Dandruff is dry flaking of the superficial skin cells of the scalp. Everyone’s scalp will flake off to some extent, but with dandruff the flaking is much increased. Doctors suspect it can be triggered by an infection with yeasts which are among the many micro-organisms which live on normal scalps.

Dry to normal hair treatment

Shampoo your hair with a mild, unper­fumed product, then towel dry. Massage your scalp with half of the mixture below, paying special attention to the ends which are prone to dryness and splitting. Cover your head with a towel and leave for up to an hour before shampooing again to remove the oil.

• 20 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 10 ml diluted rosemary oil
• 2 drops chamomile essential oil
• 1 drop lavender essential oil
• 2 vitamin E capsules or evening primrose oil capsules

This formula is an anti-dandruff and deep conditioning treatment in one. A weekly application is usually enough to maintain a clear scalp and glossy hair. Unless your hair is very thick and long, the quantities given above should be enough for two treatments. Put the oils into a dark glass bottle. Pierce the oil capsules with a pin and squeeze the contents into the mixture. Shake well.

Oily to normal hair treatment

Wash your hair with a mild, unperfumed shampoo, then towel dry. Pour a little hair tonic (below) into the palm of your hand and massage into the scalp and through the hair. There is no need to rinse.

If you have oily hair, you may find that if you use this product three times a week, the over-secretion of sebum will be reduced. For normal hair, a once or twice weekly treatment is usually sufficient to maintain a clear scalp. The cider vinegar helps restore the skin’s natural acid mantle. Essential oils are almost completely soluble in vinegar and they mask its smell.

• 15 ml cider vinegar
• Plastic funnel
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 200 ml distilled water

Pour the cider vinegar into a dark glass bottle through a funnel, then add the essen­tial oils and shake well. Top up with distilled water and shake again. This should be sufficient for several applications.

Get the essential oils for this recipe from our Essential Oils Shop

• Aromatic Honey Water Tonic
• Bergamot Face Tonic
• Rosemary Head Lice Eliminator
• Herb Vinegar Deodorant
• Speedy Facial Firmer