Seeing white flakes falling from our head whenever we run our fingers through our hair, or even shaking our head from side to side can be a cause for concern as this only means one thing: dandruff. This scalp condition can be triggered by seborrheic dermatitis or even dry scalp. Most of the time, we use over-the-counter medications and shampoos to help alleviate the dryness on our scalp, but there are far better treatments available and these are all home treatments that you can make use of. Here are a few options that you can try out.

Tea tree oil

Studies show that using shampoo containing 5% of tea tree oil has a positive effect on your dandruff. This oil is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties which can help with treating your dandruff problems. You can even add a few drops of this essential oil to your choice of shampoo and use it as you would do with regular shampoo.

Neem oil

Neem oil is a useful treatment for dandruff because of its antibacterial and antiseptic properties which have been found to eliminate dandruff starting from the roots of your hair. To create this treatment, you will need ¼ teaspoon of neem oil, ¼ cup of yogurt, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and a tablespoon of coconut oil. Combine all the ingredients and apply it on your hair and scalp then leave it on for 30 to 40 minutes. Rinse it off afterwards.

Apple cider vinegar

What other treatments can you use to make your dandruff disappear? Apple cider vinegar has been found to be effective in treating dandruff because of its acetic nature which can bring balance to the pH levels on your scalp. This prevents yeast from forming which can protect you against dandruff. You should mix a quarter cup each of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, shake the bottle, and spritz some on your hair and scalp. Wrap your head afterwards with a towel and allow the solution to sit for about 15 minutes. Wash your hair thoroughly to remove the smell. This treatment must be done two times a week.

Black pepper

It’s surprising to find that black pepper can be used to banish dandruff. What’s great about dandruff is that it works as a natural astringent on the scalp by opening the pores on your skin, to promote healthy hair growth. Black pepper has been found to contain selenium and zinc. Prepare ¼ tablespoon of black pepper powder, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Combine the black pepper with the olive oil and leave it overnight. This allows the vitamins and minerals contained in the pepper to blend with the oil. Add fresh lemon juice into the mix before applying on your scalp. Leave it on for half an hour before washing it off. You will need to repeat this remedy at least once a week.

Coconut oil

Another treatment that you should take into consideration is using coconut oil on your hair and scalp. This dandruff treatment not only works in eliminating the white flakes on your scalp, but it also leaves your hair smelling nice as well. You should massage around 3 to 5 tablespoons of this oil on your scalp and leave it on for an hour so that your scalp will be able to soak the nutrients from it. Shampoo your hair afterwards. If you don’t have any coconut oil available, you can always look for a shampoo that has this ingredient.