Although having dandruff can be hugely embarrassing we have lots of ideas for home made preparations you can make from raw foods which will not only rid you of your dandruff but also leave your hair in tip top condition.

What is Dandruff?

Healthy scalps shed skin all the time but when the balance is upset too many skin cells are produced too quickly causing dead skin cells to build up on the scalp, sticking together and breaking off in visible flakes.

How is Dandruff Caused?

Some people simply have more sensitive scalps and dandruff does indeed often run in families. Diets that are too salty, spicy or sugary can make one more prone to dandruff. Sadly, it often happens in puberty when hormone changes occur and when we are at our most self-conscious.

Changes in your Hair Washing Regime

You should wash your hair at least three times a week and brush it several times a day. When shampooing your hair, avoid scratching the scalp and rinse well afterwards. Apparently, if you wash your hair first in very hot water and then in cold water this stimulates the circulation in the scalp (as does standing on your head if you’re feeling athletic!) A number of home made preparations have been found to be effective:

• Alcohol
• Rosemary oil or a mix of olive oil and rosemary leaves
• Tea tree oil
• Coconut oil
• Boil 4 tsp. dried thyme in cup of water, strained and cooled, do not rinse
• Gel of Aloe Vera leaves, leave in overnight, shampoo off in the morning
• Cold compress soaked in olive oil, leave on overnight and shampoo off in morning
• Apple cider vinegar diluted in water, let dry
• Olive oil and ginger root applied to scalp before washing

Chemicals on the hair should be avoided.

Whenever you wash your hair, be sure to soak your hair brushes and combs in very hot water containing some antiseptic.

Sun exposure is good for dandruff because direct ultraviolet light is great for scaly skin conditions. This may explain why dandruff tends to be less severe in summer than winter months.

Raw Foods to Improve Our Scalp Condition

Add more vegetables and fruits to your diet especially anything containing vitamin B6 such as cabbage, wheat germ and yeast which provide sulphur which is good for the scalp. Other good foods for fighting off dandruff are:

• Fruits
• Nuts and Flaxseed oil – said to prevent dandruff, take a tablespoon every day, this also has Omega 3 oil in it which protect the skin from dandruff.
• Garlic is good for dandruff as are onions taken internally or rubbed on the scalp.

But be sure to reduce your intake of the following as they help dandruff increase and spread:

• Refined carbohydrates
• Animal fats
• Dairy foods
• Citrus foods
• Spicy and greasy foods

If you suffer from dandruff these concoctions should be a great tonic for your hair and scalp and leave your hair smelling good as well as looking good. Increasing omega 3 oils and cutting out dairy and processed foods, especially spicy food will make your breath smell sweeter as well.

By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari