Massage the mixture until fully absorbed and wait for at least 20 minutes before washing off. Do this twice per week or until symptoms disappear.

Baking Soda

Baking soda sloughs off dead skin cells and absorbs excess sebum. It also restores the pH of the scalp and inhibits fungi from spreading. To use baking soda to treat dandruff, apply a handful of it on wet scalp. Make sure the whole head is covered with baking soda. Leave it on for 3 minutes or more. Then, rinse it all off with warm water.  Do not shampoo it off, just use water. Repeat once or twice per week until dandruff is gone.

Olive Oil

Olive oil works similarly like coconut oil. It hydrates dry, itchy scalp and inhibits fungi growth. It also eliminates flakes! To use olive oil as dandruff treatment, warm a couple of tablespoons. The oil shouldn’t be hot to the touch, just warm. With your fingers, work the oil into the scalp. Make sure the oil is fully absorbed. Then, get a warm towel and wrap your head around it. Leave the oil for at least 45 minutes. If you can, leave it overnight for best results.

Then, shampoo it all off and condition your hair. Do this several times every week until the flakes disappear.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is an effective dandruff treatment. Its acidity kills fungi instantly and relieves itching. It also restores the natural pH of the scalp. To use white vinegar to banish dandruff, just add one cup of vinegar with two cups of water. Use this mixture as a hair rinse after shampooing the hair. You can also mix olive oil with two parts white vinegar and massage the mixture directly on dry scalp. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes and shampoo it all off.