Fashion
How To Deal With Dandruff In The Winter
Itchy, flaky, and just straight up annoying, the dandruff struggle can get seriously real as temperatures go down and the air gets extra dry. If you're not sure what to do, take a deep breather because I've scouted out exactly how to deal with dandruff in winter. It's easier than you think, and all of these strategies have been tested by yours truly over the past few years.
I have incredibly sensitive skin (like, I've become a master of label reading for everything from shampoo to lip balm) and weather plays a major role in increasing its sensitivity. My first discovery I was going to have to learn how to deal with winter dandruff was in the fifth grade. I remember scratching my head in math class and watching tiny little flakes fall not only from my scalp, but even my eyebrows. Panic kicked into the max.
I told my mom right when I got home, and fortunately, she struggled with the same issue (yay genetics) and knew exactly what to do to calm me down and help moisturize my scalp (and brows) with treatments that wouldn't aggravate the problem. I'm sharing those tips below, as well as a few I've learned over the years. You got this!
1. Reach For Coconut Oil
Kirkland Signature Organic Coconut Oil, $20, Amazon
I know, I know, coconut oil again. But PopSugar (and my mom!) both suggest rubbing your roots with a little coconut oil before going to bed. Your scalp will absorb the oil to hydrate quickly.
2. Use Dandruff Shampoo Correctly
Scalp Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $18, Kiehl's
To reap the full benefits of dandruff treatment shampoo, make sure you let it sit for at least five minutes in your hair before rinsing.
3. Add Tea Tree Oil To Shampoo
Tea Tree Oil, $21, Nature's Plus
Another tip from my mom: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to any shampoo. It will help reduce the severity of dandruff.
4. Use Baking Soda As Shampoo
Baking Soda (2-Pack), $39, Amazon
Baking soda is a super budget-friendly option that quells the fungi that can cause dandruff. Just wet your hair, rub a handful of baking soda over your scalp, and rinse. Your hair might get a little dry, but your scalp will start producing oil again to balance it out within a week or two.
5. Apply Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is incredibly soothing on an irritated scalp, and it helps slow down the over-active shedding of skin cells causing dandruff.
6. Make An Olive Oil Mask
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $11, Gaea Greek
To nourish both your scalp and hair and stop dandruff, coating the hair in olive oil will help immensely. Simply heat up about 1/4 cup of olive oil until warm on the stove, pour over your hair (really rub into your scalp!), wrap in a towel, leave for forty-five minutes, and then rinse.
7. Condition With Honey
Raw Honey, $17, Y.S. Eco Bees Farm
Raw honey is a humectant that has antibacterial properties, meaning it will lock in moisture while also combatting any bacterias triggering your dandruff. Rub a large spoonful of raw honey diluted with a splash of warm water all over your scalp and leave on for up to three hours if possible before rinsing. If you can't manage three hours, even doing this for ten to fifteen minutes will be incredibly soothing and helpful.
Want more beauty tips? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle’s YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!
Images: micadew/Flickr; Courtesy of Brands
