7 Tips For Treating Dandruff While Protecting Your Natural Hair

As summer comes to an end, colder weather is on its way which means curing hair woes will be at the top of our beauty routines. Scalp woes and dandruff continue to be an increasing main beauty issue for women, especially for the naturalistas. As if going natural, isn’t a mission within itself, dealing with flaky roots can be overwhelming and a bit embarrassing. However, have no fear, you aren’t alone with this skin condition. The buildup flakes are dead skin cells surfacing to the scalp which causes itchiness, redness, and sometimes scabs. Excess sebum on the scalp causes it. If you’re going through a dry hair spell, it’s time to detox your pelo and give it some TLC it needs. Whether it’s nourishing a protective style, treating psoriasis naturally or detoxing the scalp— we’ve got you covered.  Here are the best hair tips and products for a dandruff-free scalp and a shiny-smooth mane.

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Switch shampoos.

Photo: Ulta.com

Natural shampoos should be the ultimate go-to’s for treating the scalp while still nourishing your natural look. Chemical-free ingredients will help calm the itchiness and scratching while sustaining and bringing your hair back to life. In true curly-girl fashion, all products should be sulfate-free, paraben-free, and without phthalates while detoxing the scalp with organic ingredients. Using products with a ginger ingredient will help purify your strands,  stimulate growth circulation, and provide the scalp with antioxidants to restore its pH balance.

Try: SHEA MOISTURE African Water Mint & Ginger Detox & Refresh Hair & Scalp Gentle Shampoo ($12). 

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Get a ultra-hydrating conditioner. 

Photo: Ulta.com

After washing with a natural-based shampoo, conditioning is a must. Moisture matters when it comes to combating drier scalp. Using ingredients such as tree tea will help to unclog hair follicles and nourish your roots. By deep cleansing the scalp, tree tea promotes hair growth and added shine to your locks. Did someone say inches?

Try: PAUL MITCHELL Tea Tree Special Conditioner ($15). 

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Do a scalp treatment.

Photo: Walgreens.com

Once you’ve cleansed and conditioned your mane, it’s time for a post-treatment add-on. Wake up your roots to a burst of minty freshness with this beauty product. The tingly tea tree extract, mint leaf find, and witch hazel, will leave your scalp feeling and looking clean and hydrated. High in lauric acid, mint is an all-star antibacterial, which helps to maintain a healthy, clean scalp and control dandruff.

Try: OGX Tea Tree Mint Extra Strength Scalp Treatment ($9).

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Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Hair Routine.

Photo: Target.com

Adding an apple cider vinegar rinse once every two weeks to your hair routine, will be your secret weapon. This potent potion helps to clear build-up, add shine and maintain the pH balance of your scalp. The DIYer approved treatment is an anti-fungal and antibacterial ingredient that will help restore your hair’s health. If you have mild dandruff, you may use as a replacement for your wash— but if you have serious buildup, follow up the rinse with a natural shampoo and conditioner.

Try: Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Rinse ($5).

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Repair your hair with a mask.

Photo: Sephora.com

A bi-weekly or weekly hair mask will provide nourishment to your strands, soothe the itchiness, and aid dry scalp. Since you’ll be detoxing your roots, you’ll need to add a soothing beauty buy with Roseship oils to provides hair hydration and control frizz. In just 10 minutes watch your mane transform from dry and brittle to shiny and healthy.

Try: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask ($36). 

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Nourish your curls with coconut oil.

Photo: Vitamin Shoppe

It’s no secret; coconut oil helps add moisturize to hair and scalp while tackling dryness caused by dandruff. This abuela-approved beauty hack eliminates flaky roots and improves one’s hair quality. The golden grease is packed with healing minerals, antioxidants and more to serve as a shield against potential buildups. Along with balancing your hair’s pH levels, this magical oil reduces split ends, hair loss, and brittle texture. Say hello to soft, rejuvenated, and fabulous locks.

Try: Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil ($10). 

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Don’t underestimate the importance of exfoliating.

Photo: Sephora.com

Struggling to grow your hair due to your dry roots? It turns out; scalp health determines hair growth in a significant way. Just like we use facial scrubs to unclog our pores and deep clean the skin—using a gentle hair exfoliation will do the same. Deep cleanse your hair and skin without drying your mane out and adding probiotics to balance your skin’s natural bacteria levels. To ease your natural hair woes, use this pre-wash product to help stimulate hair growth and detox your mane.

Try: OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub ($38).