Shedding skin is a natural process of skin renewal that takes place all over the body including the head area everyday. However when fungal infections gain access to favourable areas and conditions, skin shedding can increase substantially.

The fungal infection causing Dandruff is known as Malassezia. Malassezia feeds on oil secreted by hair follicles and increases skin renewal turn around times from a couple of weeks to a couple of days. The infection is spread by communal use of towels, combs and brushes. Before treatment can be conducted the type Dandruff must first be identified as being either waxy or dry dandruff. Waxy Dandruff occurs in patches on the scalp when oily sebum mixes with dry skin cells. Dry dandruff is present when small white pieces of skin lie loose on head or is attached to hair. Various remedies are available to treat dandruff including home remedies.

Treatment for dandruff can take form of prescribed or natural remedies. Prescription remedies are available from your physician and natural remedies you can make yourself at home. Caution must be excised with home remedies to ensure that they are safe. Chemical reaction can result from various chemicals being mixed as well as poisoning from ingredients recommended in home recipes. The following home recipes are safe and reliable to use in treating all types of dandruff:

Hot olive or Coconut oil – Massage hot olive or coconut oil on scalp before bedtime. This will moisturise the skin assisting itchiness and flaking. In the morning rub onto scalp lemon juice mixed with vinegar. Leave 2 minutes and wash hair with good quality moisturising shampoo.

Rosemary, Sage, Thyme or Neem – Make a strong tea-like solution from either Rosemary, Sage, Thyme or Neem leaves by adding the leaves to boiling water and leaving to brew for 24 hours. Strain and pour water over just-washed hair and leave in. Style your hair as usual but keep styling products to the minimum as these products can increase dandruff.

Aloe Vera – Rub crushed fresh Aloe Vera leaves or gel onto scalp and leave for 15 minutes before you wash you hair.

Beetroot – Boil beetroot, make a paste and massage onto scalp before bedtime. Please avoid using red beet as it will stain your hair as well as clothing and linen. White beetroot would be best.

Egg – Beat three whole eggs with three tablespoons of water. Rub mixture on damp hair and massage onto scalp. Leave in for 15 minutes. Wash hair with lukewarm water.

Aspirins – Dissolve two Aspirins a quality dandruff shampoo. Leave the mixture on for 3 minutes, rinse thoroughly and style as normal.

Find more ideas for home remedies for dandruff and discover how you can get rid of dandruff once and for all.