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Dandruff

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Multiple Remedies for Itchy, Dry Scalp and Hair Loss Not Helping

Diana (Hong Kong) on 08/08/2018
1 out of 5 stars

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...

Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda Helped Dandruff At First

Lover Of Truth (In) on 12/22/2017
3 out of 5 stars

Dealt with bothersome dander most of my life. Sometimes it would flare up worse than others. Using conditioner seemed to help in those cases. But recently things flared up bad. It was like Christmas all year around my shoulders. I was using an all natural shampoo and conditioner so it wasn't a chemically product that was the problem. But I stopped using them anyway and washed my hair with baking soda with ACV for conditioner. This helped for a few weeks but then it came back. So I got radical and washed my hair only in plain water. As a side note my hair does not smell nor look oily making me think shampoos and conditioners are superfluous. Anyway this has mostly worked keeping the dander at bay but not totally cured.

However things are slowly getting worse again and now I suspect much of the problem is the water itself. Our city among other things puts a toxic form of fluoride and chloramines in the water so my next venture will be to get a water filter for the shower. It makes me mad I have to go to such lengths as our government should provide clean non toxic water to us. But what can you do? So I'll just pony up for a filter and see what happens. I strongly suspect this will be the best remedy yet. I'll report back with the results as soon as I buy one and try it out.

Borax for Dandruff

Madeline (Sacramento, Ca) on 05/20/2017
5 out of 5 stars

My hairdresser was noticing I had a flaky scalp every time I got my hair cut. I tried borax to get rid of my dandruff and it works great. I mix about two tablespoons in about a cup of warm water, no need for exact measurements, and pour half on my hair and scrub it around, then do the same with the next half and rinse. Using it once a week with regular shampooings in between is probably good for maintenance.

The first time I did it, I used cold water and the borax didn't really dissolve, and I thought, well that must be how it works, by exfoliating! But it is the borax itself, so go ahead and use warm water to dissolve it. It does clean my hair and leaves it nice and soft. And my hairdresser reports no dandruff to be seen!

Tea Tree Oil for Scalp Psoriasis or Itchy, Flaky Scalp

Babe (Tx) on 10/19/2016
5 out of 5 stars

Tea tree oil for scalp psoriasis or itchy, flaky scalp:

I mixed about 8-10 drops of tea tree oil with about a tablespoon of coconut oil and massage it into my scalp, leaving it on for several hours or overnight, then wash out. It really helps control the itching and flaking! I do this about once a week to keep it under control. I wonder if I did it more often or daily, if it would cure the problem, but I haven't tried.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

Rm (Sedona, Az) on 06/14/2016
5 out of 5 stars

ACV treatment for dandruff:

ACV mixed 50/50 with water, sprayed on to scalp, allow to sit for 5-10 minutes, wash off. Make sure you try going gluten, dairy and carb free for a couple weeks to make sure it isn't skin autoimmunity dermatitis. If you have rosacea or dry skin in places other than scalp, this could be a tell.

Fermented Foods Curing Dandruff

Dex (Kcmo) on 06/13/2016
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

Felicity (Ny) on 04/10/2016
5 out of 5 stars

My Dr. swears by apple cider vinegar as a dandruff treatment, as the acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow. Mix a quarter cup apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup water in a spray bottle and spritz on your scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and let sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar Use Worsened Dandruff Condition

Rhonda (Orange County, NJ) on 11/05/2014
1 out of 5 stars

Apple Cider Vinegar has worsened my condition.... I went from having a few thick flakes to having the full top of my head to flake consistently.... I'm going to try coconut oil next :/

Vigorous Brushing for Dandruff

Jack (Maui, Hawaii) on 05/14/2013
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff and Dermatitis

Anonymous (Ridgefield , Ct) on 04/01/2013
5 out of 5 stars

I have been diagnosed with all sorts of sensitive skin and dermatitis problems over the past 6 years. I cannot believe after only one use of the apple cider vinegar/ water mixture sprayed on my scalp for 20 minutes, my flaky scalp and the itchiness is almost gone. I even used regualr shampoo and conditioner for the first time in 6 years after using the vinegar treatment. I will absolutely keep using it. I have been suffering for so long emotionally and physically, I am so thankful for your suggestions and reader comments. I cannot believe after years of buying endless hair treatments and medications, a natural non toxic $0.99 bottle of apple cider vinegar worked!! Thank you, thank you!!

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

William (San Luis Obispo, California, Usa) on 12/31/2012
4 out of 5 stars

Mild case of dry scalp and dandruff.

Following the advice posted I tried a 1:1 ACV and tap water mix. 1 cup in total, no pre wash. I wet my hair then slightly dried then poured half the solution over the back of my scalp while rubbing it in. It stung a little where I had been scratching perviously but it was a good "this is working" sting. I let the solution soak in for - 10 min. Then poured the other half on my head just before I stepped into the shower. I rinsed my hair well but did not wash with shampoo.

It has been a few hours since this treatment and I already feel a huge difference. My scalp is not itchy and the dandruff I had this morning is now non existent. And on a side note my hair feels conditioned and soft after the treatment a double win .

It is currently winter here in California and that seems to be the time I am most prone to a mild case of dry scalp with a slight itch and small but noticible amounts of dandruff. Lucky for me this solution worked wonders and will be my go to from now on.

Many thanks to the Earth Clinic community.

Borax for Itchy Scalp and Dandruff

Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 07/01/2012
5 out of 5 stars

I often see posts asking for help with dandruff and itchy scalp. I was plagued with this problem for a very long time. When I read about borax here on earth clinic, I decided, why not? That was a couple of years ago. Once I used it, I have not been bothered with an itchy scalp or dandruff since. I do have to say though that over those couple of years I've done an awful lot of detoxing as well. Still, I remember the relief I had from the borax for my issues! Hope this helps others, Lisa

White Vinegar for Dandruff

Paulette (Baltimore, Md) on 06/30/2012
4 out of 5 stars

I suffered with dandruff for years, and it got worst as those years went on. Like many others with this problem, I tried every dandruff shampoo. Nothing worked. I even bought I lice treatment because I thought I had lice. I thought about shaving my head many times.

While I cannot remember exactly how I came across this page promoting apple cider vinegar, I thank God I did. When I first read all of the positive reviews, I thought I would have to buy something when I scrolled down to the end of the page. The solution to intense itching and flaking could not be as simple as vinegar I thought.

So I went to walmart to purchase the vinegar. I was willing to try anything, as I was at my wits end. They did not have acv, but they did have a huge bottle of white distilled vinegar for $1.82.

When my hair began to itch, I sprayed the vinegar onto my scalp using a spray bottle. I did not dilute it. After the first few minutes, I felt relief. It also burned. I let it sit on for an hour, then washed my hair with a moisterizing shampoo.

My hair never felt so fresh. Usually I have flakes even after washing my hair. Usually I have an itching attack within the next 3 days. Not this time. Now I would not say I'm cured, but its a real improvement.

I wish I knew about this sooner! This is life changing! I no longer feel insecure that flakes may be showing. I feel normal now. Spread the word! Vinegar for dandruff should be common knowledge.

Apple Cider Vinegar Use Worsened Dandruff Condition

Sophie (Berlin, Germany) on 06/30/2012

Hello, is it normal that ACV worsens the condition in the beginning? I have severe dandruff since last year, I just know that it is NO fungus, but the rest is unclear to me. At the moment the worst areas are the ones over my ears and at my forehead. There, a very dry flaky condition even reaches into my face. But on my scalp, I am not even sure if it is a dry dandruff, the flakes are crusty and stick to the scalp, white and yellowy. I now tried ACV for the first time, I diluted it with water 1:1 and put it in a spray bottle, sprayed it on my dry scalp, waited for 15 minutes, went into the shower and washed it out. Now, the condition seems even dryer, the flakes are more visible, is it a bad or a good sign? Shall I proceed? Am I doing it right? Would love to hear about your experiences!

Cold Showers Cleared Up Scalp Issues

@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.

Southernarc (Durham, Nc, Usa) on 02/18/2012
5 out of 5 stars

Looking for a natural cure for dandruff is what led me to this site. I've had dandruff all my life, but not the bad flaky kind. I've had sores/scabs in portions of my scalp, and the last few years I've had problems even with my eyebrows. I've tried dandruff shampoos but have only been able to control things, and even then the control has not been that good.

I've found that a 1:1 mixture of ACV and plain tap water works! I mixed 1 ounce of ACV with 1 ounce of water, and for good measure added in 20 drops of teatree oil. Thoroughy moisten hair in the shower with the concoction and massage in for a few minutes. I noticed results after the first application. I used it twice more a few more days apart and by the third application it appears the scabs are all gone. Even my eyebrows are cured (I made sure to apply the concoction).

Using tea tree oil also helps with the smell. It counteracts the smell of the ACV quite a bit, and I'm thinking of increasing the amount to 25 drops per 2 ounces.

The only other change I made was to switch to a baby shampoo instead of my regular "dry hair" shampoo. But I'm convinced it's the ACV. I've used teatree oil before and I think it helped a bit, but it didn't cure. I know it's not hurting, and since I had some on hand I included it. And I've also gone against conventional wisdom I've read on this site and used regular filtered ACV that I picked up from the supermarket for $.99 If it didn't work I was going to try the organic kind, but since I'm now cured of this ailment I won't have to buy any more ACV.

I know that the baby shampoo must be helping, since I've always had a dry scalp and dry hair and now it's much better. Yet the first time I used the ACV concoction I decided to try my regular shampoo, and even then I could swear that my hair was less dry and more manageable when I was done. So the concoction alone is good. But I'm sticking with the baby shampoo just to be sure, plus I really like the results.

Casey (Los Gatos, Ca) on 01/21/2012

Oil of Oregano. I take the capsules. Cures dandruff and flakey skin at bridge and sides of nose. If I quit taking Oil of Oregano, the dandruff comes back.

Henna for Scalp Issues

Emily (Tampa, Florida) on 01/06/2012
5 out of 5 stars

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!

15 Second Extra Scalp Rinse for Dandruff

Annette (Fairbanks, Alaska) on 12/31/2011
5 out of 5 stars

Dandruff remedy -- According to this BBC News Health article, dandruff and itchy scalp are caused by overactive Malassezia fungus. This fungus is naturally found on human skin, but if it's overactive it causes a fast turnover of skin cells. In other words, Malassezia produces flakes faster in dandruff sufferers than in people without dandruff.

If you have oily hair (like me) then you're more susceptible to dandruff, since Malassezia feeds on sebum, the oily matter produced by the sebaceous glands in our skin.

This is the real secret. When I tell most people they just think it's gross and don't hear me out. :)

When I hop in the shower in the morning I give my scalp a vigorous 15 second rinse under the water. This gets the visible oiliness out of my hair, but doesn't actually strip my scalp of any oil.

It's washing without washing.

When you first do this you'll notice that your hair might feel a little "sticky. " Don't worry, you have to give it time to adjust.

The interesting thing is after a few days my scalp seemingly stopped producing so much oil. I don't know the science behind it, and I haven't been able to find conclusive studies about it, I just know it works.

Some people use baking soda and vinegar. Or lemon juice. These products don't strip your hair of its oils.

Good luck to all of us suffering from... I call it: "shampoo-itis"

Water Only Wash for Dandruff

Lardiver (Abbotsford Bc, Canada) on 12/30/2011
5 out of 5 stars

I read a story about a girl who cured her dandruff just by washing her hair in water with no soap or shampoo. This seemed too easy, but I tried it. Now, a few weeks later, my dandruff is almost gone. Very few flakes, it's just going away. You want to get rid of your dandruff, just us your finger nails and water for about 15 seconds when you wash your hair. It really works. Lardiver