by Janeen Elite

Created on: December 05, 2009

Dandruff is a condition where the scalp gets flaky, causing little flakes to settle on a person's shoulders, clothes or even on their face and eyebrows.

There are two kinds of dandruff. First there is dry dandruff, which causes the condition above where flakes are loose and scatter easily. The second is called waxy dandruff and it is more likely to stick to the scalp in patches.

There are a few possible causes of dandruff such as: deficiency of zinc, poor nutrition, over activity of oil glands, being on a low-fat or no-fat diet, shampooing in water that is too hot, fungus, yeast infection or high use of alkaline soaps and shampoos.

Here are some home remedies for dandruff you can use to improve the condition.

Wash Hair Often

This is important in cases where dandruff is caused by over activity of oil glands. Washing hair everyday in this instance will help eliminate the oil and help prevent dandruff.

Avoid Hot Water

Do not shampoo with hot water. Try lukewarm showers and rinsing hair with cooler water.

Avoid Using Alcohol Based Hair Products

Avoid using styling products such as gels, mousses and hair sprays that are alcohol based.

Shampoo With an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Use a shampoo that has the active ingredients ZPT (zinc pyrithione) or selenium sulfide. You can also look for shampoos that contain Coal-tar or salicylic acid. If you find a shampoo that works for awhile but then stops, change to a different shampoo that has a different active ingredient.

Use Vitamin E oil

Rub Vitamin E oil into your scalp to relieve itching and to reduce scaling.

Try Aloe Vera

Try rubbing the thick gel of aloe vera leaves into your scalp and leave overnight. Shampoo out the next morning.

Coconut Oil

Try rubbing coconut oil into your hair daily. This can clear up dandruff in just a few days.

Listerine Mouthwash

Strangely enough Listerine can work in getting rid of light cases of dandruff as well. It is important however to be sure that scalp is not irritated and that skin isn't broken, because Listerine can be a little harsh.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Using apple cider vinegar can help restore the proper acid/alkaline balance of the scalp. Try mixing apple cider vinegar with equal parts water, apply to hair and let it dry. There is no need to rinse it out. Or you can take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, apply directly to scalp, leave in for about an hour then shampoo out.

Apply Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another home remedy that can help restore the proper acid/alkaline balance of the scalp. Apply lemon juice to the scalp an hour before shampooing out.

Create a Tonic Rinse

Another remedy you can try is making your own tonic rinse. Combine apple cider vinegar, green tea, rosemary sprig, and lemon juice and rinse through your hair at the end of your shower.

Use a Natural Shampoo

Try shampooing with a natural shampoo that contains Tea Tree Oil

Brush Hair Frequently

Try brushing or combing hair more frequently to increase circulation.

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