Holistic Dandruff Treatments
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
👩⚕️ Expert Recommendation
Lisa Frost, licensed aesthetician at Pharamaca Integrated Pharmacy, recommends:
"To naturally cure dandruff, steer clear of traditional shampoos and conditioners, which can contain dandruff-causing chemicals, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and parabens."
🔬 Understanding the Root Cause
Malassezia Fungus
The most common cause of dandruff is the overproduction of a yeast-like fungus called malassezia, which feeds off the oil produced by your hair follicles.
Why This Happens:
- • Excess scalp oil production
- • Imbalanced scalp microbiome
- • Harsh chemical products disrupting natural balance
- • Poor diet lacking essential fatty acids
🌿 3-Step Natural Treatment Protocol
Supplement: Balance Internal Oils
Take daily Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) like fish oil to balance the oils secreted by your skin from the inside out.
🐟 Fish Oil Supplements
- • High-quality omega-3 supplements
- • Cod liver oil (lemon-flavored options available)
- • Follow dosage on product label
- • Take with meals for better absorption
🍽️ Dietary Sources
Eat more healthy fatty cold water fish:
Click here to find the best and worst fish to eat
Clarify: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Use a fungus-killing apple cider vinegar rinse once or twice a week after shampooing. This will also remove excess oil.
How to Prepare & Use:
Ingredients:
- • 1-2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
- • 1 cup warm water
- • Optional: 2-3 drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
- 1. Mix vinegar with warm water
- 2. Pour over clean, damp hair
- 3. Massage into scalp gently
- 4. Let sit for 2-3 minutes
- 5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water
Heal: Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Mix several drops of organic tea tree oil (a natural antimicrobial agent) into a small amount of organic jojoba oil (carrier oil), which replenishes moisture.
Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatment:
Recipe:
- • 1 tablespoon organic jojoba oil
- • 3-5 drops organic tea tree oil
- • Optional: 2 drops lavender oil
Application:
- 1. Mix oils in small bowl
- 2. Apply to scalp with fingertips
- 3. Massage gently for 2-3 minutes
- 4. Leave on for 15-20 minutes
- 5. Wash out with gentle shampoo
Frequency: Use 2-3 times per week initially, then 1-2 times weekly for maintenance.
💡 Additional Natural Tips
🚫 What to Avoid
- • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - harsh detergent
- • Parabens - preservatives that disrupt balance
- • Sulfates - strip natural oils
- • Artificial fragrances - can cause irritation
- • Over-washing - leads to oil overproduction
✅ Lifestyle Support
- • Stress management - stress worsens dandruff
- • Regular exercise - improves circulation
- • Adequate sleep - supports healing
- • Gentle brushing - stimulates scalp circulation
- • Clean pillowcases - reduce bacterial buildup
⏱️ Expected Results Timeline
Weeks
Reduced flaking and itching
Weeks
Significant improvement
Weeks
Healthy scalp balance