No one wants to be embarrassed by those white flakes of dandruff landing on their beautiful black jacket, but it seems like a mystery that is hard to solve when it comes to getting rid of dandruff. This is largely due to the fact that most so-called anti-dandruff shampoos, although filled with chemicals and unhealthy ingredients, simply do not work very well. And if they do, it is only for a short term.
Fortunately, finding an anti-dandruff shampoo solution that works for you may not be as difficult as you think; you only need 10 minutes to prepare this natural shampoo! But first, let’s explore why shampoos may or may not work so that you can make informed choices.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff, medically known as pityriasis capitis or seborrheic dermatitis limited to the scalp, is a condition that has existed for centuries despite the numerous treatments available. New anti-dandruff products frequently hit the market almost daily, possibly due to the widespread increase in incidence.
However, dermatologists have paid little attention to this issue. Why is it so hard to fight against dandruff?
Unfortunately, this scalp disorder is quite common. Several studies worldwide have shown a prevalence of dandruff of up to 50% in the general population. You would think that with such a large number, solutions would be available. However, due to the chemicals found in most store-bought shampoos, their effectiveness may be temporary.
We know that most body and hair products contain tons of toxic chemicals, and these chemicals can also be incredibly ineffective. It is confusing why these toxic chemicals in shampoos are even allowed to reach the shelves, knowing that they can negatively affect our hormones and even cause diseases. It is probably not surprising that cosmetic products have grown into a multi-billion euro industry globally.
How to make an anti-dandruff shampoo
To avoid this seemingly uncontrollable situation, you can simply make your own anti-dandruff shampoo right at home with just a few ingredients. Remember that dandruff comes from the scalp, not the hair. This means it is important to apply this DIY dandruff remedy directly to the scalp, as well as to rinse the hair well.
Fortunately, this recipe includes not only a few dandruff-fighting ingredients but is also gentle enough to be used several times a week.
Ingredients:
380 ml coconut milk
1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
liquid castile soap
purified water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon baking soda
20 drops rosemary essential oil
15 drops tea tree essential oil
1 tablespoon ground fenugreek seeds
1 BPA-free plastic dispenser bottle
Preparation method:
Start with a bowl and a whisk. Combine the coconut milk, coconut oil, and castile soap to begin. The nutrient-rich coconut milk and fractionated coconut oil will help provide the necessary nourishment for your hair and scalp. This nourishment will help strengthen the immune system, as well as hydrate the hair and scalp.
Castile soap is a gentle vegetable-based soap derived from olive oil, water, and lye, which is biodegradable and non-toxic. While castile soap is mild, it can help cleanse the scalp of excess sebum and product buildup.
Once the coconut milk, coconut oil, and castile soap are well mixed, add the water, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda. It’s a good idea to use purified water, such as authentic spring water, to avoid chemicals. Apple cider vinegar is excellent for eliminating fungi and bacteria, as it contains powerful enzymes. Baking soda can help remove dead skin due to its abrasive texture, acting as a gentle exfoliant and fungicide.
Now, add the rosemary oil and tea tree oil. Rosemary oil will provide a pleasant scent as well as other benefits. Since dandruff is caused by fungi, it is important to choose ingredients that can inhibit this fungus. That’s why rosemary and tea tree oil are recommended. Rosemary and tea tree essential oils contain antifungal properties, and you can gain the additional benefit of warming the hair that these oils can provide!
And now add the fenugreek! Fenugreek is a plant most commonly used as a spice in Indian cuisine; however, fenugreek can work wonders for your hair and scalp. Fenugreek seeds have a composition rich in proteins and amino acids. These nutrient-rich characteristics encourage healthy hair, hair growth, and can help remove those dandruff flakes.
In particular, fenugreek has a high concentration of lecithin, which is a natural emollient. This emollient can help nourish the hair overall and provide many fenugreek users with soft and silky hair.
Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed. Pour the mixture into a BPA-free plastic container with a lid, or you can use a glass jar if you prefer.
How to use
For use, simply wet your hair as you would normally for shampooing. Put a small amount in your palm and start to work it into your hair and massage your scalp well. Leave the anti-dandruff shampoo on the scalp for a few minutes to gain the benefits of this natural remedy.
Try to use it every other day for best results. Shake well before each use. If you feel any discomfort or allergic reaction, stop using it immediately. Consider doing a patch test before a full wash.
Store the shampoo in the refrigerator after each use, as coconut milk can spoil. Ideally, use it within four weeks, and by then, you should expect the dandruff to have disappeared.
Recipe summary
Grab a mixing bowl and a whisk. Combine the coconut milk, coconut oil, and castile soap to start.
Once the coconut milk, coconut oil, and castile soap are well mixed, add the water, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda and mix.
Add the rosemary oil and tea tree oil. Continue mixing.
Finally, add the fenugreek and ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Pour the mixture into a BPA-free plastic container or into a glass bottle with a lid.
Use every other day. Store in the refrigerator after use. Use within 4 weeks.
