We have so many issues to deal with when it comes to our hair. Is it clean? Is it dirty? Is it thin? Is it thick? Oh and now we also have to worry about dandruff. Seems so unfair right? Well, maybe it isn’t. Sometimes it’s all our fault cause just like our bodies, our hair also needs proper care. It needs to be washed, shampooed, and oiled as frequently as possible. But apart from hygiene, there are other reasons like genetics, allergies, and sensitivities which also cause dandruff. Most of the time, the itching and irritation that comes with dandruff is usually associated with the dry dirty scalp which is not the case since it could also occur on flaking oily scalp as well as other areas like eyebrows or beards.

If you are tired of the small white flakes falling on your shoulders then here are a few tips I have gathered to help you get rid of them easily at home.

1. Coconut oil

Often, coconut oil has been used as a natural home remedy for dandruff since it helps improves skin hydration and prevent dryness. Coconut oil also helps treat eczema which is a skin disease that may also lead to dandruff. It also has microbial properties that help improve skin hydration and reduce the effects of eczema and dandruff.

2. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce symptoms of dandruff. It is also effective in fighting a certain type of fungi that have been linked to causing dandruff. Though tea tree oil can cause irritation to your skin, therefore, make sure you add some oil to dilute it before you apply it directly to your skin. You could also add a few drops to your shampoo and wash your hair with it.

3. Learn to manage stress

Stress makes you susceptible to other diseases since it affects your overall health. Therefore it may trigger dandruff or even worsen the situation. High-stress levels also suppress your immune system which reduces your body’s ability to fight some fungi and infections that cause dandruff. Therefore try as much as you can to reduce and maintain low-stress levels. You could do this by taking part in activities such as meditation, sleep, yoga, and exercise.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has both antibacterial and antifungal properties which help in treating some skin conditions and therefore it is believed to be able to treat dandruff. Aloe vera also reduces inflammation which could help relieve the effects of dandruff. It is best to extract it directly from the plant which has a thick consistency and apply it directly to your scalp. Then wash it off with a mild shampoo to reduce irritation.

5. Take Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids play a huge role in skin health since they help manage oil production and hydration. They also help in wound healing as well as prevent premature aging. The fatty acids could also reduce irritation and therefore help relieve the effects and symptoms of dandruff. You can get Omega-3 in foods like salmon, trout, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. You could also take Omega-3 supplements.

6. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural home remedy for dandruff due to its acidity which helps stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that lower the level of yeast on the skin and calm inflammation. Apple cider vinegar also helps balance the pH of the skin thus fights fungi and helps reduce the appearance of dandruff. You could use apple cider vinegar either by adding a few tablespoons to your shampoo or rather just adding a few drops to your essential oils and spraying directly to your hair.

7. Baking soda

Baking soda has proven to be the most convenient and readily available home remedy for dandruff. It acts as an exfoliant that helps remove the dead skin cells as well as reduce the itchiness that comes with dandruff. Exfoliation helps remove the flakes on the scalp, which further helps reduce the appearance of dandruff. Baking soda also has antibacterial properties that help treat dandruff. To use it, apply a small amount to wet hair and massage gently then leave it for about 3-5 minutes and shampoo your hair.

8. Wash your hair more often

Last but not least, you need to regularly wash your hair. This is because when we have protective styles such as braids, we use several products to maintain our hair and the style in general. This then causes the oils and dead skin cells to accumulate due to infrequent hair washing which could further lead to a buildup of bacteria and fungi that cause dandruff. Therefore, people who are prone to dandruff should wash their hair at least 2-3 times a week to be safe and denounce the notion that “you need to let natural oils sit longer".