Get rid of the Irritating dandruff...

1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a widely accepted dandruff treatment, particularly when the flakes are caused by fungus. It's an essential oil that you can purchase online, at pharmacies, or at health food stores, and mix into an unscented shampoo. Or you can find commercially prepared shampoos with tea tree oil already in them. In one Australian study, mixing a 5 percent tea tree oil solution into shampoo was found to effectively treat dandruff in almost half the participants.

2. Eucalyptus Oil
Another tree oil, eucalyptus oil, also has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Like tea tree oil, it can be found online and at health food stores, and diluted in shampoos or rinses. A study conducted in India found that a solution containing eucalyptus oil and coconut oil had significant antidandruff effects, and recommended its future inclusion in cosmetic and pharmaceutical dandruff products.

3. Limit Use of Products
Shampoos, gels, hairsprays, and other hair care products can leave residue that build up overtime. These can not only leave flakes on the scalp, but can also irritate the scalp and cause dry skin or allergic reactions. Some people can reduce their dandruff symptoms by simply using fewer of these products. If the irritation is due to an allergic reaction, switching products may also be helpful.

4. Daily Washing and Brushing
It’s a common misconception that dandruff affects those who don’t take care of their skin and scalp, though a regular grooming routine can often reduce symptoms. Daily brushing can stimulate blood flow to the scalp, and daily washing can wash away the flakes. However, make sure your shampoo doesn’t aggravate the scalp. Choose a moisturizing formula for a dry scalp and a clarifying formula for an oily scalp.

5. Neem Oil
Neem oil is derived from the seed of the Azadirachta indica tree, native to India and parts of Asia. It's said to be good for dry and flaky scalps, so you can often find it in prepared shampoos sold for the treatment of dandruff. Like tea tree oil, it can also be diluted in shampoos, rinses, or carrier oils, and applied directly to the scalp.

Final Thoughts

Dandruff can be embarrassing, but you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to treat it. You can often find simple solutions in your home or at a nearby neighborhood store, without having to see a doctor.

Thanks
take care
Dr Neha Mehta