What causes dandruff?
There are so many causes that often we might be using a treatment that isn’t appropriate, so with any ongoing symptoms, it's best to talk to your healthcare professional. However, if you are currently using a mainstream dandruff shampoo and would like to try switching to an organic dandruff shampoo, or would like to see if a natural solution can assist, below are some of the natural dandruff-friendly shampoo & conditioners we love at Nourished Life.
How to get rid of dandruff naturally
Problem one: dry scalp
Deeply condition your scalp with Organic Hemp Oil once to twice a week. Hemp oil is a natural humectant, meaning it can draw moisture from the air into the skin. It is also able to penetrate the delicate skin on the scalp so you'll find it doesn't sit on top of the hair. To use as a scalp treatment, warm a tablespoon of the oil in your palm and massage thoroughly all over the scalp, leave to penetrate for 10 minutes and then shampoo off once or twice. A conditioner may not be necessary depending on your hair type.
If you have a flaky, itchy scalp it doesn’t always indicate dandruff. You might need to use a natural shampoo that is more moisturising rather than deep cleaning. Sometimes dry skin can worsen the issue of dandruff. If you are prone to dry skin then you may notice the dandruff flakes are more dry than oily.
We love the 100% Pure Healthy Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner. The Healthy Scalp Shampoo is formulated with Burdock and Neem which work to cleanse and nourish your hair and scalp and may help stimulate circulation. It is a very gentle natural dandruff-friendly shampoo that doesn’t strip your hair or leave it feeling dehydrated! Once you have shampooed your hair, you can follow with the the matching 100% Pure Healthy Scalp Conditioner which is the ideal accompaniment for healthy hair.
Another wonderful Burdock based product is the Weleda Revitalising Hair Tonic. Massage this non greasy tonic through the scalp and the combination of Rosemary, Clover and Burdock root works with the hairs natural oils to nourish a dry scalp.
Another great trick for dry scalps is also organic coconut oil, just massage a little over the entire the scalp before bed and wash out in the morning.
Problem two: product and oil build up causing a flaky scalp
Although washing your hair every day is not recommended, not washing your hair enough can also lead to dry scalp conditions. If you use a range of different hair products, work or live in an environment prone to dust and pollution, oils, dirt and toxins may accumulate on your scalp.
So if this sounds like you, why not try washing your hair more often and see if you notice any changes. For regular washing (3-5 times a week) I recommend the Ethique Heali Kiwi - Shampoo for Dandruff-prone scalps. This is an amazing natural shampoo bar with the antibacterial properties of Neem and Kiwifruit oil, plus soothing Oats, and has been specifically developed for those with dandruff-prone hair. It soothes and helps to regulate the oils in the scalp and has over 300 five-star customer reviews to date!
For a cleansing home-made hair rinse to help remove greasy build up, the Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar can be used as a natural remedy by by mixing 3 parts Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 part water. Simply rinse your hair using the Apple Cider Vinegar solution after washing your hair as normal, and apply leave-in conditioner to the ends only.
Problem three: oily skin
Another common cause of dandruff is the overproduction of oil on the scalp. Even if you shampoo often, some people just naturally have oilier scalps than others! In this instance you may need to switch your regular shampoo to one that targets oily hair and brings balance back to the scalp. You can try using the Ethique St Clements - Shampoo for Oily Hair. This solid shampoo bar is free of oil-generating foaming agents. Ethique has captured the natural purifying properties of Lime, Sweet Orange, Basil, Rosemary and Juniper to help moderate your hair's oil production, as they cleanse your scalp and leave you with a fresh, sweet-smelling mane.
To distribute the oils throughout your hair and help to reduce clogged pores, regular brushing is important. We love our Vegan Bamboo Hair Brushes! These are super gentle on the scalp and designed to avoid breaking any hair strands. The bristles are also really flexible so when you’re detangling your hair, it minimises hair being caught and falling out. These brushes come in 3 sizes, are vegan and made with sustainable bamboo.
Problem four: sensitive scalp
If you have a sensitive scalp, you might also be more prone to dandruff. This could in fact be due to the harsh chemicals found in many mainstream anti-dandruff shampoos. A great solution here is to use an organic dandruff shampoo that is all natural and formulated for sensitive skin. You can try the Lavera Basis Sensitive Moisture & Care Shampoo which is specially formulated to be extra gentle on sensitive, flaky scalps. This shampoo is made with ingredients including Aloe Vera and Rice Extract which both may work to soothe the scalp as well as Organic Almond Milk to help nourish the hair.
