Overview
If you notice white flakes in your scalp and on your shoulders, you may be suffering from dandruff. Dandruff occurs when skin on the scalp flakes and falls off, which may be itchy, uncomfortable and unsightly. In most cases, dandruff is not serious and can be treated at home. If you don’t want to expose your scalp to harsh shampoos, you can use natural remedies to help reduce the severity of dandruff and help eliminate it for good.
Step 1
Shampoo your hair more often, recommends dermatologist Patricia Farris, M.D. Shampooing your hair once a day or more can help control excess oil that forms on the scalp and causes skin to flake.
Step 2
Expose your scalp to the sun, suggest experts at the Mayo Clinic. Expose your skin to a little bit of sun to help reduce dandruff, but don’t sunbathe. Sunbathing can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Step 3
Massage your scalp when shampooing. By carefully massaging your scalp, you will exfoliate the skin that is causing dandruff and rinse it away in the shower. Massage your head for about a minute each time you shampoo.
Step 4
Stop stressing out. Stress may trigger dandruff, say experts at the Mayo Clinic. Control your stress level by taking deep breaths and taking time out to relax. You may notice fewer flakes when you stop the stress.
Step 5
Use a mild shampoo and add a bit of distilled water before lathering up, recommends dermatologist, Diana Bihova, M.D. This gentle formula will help reduce oil on your scalp without causing irritation.
