Natural Cures for Dandruff

Borax, Alcohol, and Rosemary

Posted by Rose (New York, New York) on 05/14/2009

I suffered with severe dandruff for many years. I also tried all types of shampoos, until I found in a natural medicine book a remedy for my problem. It said to put 3 or 4 tablespoons of borax in a bottle, fill the bottle with rubbing alcohol and add fresh rosemary, cover the bottle and leave for 14 days. After the 14 days, soak a cotton ball in the mixture getting some of the borax and rub on the scalp. Leave on for at least 30 minutes or more, then wash with head and shoulders. I did this and I have been dandruff free ever since.

Replied by Rose
(New York)
06/01/2015

You can use the 32oz bottle and remove enough alcohol so it does not overflow when adding the borax and rosemary.


Brushing

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Posted by Jack (Maui, Hawaii) on 05/14/2013
★★★★★

This will cure your dandruff in about a week or two weeks with consistency and it's all about blood flow.

What you do is get a boar bristle brush and vigorously brush/rub it on your scalp until the skin turns pink/red from the irritation. Takes about 5 minutes twice a day. This irritation brings blood closer to the surface of the skin and your dandruff will be gone in a couple weeks. It may also act in an exfoliating way as well but I believe it works mostly because of improved blood flow to the scalp

If you have buzzed short hair you can easily brush all over your scalp with good pressure for 5 minutes a day until it looks pink/red from the irritation. If you have longer hair you may need to use small, quick back and fourth strokes in sections covering your entire scalp. But what you want is the scalp to be red from the irritation caused by the boar bristles.

Haven't had dandruff in months since starting this.


Candida Cleanse

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Posted by Shari (Tampa, FL) on 01/22/2006
★★★★★

It's great that these treatments are working for most of you. However, like most medical doctors, you are treating the symptom and not the underlying cause. Dandruff (dermatitis, etc) is usually caused by yeast overgrowth in our bodies. Try doing a candida cleanse. Not only will your dandruff dissapear, but a lot of other symptoms you may or may not be aware or suffering with.

Replied by Ted
(Bangkok,Thailand)
01/22/2006
391 posts

Sorry, this is only one of the many causes. One cause may be fungus in your blood, which is a candida issue. The other is called a skin fungus, however there is no candida present. The third I found when doing microscopes samples of people's scalp is a parasites I have seen quite often, but candida is not present. The fourth cause I found to be a nitric oxide deficiency caused about by a nutritional deficiency. The fifth cause has to do with a circulatory issue caused by the pH acid/base imbalance which caused constriction of vessels which leads to a seborrheic skin which bought about a dandruff condition. The sixth cause is a hormonal imbalance issue bought about by several factors. Trying to cover all the causes in practice is not a practical one, so we narrow the most likely cases for a treatment. However, if you already know the causes than the treatment would be a relatively straightforward one. Suppose you do have a candida problem which bought about fungus which caused a dandruff issue. then a possible treatment is to take antifungal drugs such as Nystatin.

There in practice, the most common cause of severe dandruff based on extensive surveys is a skin fungus and parasites issue and this could in most cases be easily remedied with the use of lavender/tea tree/ apple cider. Candida which caused the dandruff does exist but it is not as widespread as people with a skin condition due to external fungus, parasites and nutritional issues. If you do have candida issue, then the treatment would be relatively straightforward to do anti-candida therapy. Unfortunately not everyone has candida.


Coconut Oil

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Posted by Diane (Berkeley, California) on 12/07/2009

I have found excellent results eliminating dandruff and improving health of hair by oiling my hair regularly using hair oil products from my Indian grocery store. Mostly this is coconut oil, with ayurvedic herbs such as amla and the like added. I have a particular brand I happen to like, but there are many different kinds - you have to see what's available where you are. There are some that are sesame or almond oil based, but I don't care for those as much. I guess you could use regular old coconut oil, but I think there is a huge benefit in the added herbs in the Indian products.

I oil my hair with a few Tbsp, leave it in a few hours and then wash out. Done regularly it really helps. I do it about once a week.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Philip (Kyle, Sask) on 01/24/2009
★★★★★

I had read about coconut oil and takin internally helps in weight loss so I took 3 tablespoons a day for a few months yes it works my side effect was all my life i struggled with dandruff ....no more dandruff... Phil


Coconut Oil
Posted by MariE (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) on 10/26/2008
★★★★★

Coconut oil took care of my dandruff. No more. I had bad dandruff thick crustry ones. They are all gone.

Can somebody tell me how to do cold press coconut oil. I looked at a receipe. It says leave out for 17 hours. I did that but the milk got sour. Next day , I put the milk in the refrigerator. I had water at the bottom and a cream on top. No oil. I ended up cooking it which gave me that thick sweet compound and the oil. I need someone to help me make the oil . Please contact me. this is of utmost importance. [email protected] ...thank you

Replied by Susanna
(Austin, Texas)
11/23/2008

You can buy cold pressed coconut oil in a health food store, and even in some grocery stores.


Cold Shower Therapy

Posted by @leahspeaking (Victoria, Bc Canada) on 06/19/2012

I started using Cold Shower Therapy as a way to kick start my day, and was surprised and thrilled to find that after a month of cold showers, I no longer have dandruff/dry scalp. I've had to deal with this since puberty, and it was starting to creep down from my hairline onto my face. It felt awful and it looked worse. I haven't changed my diet or any of the products I use, just the temperature of my shower water. I was at my salon for the first time tonight since starting the cold showers five weeks ago, and my stylist was shocked to see how healthy my scalp is. Give it a try! There are details on cold shower therapy elsewhere on this site, and some great info and inspiration at the Blog of Impossible Things.


Fermented Foods

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Posted by Dex (Kcmo) on 06/13/2016
★★★★★

Just started eating milk kefir a few weeks ago and noticed my dandruff is gone. I've had dandruff since I was a child (in my 40's now). I've noticed the dandruff disappear in the past and suspected it was due to ingesting ferments (water kefir and fermented cabbage back then). Wasn't sure it was related to the fermented foods until this time. I eat some every day, not a lot. I filter off the whey and use the curds in place of yogurt or sour cream. I use the whey instead of water when making bread, but I attribute this effect to the curds rather than the whey in my case.

Replied by Dex
(Kcmo)
11/21/2016

This is a follow up to my post in June. Still eating the fermented foods (milk kefir) and dandruff is still gone. I don't have to wash my hair every day anymore. I can now go 3-4 days and have no flakes.


Grapefruit Seed Extract

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Posted by Lisa (Austin, TX) on 06/17/2008
★★★★★

I have had chronic dandruff and itchy scalp for months. I tried using ACV and shampoo with tea tree oil, but the relief was only temporary. Finally, I tried using 8-10 drops of GSE dissolved in water as a rinse and it went away. I used to have the worst itches and would scratch my scalp til it hurt. After the second rinse, it went completely away. Cannot believe how quickly GSE works.

Replied by Lisa
(Austin, TX)
07/31/2008
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I want to provide an update since the GSE only provided temporary relief. After about a week or so, the itchiness and bumps on the scalp came back. I tried Ted's boric acid and ACV recipe for folliculitis and so far it is working.


Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Melissa (Alexandria, Virginia) on 04/03/2008
★★★★★

I have finally cured my dandruff. A very simple technique. Here's how.

1) buy a nasal spray bottle from CVS or any drugstore, target, etc.

2) empty bottle of saline whatever is in it by squeezing out the spray

3) purchase GSE - Grapeseed Extract.

4) mix in a cup 1 cup of water and 10-15 drops of GSE - mix it really well with a spoon. Now put the nasal spray bottle into the cup and squeeze the air out so the bottle will suck up the new formula you have just mixed. Every once in a while lift the bottle and let it suck some air so it will keep pulling the mix into the empty bottle. Keep suctioning it in until the nasal bottle is full of the GSE/water mixture. This doesn't take long at all.

5) Every other day 30-45 minutes before you take a shower, mix the GSE and water and use the nasal bottle, squeezing and going all over, soaking the scalp with the solution. This is a great way to get it on the scalp go back and forth til your entire scalp is wet.

6) use a natural Jojoba shampoo after 30 to 45 minutes. Do this every other day for a 2 weeks and your dandruff will be gone for ever. BE VIGILANT about changing your pillow case every single day!!!! Keep extra pillow cases right next to your bed!!

I would do this once a week for further prevention once the dandruff is gone and it will be gone after 2-3 weeks. GSE is one of the best anti-fungals available.

Replied by Vania
(Clarksville, Tn, Usa)
03/13/2011

This reply isn't really about the remedy, but about the method. If you're using the squeeze bottle that some saline nasal sprays come in, the nozzle tip usually pops out (although some appear to be molded as part of the bottle). Just try prying the nozzle up from the base with a box cutter, tiny screwdriver, or whatever works. Then your remedy will be available even quicker!


Henna

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Posted by Emily (Tampa, Florida) on 01/06/2012
★★★★★

I've had problems with dandruff, and an irritated, itchy scalp for years, especially since I've lived in a more humid climate (Florida). I recently tried apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, which helped a little, but not that much. I did notice recently, however, after coloring my hair with henna, my scalp felt much better, not itchy and irritated at all.

A little internet research suggested that henna is in fact a treatment for dandruff, lice, and other scalp issues. The only downside to this would be the fact that it's a dye of sorts, so you'd have to be willing to go with that. Worked great for my purposes, however, and I wasn't even anticipating it helping my scalp issues!

Replied by Lizzie
(London)
11/27/2015
★☆☆☆☆

I've used henna for years, about 20, and I have really bad dandruft issues. So for me, Henna does not help.


Iodine

Posted by Kaz (Greenbank, Qld, Australia) on 06/03/2010

Dandruff can be a symptom of iodine deficiency.


Iodine and Borax

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Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 08/28/2009
★★★★★

YEA for biotin (hair loss)
YEA for iodine & borax (dandruff)

After the birth of my son 15 years ago, I had more hair loss every time I brushed or washed my hair than I had ever had before. I always had long, almost waist-length, thick hair. After the birth, I became so distressed over the thinning, dryness, & split ends that I cut my hair to chin-length. I kept trying to grow it long but every few years "chopped" it again due to split ends. My hair is medium-coarse and never seemed thin to people who cut my hair but I could tell the difference.

About a year ago I started taking biotin. I take 5mg per day, and I get a bottle of 300 capsules (10 months' supply) for $12, so this is a very affordable, no fuss remedy! It took a month or two to notice a real difference, but my hair loss became minimal. My hair is now so thick, and has grown past my shoulder blades for the first time in 15 years! Also, there are very few split ends--even though this doesn't make much sense, as only the new growth would be affected by the biotin, but it's true (a few months ago I bought some very sharp scissors and trimmed my split ends, but they haven't come back). And my hair is growing a little faster; it used to grow no more than 1/2 inch per month (I color my hair 3-4 times per year, and occasionally measure) and now it is growing almost 1 inch per month.
med my split ends, but they haven't come back). And my hair is growing a little faster; it used to grow no more than 1/2 inch per month (I color my hair 3-4 times per year, and occasionally measure) and now it is growing almost 1 inch per month.

Another hair problem I had for about 20 years was dandruff. This started when I was 16. I tried many, many supplements, diet changes and topical remedies over the years with no results (except for a liquid zinc treatment for excema--this helped but didn't cure). I eventually tried a dandruff shampoo, which would give me relief for no more than 24 hours. I really didn't want to do this, but if I didn't I would actually get scabs in addition to incessant itching & painful inflammation.

A few weeks ago I bought a "liquid kelp" iodine supplement, took a dropperful twice a day in water and within 48 HOURS I had ZERO FLAKES! This is after 20 years of discomfort, self-consciousness, and not being able to wear black or use nicer shampoos! I recently found another supplement that has 150mcg iodine per drop, and I take 2-3 drops per day.

About 2-3 weeks after starting the iodine, I had a VERY slight return of the dandruff. But now I am not using dandruff shampoo at all. I shampoo, douse my scalp with a borax solution (1-2 tablespoons in 2 cups of water), let that sit for a couple of minutes, then condition. My scalp is super clean, I can go several days without shampooing (when I had the dandruff I had to shampoo every other day), and my hair seems softer & less frizzy.


Jojoba Shampoo and Tea Tree Oil

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Posted by Thomas (Moses Lake, WA) on 01/02/2009
★★★★★

Bad Dandruff (SD?)

FOR THOSE WHO'VE TRIED NATURAL REMEDIES (ACV), SHAMPOOS, ETC., ALL TO NO AVAIL:

Go to your local Health Food Store, or online, and order an all-natural Jojoba Shampoo. What cured me was using this shampoo + tea tree oil. You will have to find out which way of doing it will work best for you. I have a shaved head so I just shampoo in the shower, rinse, and apply tea tree oil with Distilled water, on a cotton pad, onto my head afterwards (without washing it out; having a shaved head makes that easy for me to do). You may have to start with the tea tree oil, leave it in for an hour (or longer) and then wash with the Jojoba shampoo. You may also want to get Jojoba Conditioner.


Multiple Remedies

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Posted by Diana (Hong Kong) on 08/08/2018
★☆☆☆☆

Hi...I'd appreciate if anyone with similar problems to what I'm experiencing to share their solutions with me. I've had this dry itchy flaky scalp for so many years. Coupled with this is my 'hair fall' which seems to be worsening in the last few months. I've tried ACV, ACV with baking soda, ACV with tea tree oil, tea tree oil on its own, ACV with tea tree and rosemary, etc...

What else can I try? Thank you to whoever can offer some tips...

Replied by Art
(California)
08/08/2018
2126 posts

I've had good luck with a saturated solution of borax used as a shampoo.

Art

Replied by Tim
(Georgia (Rep.of))
08/08/2018
21 posts

Hi Diana,

Try to check your thyroid gland first off all.

Regards.

Replied by Anon
(Usa)
08/15/2018

Suggestions:

Eat raw cacao butter to improve your skin

After washing your hair (daily) pour isopropyl alcohol over your scalp and wrap a towl around your head so it penetrates a bit - this is to kill any infection

Go organic, raw vegan

Stop eating: grains, dairy, tea, chocolate, anything that may be contaminated with lead, toxic metals, radiation

No hot tubs or public pools

No hats, ponytails, hair dye (black hair dye may contain lead) etc.

No petroleum based soaps, use baking soda, borax, or apple cider vinegar for washing



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