Aloe Vera Gel, Egg Yolk, And 8 Other Ways To Naturally Treat Dandruff

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Dandruff is a skin condition that affects the scalp. Its primary characteristics include flakiness and itchiness. According to the Mayo Clinic, dandruff is considered to be a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis, which is the same condition that causes cradle cap in infants. Some of the more common causes of dandruff include oily scalp and skin, dry scalp and skin, infrequent shampooing, malassezia fungus, contact dermatitis, and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Though dandruff is not a serious or threatening condition, it can cause those who suffer from it quite a bit of discomfort and embarrassment as those icky dry flakes can be especially easy to spot when black or other dark-colored garments are worn.

“Many people believe dandruff is caused by poor hygiene, but this simply isn’t true,” board-certified dermatologist Adam J. Friedman, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology and director of dermatologic research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine told Patch.com. “Rather than try to remedy dandruff by over-shampooing or over-brushing your hair, which can both be damaging to the hair, use dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments instead.”

While there are many products on the market to address this issue, it’s also possible to naturally treat dandruff. Here are a few to try.

Tea tree oil

Derived from Melaleuca alternifolia plants, tea tree oil is believed to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It can be used to treat forms of dandruff that are caused by fungus. Further, it can help to relieve some of the symptoms associated with dandruff — such as itchiness and dry patches.

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Coconut oil

Coconut oil can be used to treat dandruff in a variety of ways. While some choose to simply purchase a shampoo and conditioner combo that contains the substance, others may choose to simply apply coconut oil to the scalp multiple times per week. Whatever you chose, the anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties included in coconut oil are sure to provide your scalp with some much-needed relief.

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Aloe vera gel

When it comes to hair care, aloe vera gel — especially when used in its natural state — is a powerhouse substance. Thanks to its anti-itching anti-fungal properties, aloe vera gel can help to soothe irritation caused by dandruff while also reducing the presence of dandruff-causing fungus. You may choose to apply raw aloe vera gel as a scalp treatment or to use hair products that list aloe vera as one of its primary ingredients.

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Apple cider vinegar

Not only will adding apple cider vinegar to your hair care regimen help to add sheen to your hair, but it is also believed to prevent dandruff.

“Apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it pretty effective in killing and preventing dandruff-causing yeast on the scalp,” Mona Gohara, MD, a dermatologist at the Yale School of Medicine. told Cosmopolitan. ““Apple cider vinegar also has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it also calms while it prevents yeast overgrowth, which means your scalp won’t be left with as much irritation or itchiness in the long run.”

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Neem oil

When used in either the leaf or oil form, neem is said to have antimicrobial, blood-purifying properties, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Neem can be used for dandruff when taken orally by chewing the leaves or applied topically by applying the oil to the scalp or using neem oil-infused shampoo or conditioner.

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Eggs

While there is only anecdotal evidence available, many women report that periodic use of egg hair masks helps them ward off dry scalp, itching, flakes, and other undesired side effects of dandruff. In most cases, those who swear by the egg hair mask will add other ingredients such as olive oil and lemon juice.

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Green tea

Using a green tea rinse is also a helpful way to fight dandruff. As with many of the other natural remedies mentioned here, green tea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make it the perfect ingredient for a hair mask or rinse when mixed with other ingredients such as aloe vera or coconut oil. Be sure you allow ample time for the tea to cool off if you are brewing it yourself.

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Basil oil

Basil is for much more than adding flavor to your favorite dish. Basil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties. When used in oil form, this vitamin C-rich plant can help to relieve itching and dryness associated with dandruff while also increasing blood circulation and promoting hair growth.

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Olive oil

Olive oil can be used as a standalone scalp treatment or it can be mixed with eggs for a homemade hair mask to help combat the effects of dandruff. And while it’s certainly not a cure-all, regular use of this anti-bacterial and vitamin-rich substance can help to reduce the presence of flakes.