Everyone loses scalp regularly, but it is not noticeable to the naked eye. However, it becomes an unpleasant ordeal when dandruff appears excessively and is visible on clothing. Before treating the problem with suitable care products and home remedies for dandruff, the exact type of dandruff should be determined. Do you suffer from a dry scalp? Do fine chips fall onto your shoulder with the slightest movement of your head? Then it is dry scaling. If your hair gets greasy quickly, as does your scalp, and it comes off in yellowish, larger flakes, then you have greasy dandruff and it is usually a fungal infection. You should pay close attention to this when choosing hair cosmetics, as unsuitable products will tend to make the problem worse.
What causes dandruff?
Dandruff is actually dead skin cells that are shed away as the scalp forms new ones. Normally they are tiny and not visible at all. In some people, the scalp tends to produce new cells so quickly that the ones above cannot be shed in time. Then large clusters of cells form, which shed in the form of large scales, which are then visible. They occur when the scalp produces too much sebum, which can also cause a skin condition and is known as oily dandruff.
Over-stressed, dry scalp, which falls like fine 'snow' on the shoulders, can have various triggers - heating air, sunlight, air conditioning or too hot a draft when blow-drying. Repeated washing with an unsuitable, degreasing shampoo can often lead to the scalp drying out and white flakes forming as a side effect. Accelerated skin metabolism due to an allergic disease can cause hay fever, but also dandruff. This problem mostly affects men and is definitely perceived as annoying and unattractive.
Home remedies for dandruff or anti-dandruff shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoo is available in every drugstore and always promises quick and long-lasting success. However, it does not help with every dandruff infestation. Basically, care products of this type are designed for oily scalps and using them on a dry scalp will only make the problem worse. They rinse out excess fat and contain, among other things, fungicidal ingredients such as ketoconazole or clorimazole.
If you have extremely dry, flaky scalp, however, you should be careful, as shampoos have exactly the opposite effect. The skin is also dried out and stressed, which increases the itching and flaking. If you have a dry scalp, it is advisable to use a mild shampoo that does not have a degreasing effect and is specifically aimed at dry and hypersensitive skin.
1. Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Fruit acid is one of the few home remedies that are effective for both dry and oily scalps. On the one hand, the vinegar or lemon juice cleanses the oily scalp and works deep into the pores, so that the clogged sebaceous glands are freed from grease and can function normally again. On the other hand, the acid regulates the natural pH value, which is often shifted by unsuitable or alkaline shampoos when the scalp is dry. The itching was soon alleviated and the scalp soothed. You can add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the shampoo and wash your hair as usual. Another option would be to make a solution yourself using 200 ml of apple cider vinegar and 1 liter of lukewarm water and pour it over your head after washing your hair. Massage lightly with your fingertips. There is no need to wash it out as the strong sour smell disappears quickly when the hair is dry.
2. Bier
Beer can be used for dry scalp and dandruff. It supplies hair and scalp with vitamins, nutrients and trace elements, strengthens them and gives them a fresh shine. Make your own strengthening hair conditioner by mixing 500 ml of beer with 1 liter of lukewarm water and pouring it into a spray bottle. Spray from about 20 centimeters away. You don't need to rinse it out because the smell of beer will disappear on its own after a while.
3. Avocado and avocado oil
With avocado you can moisturize the dry scalp. The oil extracted from the kernels has a moisturizing effect, surrounds the hair with a protective film and protects it from drying out. This can be used to prepare a natural shampoo and massage it into wet hair.
4. Tea tree oil (unsuitable for allergy sufferers)
If you suffer from greasy dandruff, tea tree oil can have a positive effect on dandruff. However, allergy sufferers often cannot tolerate it, which is why an allergy test before treatment is advisable. Essential oils work deep into the pores, prevent the sebaceous glands from clogging and destroy fungi. Tea tree oil promotes healthy hair growth and is effective against hair loss. You can add it to hair shampoo. To achieve an optimal effect, a mixing ratio of 10 ml tea tree oil to 100 ml hair shampoo is recommended. A homemade shampoo for dandruff can also be prepared from the following ingredients:
- 25 ml Teebaumöl
- 250 ml water
- 2 tea bags chamomile tea
- 50 g Natron
Bring the water to the boil, then let it cool to 8 degrees and pour the chamomile tea over it. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags, gradually add the baking soda, stir in (it will foam heavily) and stir in the tea tree oil. Pour into a suitable bottle and use like a conventional shampoo. It should only be left on for a few minutes.
5. Olive oil
Olive oil is a true home remedy that is an indispensable part of hair and skin care. It prevents hair loss and moisturizes dry scalp.
6. Meadow identify
Willow bark extract can be used against dry dandruff because it contains an antiseptic active ingredient that counteracts scalp inflammation. You can make a willow bark decoction yourself.
7. Huflattich
Coltsfoot has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect and is recommended for dry dandruff. Care products containing coltsfoot can be particularly helpful against severe redness of the scalp. Shampoos and lotions are available in pharmacies.
