Skip the dandruff shampoo and try these homemade dandruff treatments to banish those pesky white flakes.
Dandruff
may be the result of a dry scalp, or a skin condition called seborrheic
dermatitis. It could also be caused by eczema, psoriasis, or, very
commonly, an overgrowth of a yeastlike fungus called malassezia. (Here
are surprising reasons you may be suddenly prone to dandruff).
Drugstore remedies might include shampoos with zinc pyrithione, which
targets fungus and bacteria; ketoconazole, which also fights fungus;
coal tar and selenium sulfide, which slow the growth and die-off of skin
cells on your scalp; and salicylic acid, which loosens flakes so they
can be washed away. For natural treatments, read on.
Aspirin
Aspirin contains
the same active ingredient (salicylic acid) as many medicated dandruff
shampoos. Keep flaking in check by crushing two aspirins to a fine
powder and adding it to the normal amount of shampoo you use each time
you wash your hair. Leave the mixture on your hair for 1-2 minutes, then
rinse well and wash again with plain shampoo.
Tea tree oil
One study showed that shampoos with just 5 percent tea tree oil
significantly improves the severity of dandruff. You can also add a few
drops of tea tree oil to your favorite shampoo as you wash normally.
Baking soda
Your kitchen could hold the key to an itch-free, flake-free scalp. Wet your hair and then rub a handful of baking soda
vigorously into your scalp. Skip the shampoo and go right to rinsing.
Baking soda reduces overactive fungi that can cause dandruff. Your hair
may get dried out at first, but after a few weeks your scalp will start
producing natural oils, leaving your hair softer and free of flakes.
Apple cider vinegar
Dr. Mehmet Oz swears by apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment, as the acidity of apple cider vinegar
changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Mix a
quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water in a spray
bottle and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit
for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a
week.
Mouthwash
To treat a bad case of dandruff, wash
your hair with your regular shampoo, then rinse with an alcohol-based
mouthwash. Follow with your regular conditioner. Mouthwash's anti-fungal properties help prevent dandruff-causing yeast from growing.
Related articles:
7 Easy Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff
Lao Fo Ye - Natural Dandruff Treatment
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