Dandruff, which is a scalp condition, commonly causes itchiness and causes flakes of skin to appear.  While Dandruff can be embarrassing, it can often be remedied with a change in shampoo, in mild cases.  Because skin cells are constantly renewing themselves, the older and dead ones are pushed to the surface and, in the scalp's case, are expelled and visible on the hair.  Dandruff is more common in men than in women, and people with oily skin are more likely to have it.  

Signs of Dandruff are easily identifiable in teens and adults, as oily white flakes are visible in the hair.  Since flakes fall off the head, they can be more noticeable if the person wears dark clothing.  The symptoms for Dandruff are below.

• White Flakes of Skin on Scalp and Hair
• Itchy Scalp
• Head May Feel Sore
• Itchy Flaking (can appear near hairline, eyebrows, or on the scalp)

The exact cause of Dandruff is unknown, but there are multiple factors, from which Dandruff can be derived.  There are many conditions that cause flaky, itchy skin, which is the primary symptom of Dandruff.  It is most likely linked to irritated and oily skin (seborrheic dermatitis), but is not that specific condition as that can affect other parts of the body to be red and itchy. Other causes of Dandruff could be:

• Not Enough Hair Brushing
• Yeast (people who are sensitive to yeast could develop dandruff)
• Dry Skin
• Sensitivity to Hair Care Products
• Ringworm
• Psoriasis
• Cradle Cap (common among newborns)
• Mental Stress
• Not Shampooing Enough

• Remedying Dandruff can sometimes be as simple as switching shampoos.  Shampoos, which have high percentages of tea tree oil, may help decrease the severity of Dandruff.  Similarly, coconut oil can help decrease the effects of Dandruff.  Massage a few tablespoons of coconut oil on the scalp an hour prior to taking a shower.  You can also look for a shampoo that has coconut oil in it.
• Rubbing a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar on the scalp can help restore its pH balance.  A neutral pH balance inhibits the growth of yeast and apple cider vinegar also helps to clean hair follicles and clogged pores.
• Baking soda is a natural exfoliant, can help absorb excess skin cells, and naturally absorbs extra oil.  Like apple cider vinegar, baking soda can help restore a neutral pH balance on the scalp, preventing the growth of fungi that cause Dandruff.
• The effects of Dandruff can be decreased by using olive oil as a scalp moisturizer.  Massage a tablespoon of olive oil onto the scalp before bed and wear a shower cap.  Shower in the morning to rinse the olive oil out and repeat this a few times a week until you see positive results.
• Avoid eating sugar and processed foods.  Eliminating these toxins from your diet, in addition to starting a raw-food diet regimen, you may help decrease the Dandruff.

• Ginger
• Garlic
• Chickpeas
• Raw Sunflower Seeds
• Apples
• Papaya
• Bananas
• Wheatgrass
• Rosemary
• Coconut Oil