We all know dandruff as the flaky white stuff found on our scalp. In some embarrassing cases, dandruff can also be found on the shoulders of your new black sweater. Dandruff is the most common hair problem, and it can manifest as flaking, itching, and scabbing of the scalp.

How to get rid of dandruff? That is something we all ask ourselves once we see that flaky white stuff on our scalp. You will be surprised to know how common dandruff is. Most of us have had it at some point in our life. Medically speaking, dandruff is the result of overproduction of dead skin. But it can be caused by other factors as well.

What is dandruff and what causes it?

Dandruff is best described as a skin disorder. According to statistics, dandruff affects 50% of the world population. The more common explanation of dandruff is excessive amounts of dead skin flakes from the scalp. The condition gets worse during the winter and fall months due to dry air.

There are several factors that can cause dandruff. Here are some of the most common:

- Dry skin is the most popular cause of dandruff, and symptoms of dry skin can appear also on the legs, arms, and other parts of the body

- Oily skin is another frequent cause of dandruff. Oily skin symptoms include red and greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. Oily skin can affect other parts of your body that are rich in oil glands, including the eyebrows and back of ears

- Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema often contribute to dandruff. Both of these skin conditions have the similar symptoms like dry skin and can be very irritating

- Yeast-like fungus known as malassezia lives on the scalp of most adults. The fungus can irritate the scalp and the irritation will cause skin cells to grow. The extra skin cells will die and fall off, resulting in dandruff

- Last, but not least, some hair care products that contain harsh chemical ingredients can cause the scalp to become red, itchy, and scaly. Shampooing too often is considered to be one of the causes of dandruff

How to get rid of dandruff?

The best way to get rid of dandruff and other scalp issues is to use home remedies. Why? Because shampoos and other over the counter products might contain chemicals that can worsen the condition. With that in mind, here are some natural remedies for dandruff.

Water

Drinking water is one of the best ways to counter dandruff. As mentioned previously, dry skin is a common cause of dandruff. Lack of water and hydration can cause dry skin, eventually turning into dandruff. Drink plenty of water on a daily basis to keep your overall health at high standards.

Coconut oil

Rich in medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. All of these help battle causes of dandruff, and relieve itching and scaling of the scalp. Apply coconut oil on your hair as a conditioner, or add some in your regular shampoo.

Olive oil

Coconut oil is not the only cooking ingredient you can use to battle dandruff. You can reach for another staple in the kitchen, and that is olive oil. Use olive oil to both temporarily remove dandruff flakes, and also prevent further itching. Add some olive oil to your scalp, and gently massage. Make sure to apply just small doses. Using too much olive oil can worsen the condition, as you contribute to oily skin.

Aloe Vera Gel

If there is one thing that can treat almost any skin condition, that is aloe vera gel. Known for its soothing properties and help with healing irritated skin, aloe can help you with dandruff as well. Apply the gel on your scalp, and let it stay there overnight. Wash your hair in the morning for best results.

Apple cider vinegar

As you can see, there are a lot of ingredients from your kitchen cabinet that can help you get rid of dandruff. Apple cider vinegar is great for killing fungus and bacteria causing dandruff. The remedy can provide instant relief from itchiness. Combine equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, and massage it onto the scalp. Let it stay there for few minutes, and then rinse.

Essential oils

There are a number of essential oils that help with dry skin and other factors causing dandruff. Make sure to use 100% pure oils such as lavender, lemongrass, oregano, and tea tree oil. Mix them with a carrier oil in equal parts, and then apply on your scalp to fight off fungus and yeast infections. Essential oils help you fight causes of dandruff, and protect your skin from further infections as well.

Probiotics

Last, but not least, make some changes to your diet. You are what you eat. You’ve probably heard that one before. Probiotics are great for reducing dandruff as they battle microbes causing the problem. In addition, probiotics will improve your overall health as well.