End Dandruff With These Home Remedies
By Paul Rothbart
A chronic skin condition of the scalp, dandruff can be irritating and embarrassing. The itching can be distracting as scratching is often necessary and flakes of skin falling onto your shoulders are unsightly. Dandruff is not a sign of poor hygiene and its exact cause is not fully known. There is no cure for it but there are treatments to help manage and control dandruff. Here are some effective home remedies.
Tea Tree Oil
Extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, this essential oil has a long history as a treatment for skin conditions. Research has found that tea tree oil is effective against fungal infections that may be connected to dandruff. A study discovered a 41 percent reduction in dandruff severity and less itching as a result of applying tea tree oil to the scalp.
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, is something many people have in their medicine cabinet to treat headaches and other kinds of pain. It can also be helpful in treating dandruff. Crushing up two tablets and adding them to your shampoo before applying it to your hair can reduce flaking and itching. In fact, many dandruff shampoos contain aspirin. You can save some money and make your own anti-dandruff shampoo.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a great many uses in applications ranging from cooking to cosmetics. It can help hydrate skin and thus reduce the dryness that generally accompanies dandruff. Research has found coconut oil to be effective against eczema which can be a factor in dandruff. Eight weeks of regular applications of coconut oil can reduce inflammation and itching of the scalp. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties that can fight the fungus that may be a part of the cause of dandruff.
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant has been used for centuries as a treatment for many skin problems including burns, rashes, and wounds. Studies have found that aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can slow the spread of infections that cause hair loss as well as reduce the inflammation and itching of dandruff.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has become a popular supplement for all kinds of health benefits. Adding a few tablespoons to shampoo can help with dandruff. It's thought that the acidic nature of the vinegar helps balance the pH of the scalp, slowing fungal growth and that it may help dead skin cells to shed from the scalp. Another way to apply apple cider vinegar is to put some in water and spray it on the scalp.
Although not a serious condition, dandruff can be annoying, distracting, and embarrassing. There are many anti-dandruff shampoos on the market but these home remedies work very well for many people.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Monrovia, Calif.