How To Treat Dandruff With Salt

The solution to those troublesome flakes may be simpler than you think.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist
August 17, 2022 By Arshiya Syeda

Is it possible to get rid of dandruff with salt? How to treat dandruff with salt?

Everybody has experienced a flaky scalp at some point in their lives. It is one of the most irritating experiences a person can have. Although the problem is not directly related to inadequate hygiene, we do not want it to be brought up.

Also, dry scalp and dandruff are often confused. Dandruff is a fungus on the same page as athlete’s foot and is typically very oily, flaky, and stinky, while a dry scalp is just flaky. Salt is an excellent way to treat both but there is a little more treatment that is needed to treat dandruff.

You could be one of the lucky ones who get flare-ups now and then, or you could have chronic dandruff that never really fades away. In either case, salt aids dandruff treatment and alleviates its effects. Here’s how to use salt for dandruff. Scroll down.

In This Article

How Does Salt Get Rid Of Dandruff

Image: iStock

Pore clogging is one of the biggest causes of dandruff. Salt may help loosen up the flakes on your scalp by exfoliating it (1). This can allow you to get rid of the built-up dead skin and, in turn, helps clean your scalp and unclog your pores.
Oiliness can sometimes cause dandruff. The excess production of sebum from your sebaceous glands can end up clogging your pores and irritating your scalp. Salt helps tackle this issue by absorbing the excess oil from your scalp. Anecdotal evidence suggests that salt may help tackle this issue by absorbing the excess oil from your scalp.
Living in humid conditions and active sweat glands can cause your scalp to be constantly moist. This can lead to fungal growth and dandruff (2). Salt can help absorb the excess moisture and fight off fungal infection (3).

How To Use Salt For Dandruff

1. Shampoo With Salt For Dandruff

Image: iStock

You Will Need

1/2 tbsp salt
Tea tree oil
1 tbsp shampoo

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

5 minutes

Process

Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and salt to the shampoo and stir until you get a well-combined mixture.
Wash your hair with warm water and use the mixture as you would your regular shampoo.
Massage your scalp in circular motions with your fingertips to eliminate flakes and buildup.
After massaging your scalp for a couple of minutes, wash your hair with cool water.
Finish with conditioner. Apply the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the tips of your hair. Avoid any contact with your scalp to prevent product buildup.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

The salt in your shampoo helps exfoliate your scalp while also balancing oil production. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil can help reduce itchiness and other symptoms of dandruff. It helps absorb the grime and dirt from your scalp while loosening and eliminating dead skin.

2. Salt And Olive Oil For Dandruff

Image: iStock

You Will Need

2 tbsp sea salt
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1-2 tbsp lemon juice

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

10 minutes

Process

In a bowl, mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
Wet your hair and apply the mixture onto your scalp.
Once your entire scalp is covered in the mixture, massage it gently in circular motions with your fingertips.
After massaging for about 5 minutes, rinse the mixture out of your hair.
Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
Finish with conditioner. Apply the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the tips of your hair. Avoid contact with your scalp to prevent product buildup.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

Olive oil is an excellent natural conditioner that also helps boost scalp health. The oil helps loosen dead skin while also promoting the growth of healthy skin. It helps soothe your scalp and relieves itching. The vitamin C in lemon juice also helps treat dandruff while giving your scalp a collagen boost to improve hair growth.

3. Epsom Salt For Dandruff

Image: iStock

You Will Need

2-3 tbsp Epsom salt
Shampoo

Prep Time

2 minutes

Processing Time

10 minutes

Process

Wash your hair with warm water until it is completely wet.
Take the Epsom salt and start gently massaging your scalp with it to exfoliate.
After massaging for a couple of minutes, wash your hair with your regular shampoo.
Finish with conditioner. Apply the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the tips of your hair. Avoid any contact with your scalp to prevent product buildup.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Massaging your scalp with Epsom salt helps exfoliate it and remove all the dead skin cells. It also effectively banishes grime. You could substitute the Epsom salt in this remedy with regular sea salt.

4. Salt Rinse

Image: iStock

You Will Need

3 tbsp salt
1 cup water

Prep Time

5 minutes

Processing Time

5 minutes

Process

Heat the water in a pot and add the salt to it.
Once the salt has dissolved, turn off the heat and let the solution cool.
Rinse your hair with the salt solution and massage your scalp for about 5 minutes.
Rinse the solution out of your hair and proceed to wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
Finish with conditioner. Apply the conditioner from the mid-lengths to the tips of your hair. Avoid contact with your scalp to prevent product buildup.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

Massaging your hair with this salt solution will help loosen the flakes and dead skin while also absorbing all the oil and grease present in your hair.

Treating dandruff is not an easy task. It is a real annoyance and causes itchy, dry, and flaky scalp. There are several shampoos and home remedies to treat dandruff issues, but not everyone knows about salt as a remedy for dandruff. Using salt for dandruff helps clean your scalp, unclog the pores, clean excess oil, and fight fungal infection. However, be cautious that the salt doesn’t build up on the hair. Though it is an excellent cleanser and will help eliminate skin issues, the salt will build up on the hair and need to be clarified at least once a month.

The recipes and methods discussed in the article will make your job easier. The methods shared above will help you learn how to treat dandruff with salt. Following these will be beneficial to combat dandruff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does salt turn hair white?

No. Applying salt to your hair does not turn it white or lighten it.

Is salt water good for dry scalp?

No. Salt absorbs excess oil and moisture from the scalp. So, it can aggravate your hair issues if you have a dry scalp.

Is salt or sugar better for scalp scrub?

It depends on your hair type. Salt scrubs are good for oily, dandruff-prone scalps, while hydrating sugar scrubs can soften dry scalp and hair.

Sources

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