The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Multiple Remedies
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...
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Lover Of Truth (In) on 12/22/2017
★★★☆☆
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
Posted by Madeline (Sacramento, Ca) on 05/20/2017
★★★★★
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!
Borax
Posted by Josephine (San Diego) on 12/24/2016
★★★★★
I don't have dandruff, but I wash my hair with Borax. Probably read it in EC. I just mix 1/2cup or so of Borax (the mule kind) in a metal camping mug with the hot shower water and pour over my hair. I gently scrub as if I had normal shampoo and rinse out. It does leave my hair clean! I have dry hair not oily. When I do an oil treatment to moisturize my hair I have noticed the Borax does not clean my hair so I will use my regular shampoo. I color and straighten my hair and have noticed over time that my (expensive) shampoo/conditioner from the salon was leaving my hair in worse shape. Borax and an ACV rinse has helped quite a bit. Hope that helps.
Fermented Foods
Posted by Dex (Kcmo) on 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.
Borax
Posted by Shigure (Everywhere) on 11/16/2016
Anyone know how Lisa used the borax? Internally or externally?
Tea Tree OIl
Posted by Babe (Tx) on 10/19/2016
★★★★★
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.
Fermented Foods
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.
Henna
Posted by Lizzie (London) on 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.
Borax, Alcohol, and Rosemary
Posted by Rose (New York) on 06/01/2015
You can use the 32oz bottle and remove enough alcohol so it does not overflow when adding the borax and rosemary.
Salt
Posted by Samantha (BC) on 04/12/2015
★★★★★
Epsom salts: this worked for me too. Take a handful and rub onto wet hair (before shampooing). scrub onto all areas of the scalp. let sit for a minute and rinse off. Then I shampoo and condition as normal.
Brushing
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Nick (Watford, Uk) on 02/04/2013
Rose could you tell me what bottle capacity should I use for filling with the mixture of borax rubbing alcohol and rosemary?
15 Second Rinse
Posted by Florie (Henly, Texas, Usa) on 01/07/2013
Doesn't the peroxide bleach your hair?!
15 Second Rinse
Posted by Annette (Fairbanks, Alaska) on 07/21/2012
★★★★★
Hi, this is six months later and my hair has improved so much. Partially due to not shampooing, and partially to using the hydrogen peroxide with a mild (organic) shampoo. I initially went six weeks without using any shampoo and by doing that it had reduced the oiliness tremendously. I did miss the nice scents that some shampoos come with and the lathering, therefore I use shampoo once or twice a week, not everyday. The shampoo I use is made from carrots and it smells like a baby product, it's very gentle, organic, and it works nicely with my hair. I think my hair/scalp has improved a lot.
My hair is short or shoulder length now, and not permed or color treated. I apply the hydrogen peroxide after I wet my hair, then I added a small amount of shampoo, and lather up. This is very simple, because I keep a spray bottle full of H2O2 in the shower. My dandruff is 75% better, but not fully cured. I will add apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil to my regiment. Will post back in another six months!
Borax
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 07/01/2012
★★★★★
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
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, USA) on 06/30/2012
★★★★★
When first getting in the shower, wet hair and take 1 cup of white vinegar and distribute it over hair. I have mine ready to go in a glass measuring cup. Rinse WELL before opening eyes, and then shampoo and condition as you normally would. I do the vinegar first because otherwise it strips my conditioner off instead of the residues and hair products I want it to. This serves numerous remedial functions: dandruff, lice, improved hair shine, clarifying, just try it. It is cheap and amazing. Smell will disappear as hair dries.
White Vinegar
Posted by Paulette (Baltimore, Md) on 06/30/2012
★★★★☆
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.
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.
15 Second Rinse
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 02/12/2012
Hi there, just wondering if you ever actually use shampoo, or do you just do this every day? I have oily hair too, with itchy scales and mild hair loss.
Oil of Oregano
Posted by 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
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!
15 Second Rinse
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/01/2012
Annette, how long is your hair, dyed or not? I would like to ask Lardiver the same questions. My hair if shoulder length and dyed so many times methods which work for short, or natural hair don't work for longer, dyed hair. I don't have dandruff but I am looking for ways to make my hair healthier!
15 Second Rinse
Posted by Annette (Fairbanks, Alaska) on 12/31/2011
★★★★★
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
Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford Bc, Canada) on 12/30/2011
★★★★★
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
Vitamin B Complex
Posted by Fern (Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada) on 12/06/2011
I just wanted to update everyone, I am almost finished my last year of homeopathic training, and Ontario is the first province in Canada to start regulating the profession, which is great news. If the B-Complex does not help, I can confidently say from all the clinical experience at the school, that homeopathy can do wonders to actually put the body back in balance and permanantly stop the dandruff cycle. Find a good local homeopath in you are that is EXPERIENCED and practices CLASSICAL HOMEOPATHY. Good luck everyone.
Fern
Vitamin B Complex
Posted by Viviana (Aurora, Il) on 12/06/2011
Hi Fern, I am so excited for you! Mnay members of my family are homeopaths!! Can you please send me the name of the vitamin you take for dandruff? My scalp is very itchy and dandruff has appeared now... I am concern about tis problem! Someone else suggested taking organic virgin coconut oil, applying it on the skin and taking it as well. Do you recommend doing this?
Please let me know!
Shampoo
Posted by Davy (Portland, Oregon) on 11/27/2011
I had dandruff, and super itchy scalp for many years it was making me crazy! I tried the ACV/ hydrogen peroxide the effects were temporary. One day a friend was discussing her travels to a Third world country and when she returned home with itchy spots/splotches of fungus all over her skin. She was lucky she saw a doctor who knew what it was! Miracle! She was instructed to put Selsun blue on her body for 30 minutes everyday for thirty days and it worked. So I thought maybe I would put Selsun Blue on my scalp for thirty minutes and try it for a couple days Selsun Blue is strong stuff. Anyhow the first time I tried it in the shower and it made my skin itchy that night So I decided it is safer to wash my hair in the sink I gently massaged Selsun Blue into my scalp waited and rinsed. RESULTS: DANDRUFF IS GONE NEVER TO RETURN
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Vinay (Sanfransisco, Ca) on 08/05/2011
This worked well for me:
1. Use a shampoo which has ketocanazole 2%. 3 times a week. for 2 months
2. apply coconut oil mixed with amla everyday(you will get in indian stores)
3. Mix one cup of ACV and 5 spoons of honey and 30 ml of tea tree oil(all are powerful antifungal indegridents) in 1/3 gallon of water and apply to you hair every day for a month.
4. for oral take terbinafine tables 250mg(lamisil) for 15 days.
As preventive measure you could drink 3 spoons of Apple Cider Vinegar 3 spoons of honey mixed with water for an year.
Please note all natural herbs take 6 months to cure dandruff from roots.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Vania (Clarksville, Tn, Usa) on 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!
