Dandruff is the most common scalp disorder globally, which affects almost half of all people before the age of puberty, and usually, but not always subsides in people over the age of 50, with both genders affected equally.
Research shows that keratinocytes, or surface skin cells that produce keratin, the main fibrous protein forming the structure of hair, play a key role in the immune reactions during dandruff formation.
During health, the skin continuously replaces old cells with new ones while discarding the old ones. With dandruff, this process happens more rapidly, which causes itching of the scalp, which then leads to pieces of dead skin falling off the scalp. [1] [2]
Dandruff is non-inflammatory by nature but can lead to inflammation following excessive itching.
Dandruff affects aesthetic looks and often worsens during the winter months.[3]
So What Are the Causes of Dandruff?
The real cause for dandruff formation is yet to be understood. However, scientists found that:
- Dry skin
- Lack of certain vitamins
- Growth of scalp-affecting fungus
- Sensitivity to specific hair products
- Seborrheic dermatitis [3]
are all connected with dandruff formation.
The severity of dandruff differs from case to case. Some people may have a very minor problem that disappears over time, requiring no or only minor treatment. However, others may have much bigger issues requiring medical attention.
If you’re struggling with dandruff, here are some methods that will help you improve your situation naturally.
Here Are 6 Natural Methods for Getting Rid of Dandruff
1. Tea tree and Lemongrass oils
Tea tree oil has, throughout history, been used in the treatment of numerous skin conditions. Today, it is still a popular treatment, and many studies suggest that it can be quite useful. Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that have been shown to have a significant effect on reducing the symptoms and the severity of dandruff. [4] [5]
Besides tea tree oil, lemongrass oil has similarly been found to be effective against dandruff.
How to use:
Wear gloves. 20 minutes before taking a shower, drip eight drops of these essential oils onto your gloves and stroke your fingers through your scalp. Leave on your scalp for 20 minutes and then take a shower, washing your hair with a shampoo that is as close to chemical-free as you can find. Do this daily for four days, and your dandruff will subside.
2. Coconut Oil
When spread on the scalp, coconut oil is very beneficial against dandruff. Coconut oil improves skin hydration and reduces inflammation and eczema, which often worsens dandruff. [6] [7]
How to use:
Place some coconut oil in your palms and stroke your fingers through your scalp. Leave on your scalp during the night. Do this daily for 6-7 days, and your dandruff will subside.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are already known for their support of brain and heart health. Additionally, they can increase the blood flow of nutrients to the scalp. Moreover, a lack of this fatty acid has been proven to cause symptoms like dry skin, brittle nails, and dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency also increases inflammation, so supplementing with plant-based omega-3 fatty acid will provide you with many benefits, including a reduced dandruff problem, and improved skin health. [8] [9]
How to use:
Supplement 3 times a week with a plant-based omega 3 fatty acid supplement for three weeks, and you will see a significant improvement in skin and hair health as well as improved mood.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is usually added to many lotions, cosmetics, and skin ointments, mostly for its known health benefits. Among these health benefits, Aloe vera is known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which are beneficial in reducing dandruff symptoms. [10] [11]
How to use:
Take a leaf from an aloe vera plant and peel it. Take the clear insides and squash it with a fork and apply it to the scalp. Leave the aloe vera on your scalp during the night. Do this daily for two days, and your dandruff will subside.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Instead of dressing your salad with different types of sauces, go for apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is not only tasty, but it also balances the pH of the scalp and has been shown to help with weight loss.
How to use:
Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a large-sized salad with some black pepper.
6. Change your diet.
A healthier diet can reduce symptoms of dandruff as a healthier diet support a healthy scalp microbiome, and the association of dandruff with bacterial and fungal imbalance has been proven. The scalp microbiome is determined by a person’s physiological conditions, which include the sebum content, moisture, pH, topography, and diet. [12]
The essential vitamins and nutrients regularly required in the diet to ensure there is no dandruff include all of the B vitamins
Biotin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B3 show a negative correlation with dandruff-associated parameters.
Lysine also helps reduce dandruff symptoms and helps support a healthy scalp microbiome.
How to use:
Take a B-Complex vitamin two times a week on an ongoing regular basis.
Take a vitamin B-12 supplement once a week regularly
To ensure you get sufficient lysine in your diet, consume soybeans, particularly tofu, and fenugreek seeds at least once a week, and supplement with spirulina twice a week in either tablet form (2 tablets twice a week), or in powder form (2 teaspoons twice a week).
Key Takeaways
Since dandruff is the most commercially exploited skin and scalp disorder by personal care industries, as you can see, there is really no reason to opt for expensive shampoos or medical treatments for dandruff. Many natural remedies will help stop dandruff and prevent it from recurring.
I hope that by next week, with the release of my next video, your dandruff problem will have significantly subsided if not disappeared completely.
Feel free to comment below and let me know what you liked best about this article.
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Dr. Galit Goldfarb
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