Dandruff can be an embarrassing problem that many of us suffer from, yet it doesn’t have to be! With the help of natural remedies and lifestyle changes, you can reduce and even eliminate dandruff from your life. Natural remedies for dandruff vary from simple home remedies, such as shampooing regularly and using essential oils, to more complex treatments, such as herbal supplements and dietary changes. When it comes to preventing dandruff, these natural remedies are just as effective, if not more so, than over-the-counter products. Whether you suffer from chronic dandruff or just the occasional flake, there are plenty of natural ways to prevent dandruff and keep you looking and feeling your best.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is the medical term for a condition that causes red, scaly flaky skin on the scalp, ears, and neck. The scalp is generally affected, but the face and other areas of the body may be affected as well. As the name suggests, dandruff occurs when an imbalance between the overproduction of dandruff-causing yeast and the body’s natural ability to combat it occurs. This imbalance causes the yeast that affects the scalp to grow too quickly, as well as an increased production of embarrassing little flakes.

If you suffer from dandruff, you may notice that your scalp feels itchy, and your hair may even look dull and dirty. You may also notice that dandruff can be particularly itchy or uncomfortable during times of high stress or when you’re sick. Certain medications and diseases like psoriasis, eczema, and acne can also cause dandruff, so it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Causes Of Dandruff

– Yeast – One of the main causes of dandruff. Yeast thrives in warm and moist areas like the scalp and is exacerbated by high humidity. Many people with dandruff struggle with high levels of yeast in their scalps. Certain medications, certain health conditions and certain lifestyle factors may increase the yeast levels in your body and make you more prone to dandruff.

– Scalp Irritation – Some people experience scalp irritation as the main cause of dandruff. This is especially common in those with oily scalps. Scalp irritation occurs when the oils from the scalp mix with the yeast and create a sticky substance that clings to the scalp and creates flakes of dandruff.

– Scalp Allergy – Dandruff can be a sign of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions result when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the yeast on your scalp.

– Psoriasis – Psoriasis is a rare but serious autoimmune disease that causes the scalp to become red and scaly with large areas of thickened skin. Psoriasis is caused by a genetic predisposition or a trigger, such as a specific food or environmental factor. Treatment for psoriasis often includes anti-inflammatory meds or biologic drugs that may help reduce or eliminate dandruff while you’re on treatment.

– Dry Scalp – If you have dry, brittle, or unruly hair, you may experience dandruff as a result of the buildup of dead skin cells and mineral deposits on your scalp. Certain shampoos can help reduce dandruff by removing the buildup on the scalp.

Home Remedies For Dandruff

– Shampooing – This is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat dandruff. Shampooing regularly with a mild, anti-dandruff shampoo can help treat dandruff and prevent it from recurring while also maintaining the health of your hair.

– Anti-dandruff shampoos – Anti-dandruff shampoos are milder than traditional “routine” shampoos and are designed for people with sensitive scalps. While traditional shampoos contain some anti-dandruff ingredients, anti-dandruff shampoos contain more potent ingredients designed specifically with the same goal in mind.

– Scalp Massage – Scalp massage is another effective way to treat and prevent dandruff. Before showering in the morning, gently massage the scalp with your fingertips. This action rinses away excess shampoo and opens up your pores for better drainage. Avoid scrubbing your scalp as it can irritate the skin, especially around your hairline.

– Scalp Rotation – When you shampoo your hair, don’t shampoo your whole body. Shampoo your hair with a mild anti-dandruff shampoo and then shower and rinse off the shampoo. This allows the anti-dandruff shampoo to do its job of treating your scalp while your body gets rinsed away with the water.

– Mustard Oil – Mustard oil has long been used in Indian medicine to treat dandruff and is also an effective dandruff treatment. You can apply mustard oil to your scalp as a scalp massage or mix it with honey and apply it to your scalp as a scalp rinse.

Essential Oil Treatments For Dandruff

– Rosemary – Rosemary essential oil has long been used to treat dandruff and is an excellent natural remedy for dandruff. Rosemary essential oil can be used to treat dandruff by mixing it with honey as a scalp rinse or rubbing it onto your scalp as a massage.

– Chamomile – Chamomile essential oil is another excellent dandruff treatment. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, making it an ideal treatment for inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis.

– Lavender – Lavender essential oil has long been used as a natural remedy for dandruff and other scalp conditions. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce dandruff while also soothing the scalp.

Herbal Supplements For Dandruff

– Bacillus subtilis – B. subtilis is a probiotic bacterium that is found in healthy human scalps and has been shown to reduce the overgrowth of yeast on the scalp and help prevent dandruff.

– Selenium – A mineral that helps protect the hair and scalp from the effects of sun damage, selenium is an important dietary supplement that can be taken as a dietary supplement or in a topical selenium shampoo.

Dietary Changes For Dandruff

– Antioxidants – Antioxidants are natural compounds that help protect your hair and skin from the damaging effects of sunlight and other environmental factors.

– Zinc – Zinc is an important mineral for healthy, shiny hair, and it can be found in high concentrations in wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and other zinc-rich foods.

– Tea – Tea has long been used as a natural remedy for dandruff, and it has recently been discovered to contain key ingredients like polyphenols that have anti-dandruff properties. Green tea is particularly high in antioxidants and caffeine, making it a powerful dandruff treatment.

– Anti-inflammatory diet – Dietary changes can have a big impact on your health, especially when it comes to your scalp health. An anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and anti-microbial foods like healthy probiotic foods like yogurt and fermented foods like pickles can help reduce the effects of inflammation and promote healthy hair growth.

Lifestyle Changes For Dandruff

– Humidity – High levels of humidity in your home, car, or work environment can quickly lead to a build-up of trapped moisture that can lead to fungal infections. Keeping your home, car, and work environment dry is particularly important for those suffering from dandruff.

– Dry Skin – Dry skin is another common cause of dandruff. Dry skin can lead to an increased chance of dandruff by leading to the build-up of minerals on the scalp that are designed to be kept at a certain moisture level.

– Sweat – Sweat is designed to be an important part of our daily exercise regimen, but it can also have a damaging effect on your hair if it builds up too quickly. Once your hair has sweated, it is best to wash it out as soon as possible to prevent dandruff.

Tips For Preventing Dandruff

– Don’t use too much shampoo. – We all want clean, healthy hair, but over-shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to increased friction on your scalp and an increased risk of dandruff.

– Wash your hair with water only. – Traditional shampoos