Dandruff is extremely annoying and it can often be really itchy too! It generally involves the natural shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp which usually is unnoticeable, but with dandruff the problem is noticeable.

Why Dandruff Occurs and the Natural Ways to Get Rid of It

Most people believe that dandruff is due to a dry, itchy scalp. However, what you may not know is that dandruff is actually caused by too much oil on the scalp.

Ordinary dandruff is often confused with Seborrheic Dermatitis which causes large flakes to appear, usually with symptoms also showing around the nose, eyebrows or ears.

Also, if the dandruff is quite severe, it could be the result of Psoriasis. Generally, dandruff can occur at any age and on both sexes and it should be treated as soon as possible, otherwise it can get worse.

There are plenty of medication shampoos out there to treat dandruff but not everybody finds these useful. So, more and more people are turning to natural ways to prevent their dandruff. They are cheaper, sometimes more effective, and a lot gentler on the skin, so it is understandable why natural products are becoming more popular.

Some natural remedies for dandruff include:

Ayurveda

This kind of therapy includes massaging the scalp. It is believed that bad circulation can often be a cause of dandruff and by massaging the scalp; you are helping to restore the circulation again.

It is important to use sesame oil while massaging the scalp and it should be done for around five to ten minutes, at least once a week. After you have massaged the oil in, you should then shower it out with your evening shower.

Fenugreek is a herb which is also used in Ayurveda, and it is thought that if you mix it with honey and eat it, or you can eat it by itself daily, it will help to relieve dandruff.

Aromatherapy

If you still want to use a dandruff shampoo, there is something else you can do to increase the chance of eliminating the problem. That includes shampooing as normal, then let the hair dry thoroughly before pouring a few drops of both rosemary and lemon essential oils into the palms of your hands.

Massage the oils into the scalp thoroughly and then brush the hair with a soft brush. This is known as an aromatic formula to help with dandruff.

Homeopathy

It is thought that various homeopathy remedies can effectively help to eliminate dandruff. If you have particularly thick dandruff which really itches and washing the hair makes the scalp really dry, then Sulphur is recommended. Sepia is also thought to help to soothe the scalp and treat moist, sensitive areas of the hair.

Vitamin and Mineral Therapy

Flaxseed oil is known to reduce dandruff and just a tablespoon a day on something such as potatoes, could really help you with your dandruff problem. The flaxseed oil cuts down skin oil secretions which often flake and cause the dandruff.

You can buy flaxseed oil in tablet form which may be easier for some people and it is thought that one teaspoon of the oil is worth around three capsules. You can find flaxseed oil in most health food stores.

Overall, dandruff is treatable and it should never be left untreated. If it is left, it can really become a lot worse and in extreme cases, hair loss has been known to occur. If you are having trouble eliminating the problem and you have tried everything on the market, it would be better to consult your doctor. They will be able to give you a proper diagnosis and suggest effective treatments for you.