Welcome to Blogmas day 3.

We continue with the scalp care theme., in yesterday’s post we went over the causes of dandruff. This post covers some remedies for dandruff.

Like most things, dandruff severity is graded as mild, moderate and severe; where mild is small areas of the scalp, and severe is majority of the scalp.

If you have severe dandruff, I recommend seeing a dermatologist. Remedies within this post  are presented for mild-moderate dandruff.

Remedies for dandruff

Dandruff is associated with the overgrowth of a fungus, Malassezia, most anti-dandruff remedies are essentially antimicrobial or Keratolytic in nature.  Antimicrobial  is antifungal and antibacterial, while  Keratolytic is acidic agent that thins/removes excess skin.

Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies

Antifungal shampoo

This is an antimicrobial remedy that stops the growth of the dandruff causing fungus, Malassezia. Antifungal shampoo usually Ketoconazole, an antifungal medication.

Salicylic acid

This is a keratinolytic agent that is useful in removing scaly flakes caused by dandruff. Sacylic acid comes in solid or liquid, I recommend the liquid version of it.

Sulfur

Medicinal Sulfur is both keratolytic and antimicrobial properties, which makes it perfect for healing dandruff.

Source: Drugfield

Home remedies

These home remedies are either  antimicrobial or Keratolytic.

Essential oils

Most essential oils have antimicrobial and inhibit fungus and bacteria on the skin. My best essential oils to use are Tea tree, Eucalyptus, mint and lemon.

Madeleine Steinbach/shutterstock

Apple Cider Vinegar

What is a home remedy without ACV??  ACV is high in Acetic Acid, and can kill pathogens, including bacteria and fungus.

Apple Cider Vinegar

About the author: Felice

I’m Felice, a self-taught ‘Pictographer’, writer and lover of the arts. I cannot get enough of the beauties of the earth, music, big large life and history. I used to drink way too much coffee, but those days are over! I currently live in Kampala, Uganda.

Many years natural (not consecutively) and I’ve got a lot of tips to share. I am also a super awesome programmer. What?! Oh yes. 🙂

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  Comments: 3

  1. Thanx for this. i need to try an apple cider vinegar rinse. Not sure how am going to get past that scent though. ?

    Reply

    • It’s a bit strong, and it lingers! Personally, I dilute it (put lotsssss of water) in a small spray bottle and spray where needed on the scalp.

      Reply

  2. These are great tips Phelis. I particularly resonate with the cleansing remedies and of course Thamani Africa hair growth stimulating serum which has some (and more) of the cleansing essential oils

    Reply

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