Try these 10 dandruff remedies from your pantry
There’s no need to spend your hard earned cash on anti-dandruff shampoo (which, let’s face it, doesn’t work for everyone). Have a look in the kitchen instead and you’ll find that a stack of home remedies is already in your pantry cupboard.
1. Tea tree oil
A lot of anti-dandruff treatments contain tea tree oil, and with good reason. This oil can help reduce the flaking and itchiness of dandruff, so just add a capful to your regular bottle of shampoo.
2. Aloe vera
Not just for sunburn! Pure aloe vera gel from a plant or in a tube can be rubbed onto wet hair to relieve the itchy scalp that often accompanies dandruff. Then wash as normal.
3. Lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice is a nice-smelling treatment for a sore scalp. Rub onto wet hair then allow to sit for a couple of minutes before washing out. Best to avoid this one if your skin is quite raw as the juice might sting.
4. Olive oil
Just like the treatment for a baby’s cradle cap, olive oil can help sooth the scalp too. Wet your hair and warm the oil up a little bit first. Rub the oil in and wrap in a towel or shower cap. Leave for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse out with a mild shampoo.
5. Salt
Yes, really. The grains of salt will help to act as a scrub to remove dry skin from your scalp. Apply a handful to wet hair and give it a good scrub with your fingertips before rinsing well.
6. Apple cider vinegar
Not just for salad dressing, this vinegar is great at fixing up the pH balance of your hair, which can cause the itch. Simply mix 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar with the same amount of water. Pour onto your wet hair, rub in, and leave for 5 minutes to soak before rinsing well.
7. Mouth wash
The alcohol in mouth wash is anti-fungal, meaning it will help reduce the fungus that causes dandruff in the first place. After shampooing with your everyday shampoo, towel dry your hair. Then mix 1/3 cup mouth wash with the same amount of water. Apply to your hair, rubbing in well. Leave for a few minutes and then rinse off.
8. Aspirin
You may not have known this, but aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos. All you need to do is crush two aspirin in a bowl with the back of a spoon and add it to your normal amount of shampoo you use to wash your hair. Leave it to soak for 2-3 minutes before rinsing.
9. Baking soda
Is there anything this stuff can’t do? Add a ¼ cup of baking soda to a cupful of warm water and mix well. Then rub into wet hair, scrub, and rinse off.
10. Coconut oil
Another store cupboard staple with so many uses. This remedy not only smells good, it helps to put back the natural oils that your hair needs when suffering from dandruff. Rub the oil into your hands and then apply to damp hair. Try to leave it for at least half an hour before washing out.
Do you have any other home remedies for getting rid of dandruff?
Related Links:
Tips for dealing with scalp sensitivity and dandruff
The trick to washing hair more effectively