6 Natural Ways to Combat Dandruff

You put on your favorite black shirt and head out with friends only to end up in the rest room with a pile of white flakes on your shoulders. Dandruff is an embarrassing disorder that many consider a sign of uncleanliness when it is just the shedding of your dry scalp skin.

You’re not alone. An Indian study published in the International Journal of Trichology (science of the hair and scalp) states that,

“One survey in the USA has shown that about 50 million people suffer from dandruff, and that nearly $300 million is spent on various dandruff treatment products annually.”

Don’t suffer with this cringe worthy condition that could end up on your clothes or in your soup and try these 6 natural ways to combat dandruff instead.

Goose and Lime

Look for Indian Gooseberry in a good health food store. Mix it with lime juice and massage into your scalp before bed. The properties in these two ingredients have shown considerable benefits to dry scalp syndrome.

Loving Lavender

It’s a beautiful purple flower that has been linked to a variety of health benefits including dandruff control. Gently warm two tablespoons of olive oil and about 10-15 drops of organic lavender oil mixed together in a small pot. Wet hair and massage into your towel dried scalp thoroughly for about 5-10 minutes. Wait an hour and rinse. Repeat each morning or evening for about a week or two to see a difference.

Hello Aloe

The aloe vera plant is another veritable go-to remedy for many skin ailments particularly burns, sunburns, and dandruff. New York dermatologist Michele Green, MD, recommends aloe vera gel for dandruff relief. Simply work it into your scalp daily and leave it there as it will enhance your skull skin like nobody’s business. Some don’t like the smell and if this is the case add a little loving lavender on top of it for a dual pronged approach to pesky flakes.

Bake it Out

Wait, don’t put your head in an oven to get rid of your dandruff! Use baking soda instead. That’s right, this universal white powder could help clear your scalp of flying flakes. Pour a handful in your palm, hop in the shower and slightly add water to make it into a paste. Work it through your wet hair and let it sit there while you go through the rest of your shower routine. At the end, rinse it out. Do not use shampoo but conditioner is okay. The baking soda not only sheds dried scalp syndrome but it also strips your hair and scalp of built up product residue. 2-3 times per week should do the trick.

Add Two Aspirin

Yup, you read it right, two aspirin crushed and mixed into your favorite shampoo has been shown to alleviate dandruff. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, the same ingredient used in many expensive dandruff shampoos. Okay, aspirin may not be the most ‘natural’ ingredient but if you aren’t ingesting it then where’s the harm? Leave on for 2-3 minutes, rinse and roll on to your dandruff-free day.

An Apple a Day

Apple cider vinegar is another all-around body fixer and when it comes to dandruff it gives a good punch. The acidity in the vinegar re-adjusts the pH level of the skin of your scalp decreasing microscopic yeast growth, a contributor to dandruff. Mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water and generously spray on your hair two times per week. Wrap in a towel, let sit for about an hour and rinse.

You don’t have to succumb to expensive dandruff shampoos when you can try these 6 natural ways to combat dandruff instead. If your dandruff persists visit your doctor or dermatologist.