Dandruff is a condition characterised by itchy, white flakes of skin on your scalp that may be uncomfortable and it can affect anyone; male or female, no matter the environment.
Nearly 50 percent of the global population will experience dandruff at least once in their life.
Dandruff may be caused by multiple factors; dry skin, sensitivity to hair products, seborrheic dermatitis and growth of fungus called Malassezia yeast among other factors
Though there are plenty of over-the-counter products designed to treat dandruff, there are simple home remedies that are cheaper and effective; tea tree oil, crushed aspirins, baking soda, and aloe vera are some of the many natural remedies.
PAWPAW SEEDS: Pawpaw seed is a natural product used in the farming community to stop dandruff; dry pawpaw seeds in the sun, blend them into powder and add to household hair cream. Use daily for two weeks and ensure the cream toutres.
TREE TEA OIL: Tree tea oil has been used to help treat skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. It may also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which could help alleviate symptoms of dandruff.
COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil known for its multiple health benefits may be used as a natural remedy for dandruff. It may improve skin hydration, prevent dryness and decrease inflammation when applied as a moisturizer. Its compounds have antimicrobial properties.
ALOE VERA: Aloe vera often added to skin ointments, cosmetics and lotions help to treat skin conditions like burns, psoriasis and cold sores. It’s antibacterial and antifungal properties help protect against dandruff.
Studies suggest that aloe vera reduces inflammation, which could relieve dandruff symptoms.
Stress is believed to affect many aspects of health and wellness, influencing everything from chronic conditions to mental health and while it doesn’t cause dandruff, it may worsen symptoms such as dryness and itching. So minimising stress is a way to treat dandruff.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: Apple cider vinegar acidity is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp as it is said to balance the pH of the skin to reduce fungal growth and fight dandruff.
ASPIRIN: Salicylic acid is one of the primary compounds found in aspirin that’s responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also an ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos. It may help to get rid of scaly skin and loosen flakes so they can be removed. For an easy dandruff remedy, try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair.
OMEGA-3S: Deficiency of Omega-3s may cause a scaly, itchy, or rough rash. Eating food that contains Omega-3s helps to manage oil production and hydration, promote wound healing, prevent premature aging, and reduce inflammation, which may, in turn, relieve irritation and dandruff symptoms.
BAKING SODA: Baking soda is a quick, convenient, and readily available dandruff remedy. It may act as a gentle exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells and reduce scaling and itchiness. It also has antifungal properties that may benefit dandruff treatment. For best results, apply baking soda directly to wet hair and massage it into your scalp.
Additional treatment methods may be necessary if home remedies don’t help treat your dandruff.
