Dandruff can be caused by dry skin, irritated and oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis), not shampooing often enough, psoriasis (a skin disorder that causes an accumulation of dead skin cells), eczema, hair product sensitivity (contact dermatitis), or a yeast-like fungus (malassezia). Almost anyone can have dandruff but those who are male, in young adulthood to middle age, have oily hair or scalps, poor diet, and/or certain illnesses seem to be affected most.

When dandruff appears many people run out and buy an expensive anti-dandruff shampoo. However end results are mixed. A recent report stated that applying conditioner after shampooing seems to rinse away it’s effectiveness, so you should avoid conditioner after using an anti-dandruff shampoo.

We’ve found a cheaper and more green solution to dandruff control: Apple Cider Vinegar. If you can get past the scent, apple cider vinegar will help restore the proper acid/alkaline balance of the scalp. It also works well to rinse away any product residue you have in your hair.

We recommend making a solution of half vinegar and half water and applying it to a dry scalp in the shower. Rub scalp with your fingers but don’t scratch. Continue your normal shower routine and then rinse or wash out. If the scent bothers you or makes you feel self conscious, we suggest doing this first thing before bed or on a day when you’ll be hanging around at home.

Do this routine a couple of times a week until the dandruff disappears and then once every one to two weeks as a preventative measure. We also encourage you to wash your hair every other day rather than every day. Washing every day strips the scalp of it’s natural oils causing it to produce more oil. While your hair may seem more oily at first, rest assured that your scalp will correct itself.

Have another all natural dandruff remedy? Share it with us in the comments section below.

For hair loss issues, an effective permanent hair restoration technique is known as a hair transplant.

Vinegar Hair is a post from: Green Peony

Technorati Tags: apple cider vinegar, dandruff, hair care, natural remedies

If you are fond of pampering yourself, then you probably know all about body scrubs. For the beginner; body scrubs are a mixture of a course material and a liquid combined to make a paste that works as a wonderful exfoliant for dry skin. You can buy them in stores, or you can make your own for a fraction of the cost with ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Some of the benefits of making your own:
You make only what you need.

You know what goes in it; which means no chemicals or preservatives.

It costs far less than what you’d pay in any store.

No product packaging that ultimately ends up in a landfill.

Dry Ingredient Choices:
Coarse salt (such as sea salt), coarse raw brown sugar (Turbinado), ground coffee. Alternatively you can use regular table salt or sugar, you will just end up with a smoother scrub and may need less liquid ingredients.

Liquid Ingredient Choices:
Olive or another oil, honey, lemon or another juice, tea, coffee, milk, water.

Fragrance Choices:
Essential oils, dried herbs, cinnamon, ginger.

Basic Salt Scrub (approximately one application)
1 ½ cups sea salt
¼ cup olive oil
3-5 drops of essential oil such as lavender for scent (optional)

Basic Sugar Scrub (appropriately one application)
1 ½ cups brown sugar
½ cup olive oil
2-3 drops of vanilla extract to scent (optional)

Directions:
Combine ingredients to form a paste, rub on skin in circular motions, rinse. Be sure to avoid sensitive areas (like the face) with scrubs that have coarse ingredients, and use scrubs before shaving to prevent irritation. Limit use to no more than once a week.

After you’ve tried the basic recipes above, experiment with the ingredients listed to come up with your own unique scrub. Or if you already have a favorite scrub recipe tell us about it in the comments section below.

Too lazy to make your own? Let us know what your favorite brand is and why.

Dry Skin? Try a Dose of Salt! is a post from: Green Peony

Technorati Tags: beauty, body scrub, green living, recipe, salt scrub, sustainable living