Nowadays, we are more and more aware of the numerous benefits that home remedies offer. Namely, we know that honey is better than antibiotic creams for burns, whereas homemade cough syrup is more helpful than over-the-counter medications.
Speaking about homemade remedies, do you know what Malassezia is? This is a type of fungus which causes dandruff. Unfortunately, the store-bought shampoos for treatment of dandruff are filled with toxins. As an example, coal tar is banned from cosmetics in Canada and the EU, however, according to the FDA, it is safe and effective.
Another ingredient known as resorcinol, has been found to cause thyroid issues and it also has negative influence on the central nervous system. If you want to get rid of dandruff, but you want to do this safely and without any side negative effects on your health, take a look at the following natural ingredients:
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant which supplies the hair with vitamins A, C, E, D, B-complex, beta-carotene and minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, and calcium. It has been used to prevent thinning of the hair, which actually makes sense. That is, dandruff can pull the hair follicles and prevent new hair from growing in, but honey eliminates dandruff and successfully prevents the hair from thinning.
In one study, 30 patients who had dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis were required to rub diluted honey onto the scalp and massage it for 3 minutes and leave it on for 3 hours, every other day. Within one week, their itching decreased, whereas the skin lesions disappeared entirely in a period of two weeks. 12 of the 15 patients who didn’t continue the treatment relapsed within 2 to 4 months.
How to use honey to treat dandruff
As previously mentioned, after you apply diluted honey onto the scalp and leave it for 3 hours, rinse it with warm water. In order to make the hair shiny, apply ¼ cup of vinegar and ¾ cup of water.
Apple cider vinegar
Although this is no scientifically backed up, a lot of people recommend rinsing with vinegar if you have problems with dandruff. Probably, the reason why ACV helps is the natural probiotics in it which fight off fungi and bacteria. It’s also rich in enzymes that may open clogged hair follicles.
How to use ACV for treatment of dandruff
Mix equal amounts of ACV and water. Then, transfer the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to a freshly washed hair. Then, put on a shower cap and leave it for 15 minutes to 2 hours, and then rinse the hair as usually. Repeat this method twice weekly until the dandruff is gone.
Probiotics
According to a study, probiotics supplementation was able to reduce dandruff for 70% in 4-5 weeks.
