FIRSTLY, WHAT CAUSES DANDRUFF







Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandruff


Dandruff can be an absolute pain in the butt. Not only does it itch, it leaves flaky, white scales on everything and people think it's a sign of poor hygiene (which is is definitely NOT).


It's always been one of those where does it come from problems, but here are a few thoughts:
Hair dyes and NOP (non-organic products)
Not enough washing 
Not enough brushing to rid the scalp of skin 
Over brushing 
Hormonal imbalance
Dry skin, particularly in Winter and windy weather
Stress
Certain skin conditions
A fungus called Malassezia
Not enough fatty acids, zinc or vitamin B
Airborne irritants
Poor circulation
Genetics

Have a look at the link attached to 'A fungus called Malassezia' to check out more information on dandruff. 

FREE DIY ORGANIC SHAMPOO AND SOOTHING AFTER RINSE
Hit THE LINK ABOVE for the post with our DIY organic shampoo and soothing after rinse which removes dandruff. 

We use it and can vouch for it in our recipes. 
Mind you, what works for both of us, may not work for you.

And.....if you have some DIY Homemade Organic Remedies, please share in comments.

This essential oil has been proven to contain antibacterial and antiseptic elements. 
This is particularly helpful as a common fungus, Malassezia, is determined to be present when cultures of dandruff have been taken.
It feels soothing, reduces the itch, lifts the plaques off the scalp, helps to combat Malassezia and smells brilliant!

After a lot of digging, for many hours, I investigated the safety of lavender oil.
This is what I found.

Heather M A Cavanagh, states that "Lavender is traditionally regarded as a 'safe' oil and, although it was recently reported that lavender oil, and its major constituent linalyl acetate, are toxic to human skin cells in vitro, the relevance of this in vitro toxicity to dermatological application of Lavandula oils remains unclear. Despite the apparent safety of lavender oil as a topical agent, oral administration is not recommended".


Robert Tisserand states that "any toxicity to human skin cells in vitro, means the test substance has to be in direct contact with isolated cells in a petri dish. Without that direct contact, cell membrane damage will not take place at those low dilutions". He goes on to say "Any type of in vitro test is only suggestive of a possible effect. You can never assume that the same effect will take place in the living body."[36]

I don't have any qualms using this, but then I am not planning on becoming pregnant. 
Some pregnant women probably wouldn't even be aware of all the effects commercial products have on your body, let alone natural ones produced by mother nature.

I am not a doctor, herbologist, aromatherapist, so use your common sense, as I am sure you do, and conduct your own research & talk to your doctor. 



DIY ORGANIC ANTI-ITCH SCALP SPRAY FOR DREADLOCKS

Materials Needed:
1x 500ml bottle
6-10 drops lavender essential oil*
500ml water
10 minutes of your time
 
Method:
1]  Ensure your bottle is clean
2] Add water to the bottle
3] Add lavender oil
4] Shake bottle thoroughly to disperse oil through the water
5] Part your dreads with your fingers to get to the dandruff
6] Mist your affected scalp 
7] Do not rinse out

*Optional: you can add a few drops of teetree oil in the spray as well

Another post will be arriving soon on the properties of teatree oil and how it aids in dandruff relief.

'DREADLOCK WASH'


This wash is particularly good for dandruff, residue build up & getting rid of the itchies. 

Note: this wash cleans your scalp really well and gives you a tingly feel as it fizzes

Materials Needed:
1x 500ml bottle
10 tsp bicarbonate soda
1/2 cup vinegar 

Method:
1] Ensure bottle is completely dry inside
2] Add bicarbonate into bottle
3] Get in the shower
4] Add vinegar into bottle ~ yes!!! It's gonna FIZZZZ
5] Pour over all your scalp
6] Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips in the 5-10 min wait time*
7] Stand with head directly under shower head, parting dreads as you go
8] Rinse thoroughly 

*5 mins for a general clean and light dandruff
  10 mins for moderate dandruff & residue buildup 



'DREADLOCK AFTER RINSE'

Note: this rinse is soothing, antibacterial and leaves your dreads smelling fresh

Materials Needed:
Kettle
1x Funnel
1x Mug
1x 500ml bottle
2x chamomile or green tea bags
10x drops lavender oil
10x drops of either bergamot, teatree or clove oil

Method:
1] Boil the kettle
2] Pour over the 2x teabags in your mug & leave to infuse for a few minutes
3] Funnel the tea into your bottle 
4] Repeat step 2-3, using the SAME teabags
5] Add chosen oil into the bottle
6] Leave to cool
7] Return to shower 
8] Pour as much as you need to cover your scalp
9] DON'T RINSE OUT
10] Gently squeeze out the excess
11] Wrap your hair in a clean, dry towel
12] Sit in the sun outside & enjoy your day!!! 

Check out this link for our DIY ORGANIC ANTI-ITCH SPRAY
🙏🏼