Dandruff isn’t a medically threatening skin condition, but it can hurt your self-image. White flakes of dead skin that cling to your hair and shower your neck and shoulders can make you self-conscious and embarrassed. Mayo Clinic experts say that dandruff is usually controlled with medicated nonprescription shampoos that contain active ingredients approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for this purpose. These ingredients can be harsh to your skin, however, resulting in dry skin, dry hair and even hair discoloration. Natural ways to treat dandruff may help you resolve white flakes and itching before you try more stringent treatments.
Tea Tree Oil
Shampoos that contain tea tree oil are a natural way to control dandruff. The Mayo Clinic explains that tea tree oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, has antifungal, antibacterial and antibiotic properties. You can find tea tree shampoos in most health food markets or similar specialty stores.
Tea tree oil may cause an allergic response in some people, cautions the Mayo Clinic.
Thyme
Thyme is reputed to have antiseptic properties that may reduce dandruff. “The Doctors Book of Home Remedies” cites a recipe for a thyme rinse that is used after you shampoo. Bring two cups of water and four heaping tablespoons of dried thyme to a boil for around 10 minutes. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the steeped thyme and let it cool. Pour half of the mixture over your hair, making sure that it coats your scalp. Don’t rinse it out. Reserve the rest of the thyme solution for your next home dandruff treatment.
Olive Oil
Dandruff is generally the result of an oily scalp, so use of oily shampoos and rinses may be detrimental. However, an occasional natural hot oil treatment can help loosen up stubborn flakes and make them easier to get out of your hair. In “The Doctors Book of Home Remedies,” Dr. R. Jeffrey Herten of the University of California’s College of Medicine in Irvine advises heating around 3 oz. of olive oil in a saucepan. Dampen your hair and scalp, then apply the warm oil to your scalp with a brush or cotton ball. Cover your head with a shower cap. Wait 30 minutes, then shampoo your hair, taking special care to wash out all of the olive oil.
Sunlight
A little sun on your scalp can be helpful, say Mayo Clinic experts. However, don’t intentionally go out to get a tan, as ultraviolet rays are damaging to your skin, and don’t stay out too long. “The Doctors Book of Home Remedies” advises restricting your sun exposure to 30 minutes or less. Remember to apply a sunscreen to your face and all parts of the body exposed to sunlight before you go outdoors.
Other
Whatever method you choose to treat dandruff, other recommendations from medical experts always apply. The Mayo Clinic urges you to shampoo more frequently — even daily, until dandruff is controlled. When you wash your hair, use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp. Don’t scratch at your skin, as this can cause sores, advises “The Doctors Book of Home Remedies.” If you find a natural treatment that works, stick with it, but also keep in mind that your scalp can adapt to a certain shampoo and become resistant to certain ingredients. If one shampoo stops working, you may need to choose another brand.
About this Author
Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She’s worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.
