REMEDIES

Oils

Tea tree oil has been used for years for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It can prevent further growth of fungus on your scalp, plus it helps balance the pH levels and unclog hair follicles. It’s also rich with antioxidants that can eliminate flakes and restore the natural oils in your hair. If you’d like, add some tea tree oil to your shampoo.

Unrefined coconut oil is one of the best dandruff treatments available. Warm it up and massage gently into scalp to nourish and condition hair from the roots up. It will help reduce itchiness and restore the scalp to a healthy state. It’s best to leave on for a few hours at a time.

Olive oil is full of natural moisturizing and clarifying properties. Heat to a lukewarm temperature and massage into scalp. Leave the oil in overnight and rinse with a gentle shampoo in the morning.

Jojoba oil is another goody—it nourishes and moisturizes the hair and scalp. As a natural moisturizing agent, it doesn’t leave any oily build-up on the hair after use.

Other essential oils that may be helpful include rosemary, cedarwood, patchouli, and lavender. Blend a few drops of therapeutic grade essential oil with a carrier oil and massage into scalp.

Other Remedies

After shampooing, rinse hair with the juice of a fresh lime. This cleans the scalp and makes hair look shiny. Another remedy that many have seen positive results from is mixing lime juice with Indian gooseberry (an herb), and massaging into scalp nightly. Alternatively, use a cotton ball to apply lemon juice to your scalp, leave it in for 20 minutes, then rinse with water. Do this nightly until the dandruff calls it a day. Another way to do the lemon treatment is to mix one part lemon juice to two parts garlic and apply as a paste to the affected area. The lemon juice deals with the existing flakes while the garlic protects against bacteria that bring on the flakes. Leave this treatment in for 20–30 minutes before cleaning with a gentle shampoo.

Now, I’m sure you’ve been waiting for this—drumroll—apple cider vinegar, everyone’s favorite! Due to its high potassium content, it helps treat a dry and itchy scalp, as well as eliminate flakes. Add a quarter cup of the stuff with a quarter cup water to a spray bottle and spray directly onto hair and scalp. Leave it in for about 15 minutes, keeping hair wrapped in a towel, then wash your hair as usual. Try this treatment once or twice a week.

Here’s a spa-like treatment: Soak a towel in hot water for several seconds, then remove and wring out excess water. Wait a few minutes for the towel to reach a temperature that won’t burn, then cover your head with the towel for 15–20 minutes.

Black pepper contains a combo of zinc and selenium, which can be hardy warriors when faced with dandruff flakes. Instead of applying black pepper on its own, mix two teaspoons with a cup of yogurt, then rub the blend into your scalp. Allow it to sit for an hour or two before washing with a mild shampoo.

This one doesn’t sound that appealing, but it has proven to be effective. Beat two eggs and apply to scalp, leaving it in for an hour. Rinse with a mild shampoo.

Neem is a tree that contains effective anti-fungal properties; apply neem leaves or oil to the scalp and rinse an hour or two later. Neem is also a great treatment for lice and other scalp infections.

Some have seen positive results from taking tissue cell salts (a homeopathic treatment) to combat dandruff; they are touted as the building blocks of good health by providing the cells with the micro minerals they need to function optimally. Tissue Salt No. 5 (known as Kali. Mur.) is good for treating white, flaky dandruff, but it should be taken over a long period. Be aware that flakiness may increase at first. Foods rich in Kali. Mur. are green beans, carrots, beetroot, kale, asparagus, pineapples, lemons, and plums.

Tissue Salt No. 6 Kali. Sulph. is useful for sticky, waxy dandruff; flaky, dry patches on the scalp; and alopecia (hair loss).

Tissue Salt No. 12 Silica treats dandruff, improves lusterless hair, and generally keeps the scalp in good shape. Barley, oats, apples, guavas, spinach, chicory, and celery are some of the foods that contain silica.

And—you knew this was coming—dandruff and stress really do have a relationship. While stress may not be the culprit behind the start of those flakes, dandruff thrives if the immune system is compromised, which is just what stress likes to do. So as you read this, take some nice, calming breaths and then maybe do some yoga, or anything else that helps you de-stress. Of course, it’s always a good idea to turn to Hashem— in this case, to ask Him to make the flakes vanish.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a medical practitioner before administering any treatment or implementing lifestyle changes.