Easy and inexpensive at-home remedies for fighting dandruff
Dandruff is one of the most unsightly — and annoying — skin or scalp conditions that a person has to deal with. After all, what kind of impression are we making when we meet someone new while we have white flakes all over our shoulders?
Fortunately, just as there are easy ways to get rid of blackheads, there are plenty of natural methods for doing away with dandruff. And thank goodness there are, because store-bought dandruff treatments are not only full of chemicals, but they can be quite expensive as well.
In fact, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, "Dandruff is the most commercially exploited skin and scalp disorder/disease by personal care industries."
So save yourself some hard-earned cash by trying out these brilliant home remedies below.
I had never heard of any of these. I mean, who would think to rub banana and vinegar onto their scalp? But even though some of these tips may sound crazy, I'm definitely going to give them a shot — can't hurt!
Which of these at-home ideas will you be trying out? Let us know in the comments!
Remedy #1: Egg Yolks
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
While it sounds bizarre, egg yolks can be a great natural, at-home way to get rid of dandruff.
Simply massage the yolks onto your scalp and allow them to sit for about 30 minutes, before washing away.
According to Find Home Remedy, "Use of egg helps not only in the treatment of dandruff, but also helps in making the hair shiny, and prevents hair loss."
Remedy #2: Olive Oil
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
It might seem like a greasy, oily mess, but applying olive oil to your scalp can get rid of pesky dandruff.
Pour it onto your scalp and massage it in. Leave it on overnight, before washing it off the next day.
According to Livestrong.com, "The oil moisturizes dry areas that may be flaking off. Olive oil can soak into thick, scaly areas on the scalp that cause persistent dandruff issues."
Remedy #3: Sun
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Whether it is from the positive effects of the sun, or simply avoiding the dry weather associated with winter, people are known to show a reduction in dandruff when exposed to more sunlight.
Obviously, there can be harmful effects that come from spending too much time in the sun, particularly without sunscreen. But 15 minutes a day can make a big difference with flaking.
According to Everydayroots.com, "There have been many cases in which the severity of dandruff lessened when the afflicted person spent more time in the sun."
Remedy #4: Listerine
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Hair Sentinel writes, "Did you know that Listerine was marketed as an anti-dandruff product for 20 years? It sounds strange now, but from the 1930s to the 1950s, Listerine was marketed (very aggressively!) as a cure for dandruff."
If it was good enough for people back then, why not give it a try today?
Simply mix Listerine and water in an ordinary spray bottle. Wash your hair like normal, and then spray on the Listerine solution. Massage it onto the scalp, and rinse it off after about a half hour.
Remedy #5: Cold Water
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Hot showers may feel nice at the time, but the hot water might actually be drying out your scalp and causing unwanted dandruff.
Surprisingly, cold water has a number of unexpected health benefits, such as improving the overall health of your hair and scalp. Switching to a cold shower can prevent the dryness associated with dandruff, eliminating those white flakes.
Remedy #6: Banana And Vinegar
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
This might be the most bizarre at-home remedy available, but the combination of banana and vinegar can actually go a long way in battling your dandruff.
According to Home Remedies for Life, you can easily create a paste using a banana and two cups of vinegar. Massage it onto your scalp, and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it away.
The potassium in the vinegar and banana will battle flaking and cut down on itching.
Remedy #7: Meditation
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
According to the Health Success Site, "One of the major factors which makes dandruff worse and a lot harder to control is living a stressful lifestyle. As a matter of fact, this is one of the key factors in helping you to overcome your dandruff naturally, the ability to de-stress on a regular basis."
There are quite a few health benefits to cutting back on stress, and eliminating dandruff is one of them.
Try yoga or meditation on a daily basis. If you don't have time, simply carve out 30-second periods of the day where you can close your eyes and breathe. Relaxation is the key!
Remedy #8: Aloe Vera
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Aloe vera is another handy plant or gel to keep around the house. There are many benefits to using aloe, including improved scalp health.
According to the experts at Aloeplant.info, "This cooling liquid can heal skin injuries and treat dandruff... Its concentrated mixture of vitamins and minerals and moisturizing properties are exactly what a scalp needs in order to normalize and rid itself of that annoying dandruff."
You can apply it directly to the scalp from an aloe plant or the gel you buy at the health food store.
Remedy #9: Aspirin
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
According to Livestrong.com, "Those who prefer natural home remedies may find that adding crushed aspirin to your shampoo can do the trick. Aspirin contains salicylate, the same active ingredient in medicated shampoos containing salicylic acid."
Simply crush two aspirin underneath a spoon and mix them with your shampoo. For the maximum effect, avoid shampoos that are full of "additives such as perfumes and conditioners."
Remedy #10: Baking Soda
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
The next time you are in the shower, skip the regular shampoo and pick up a box of baking soda. Mix the baking soda with water and use it as shampoo on your scalp and hair.
According to Reader's Digest, "Baking soda reduces overactive fungi that can cause dandruff. Your hair may get dried out at first, but after a few weeks your scalp will start producing natural oils, leaving your hair softer and free of flakes."
Remedy #11: Clean Comb
Maya Borenstein for LittleThings
Combs and brushes can be expensive, so we don't necessarily swap them out as often as we should. In order to keep away flakes, you should always use a clean comb or brush.
According to Find Home Remedy, "An individual should regularly brush hair with a clean comb in order to remove dead skin from the scalp... An individual can easily purchase a good quality brush and use it on a regular basis to treat dandruff."
These easy at-home remedies can go a long way in the battle against dandruff!
Which of these ideas will you be trying out? Do you have any other remedies that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE this vital information with friends and family!
More from LittleThings:
Tassel flowers are the bright and colorful way to show you care!
Turn and old t-shirt into a stunning peplum blouse!
Eight ways to help senior dogs feel young again
The Titanic: More than a century later, we're still learning about life onboard
