Dandruff, while not life-threatening, can be an annoying and embarrassing problem to live with. Thankfully, you can tackle this flaky condition with a number of remedies—many of which involve ingredients you probably already keep in your home. Here’s a look at some of the most common dandruff treatments available today.
Dandruff Shampoo
Using a shampoo specifically designed to treat dandruff is one of the easiest ways to treat the condition, and luckily, most people will find that this is enough to eliminate their problems. While some dandruff shampoos must be used daily, there are others that are powerful enough that they may only be needed a few times a week. However, it’s important to note that it is possible to build up a resistance over time to the dandruff-fighting ingredients used by a particular brand. If this occurs, making a switch to a different variety may be necessary.
Coconut Oil
For people suffering from dandruff due to excessively dry skin, coconut oil might just do the trick. In addition to shampooing normally, simply take three tablespoons and massage it gently into your scalp. In addition to treating dandruff, this approach will also leave your hair smelling naturally sweet.
Baking Soda
While it’s a bit gross to think about, there are certain strains of fungi that live naturally on the human head. Normally, they don’t cause any problems for us, but in certain instances they can cause dandruff. If this is the case for you, wet your hair and rub a handful of baking soda into it. This all-purpose substance has antifungal properties and can keep the ones living on your scalp in check. Keep in mind that this approach has the tendency to dry your hair out, so be sure to provide it with some extra moisture if you go with this method.
Tea Tree Oil
There is some evidence indicating that tea tree oil can help reduce the severity of dandruff. Certain shampoo brands already contain this ingredient, but you can also simply add it to the brand you’re already using—one or two drops per washing should do the trick.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidity of apple cider vinegar is another great way to ensure that the fungi on your head don’t give you dandruff problems. Combine one quarter cup of it with a full cup of water, dampen your hair with the mixture, and let it set for about 30 minutes. The simply rinse it out and shampoo your hair as you would normally. Repeat this twice a week or as needed.
