Dandruff is a skin condition that affects the scalp and is characterized by flakes and itching. The yeast-like fungus Malassezia is a contributing factor to dandruff that thrives on the oils of skin and hair and is a normal part of the human microbiome. Although it is not a serious condition or contagious, without the proper treatment, it can lead to dry skin, allergic reactions to hair and skin products, irritation, and other skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema. In addition, having too much Malassezia on the scalp can also lead to seborrheic dermatitis. To prevent dandruff from becoming severe, here are 8 natural remedies to remove dandruff:
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil is known to provide natural hydration but did you know that it also contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties? These natural properties help target and kill any fungus or bacteria in the scalp. In addition, coconut oil can hydrate the scalp and maintain a healthy fungal microbiome in the skin to prevent overgrowth of Malassezia, leading to a more severe skin condition, seborrheic dermatitis. The fatty acids in coconut oil can help reduce pain, inflammation, and itchiness due to dandruff. To treat the scalp, you can apply two tablespoons of coconut oil to the scalp, massage and leave for 30 minutes and then comb out the flakes from your hair. You can repeat this treatment twice a week.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its healing properties due to its various natural amino acids and antioxidants. Aloe vera is known to strengthen hair, control greasiness, help itchy scalp, protect against UV damage, and promote hair growth. To treat the scalp you can directly apply raw aloe vera and castor oil to your hair and massage thoroughly. Leave the mixture for 30 minutes and then rinse off. Repeating this treatment three times a week will help with dandruff symptoms of inflammation of the scalp and itchiness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to its acidic nature. The University of California, Berkeley suggests mixing ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 and a half cups of water pouring the mix into your hair after shampooing and before conditioning. This method was tested and verified in 2019 by the department of biotechnology in India, concluding that the minimum amount of apple cider vinegar required for the inhibition of dandruff is 3-4ml mixed with 10ml of water. This mixture will help remove any excessive dandruff or overgrown Malassezia in the scalp. It will also help with the symptoms of irritation and inflammation. For all the other health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, read our article!
- Manage stress: Stress plays a significant role in everyone’s health but did you know it also has to do with how healthy your hair and scalp are? Depending on the level of stress you are under, it can aggravate or even worse dandruff for some people. In addition, being emotionally or physically stressed can compromise your immune system making your body vulnerable to certain microbes, the yeast-like fungus Malassezia being one of them. This is shown in a study where eighty-two patients, 36 women and 46 men, identified stress as the main triggering factor. The results proved a link between stressful events and episodes of seborrheic dermatitis.
- Eating a healthy diet: Lacking specific vitamins and minerals in your diet can affect how healthy your skin is. One vitamin that is essential for our body’s survival is Omega-3. This is a type of fatty acid that our body cannot produce on its own. Therefore, we need to consume it in order to maintain a healthy level of omega-3. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Experts have not established a recommended amount for omega-3, but they have set a daily recommended amount for ALA, which is 1.1g per day for women and 1.6g per day for men. A deficiency in omega-3s can cause rough, scaly skin and red, swollen, itchy rash. Some foods that contain omega-3s are fish and other seafood, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, plant oils (soybean oil and canola oil), some brands of yogurt and milk. Be sure to always discuss with your doctor if it is safe for you to increase your intake of omega-3s if you are taking anticoagulant medications.
- Lemongrass oil: Lemongrass is a plant commonly used as a food additive, medicinal oil, and inhaled as aromatherapy. Lemongrass contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties known to relieve pain and swelling. According to a randomized control trial, the lemongrass oil diluted by 10% resulted in 81% dandruff treatment after twice a day use for 14 days. Therefore, the best way to use lemongrass oil to help prevent allergic reactions to the skin is by diluting it with water or adding a few drops to your shampoo.
- Neem oil: Neem oil is extracted from Azadirachta indica trees and is found in South Asia and India. It is most commonly used to improve skin and hair conditions. Neem oil contains many antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties to help treat skin and hair conditions. Once applied, the oil helps treat dandruff symptoms by soothing irritation and reducing inflammation. In addition, using the oil regularly in shampoo or diluted with water helps maintain a balanced pH of the scalp.
- Olive oil: Olive oil can be found in many American homes today for cooking because of its rich nutrients and antioxidants. It originally comes from the Mediterranean region, where they use it for many things. For example, cooking, medicine, fuel for traditional lamps, and cosmetics. It is known to help protect the body from cellular damage that can lead to various health conditions. In addition, because of its antioxidant, olive oil can help neutralize the free radicals that our bodies produce during metabolism. Without the help of these antioxidants, the free radicals would increase and can cause oxidative stress in return leading to a compromised immune system.
