Dandruff can be a pain in the neck, leaving you with an itchy, sore scalp and horrible flakes. You don’t have to turn to harsh dandruff shampoos or treatments that leave your hair feeling dry and stripped. Try some of the following natural remedies to wrestle your dandruff into submission.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can help fight dandruff. It is also one of the few essential oils that you can apply directly to the skin. Massage a few drops onto your scalp or add some to your favourite shampoo.

Aloe vera

Aloe is good for many things including easing the itch from dandruff. Apply the thick gel found in the leaves of the plant to your scalp and leave on overnight, or for at least 30 minutes, before washing.

Honey

Raw honey is known to have antimicrobial properties. It is also a soothing humectant which means it helps to draw water in from the air. Mix one to twotablespoons of honey with 2/3 cup of warm water. Apply the mixture to hair and scalp and massage.

Lemongrass oil

Like tea tree oil, lemongrass oil has anti-fungal properties and is great for soothing dandruff. Add a few drops of lemongrass oil to a carrier oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed oil and massage into the scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Combine one part water with one part apple cider vinegar and apply to the scalp two hours before washing your hair.

Baking soda

Baking soda is used for so many things, in baking, as a deodoriser and as a cleaning agent. It can also help with that annoying dandruff. Baking soda acts as a gentle exfoliate to soothe the scalp and reduce itching.  Wet your hair and then rub a handful of baking soda vigorously into your scalp. Afterwards, skip the shampoo and go straight for a moisturising conditioner.

Enjoy your itch-free scalp!

Sources: WebMD, Reader’s Digest, Wellness Mama