The following dandruff cure comes from a newspaper published in 1912. I have never attempted a head massage as a way to get rid of dandruff, but there are people today who claim it works when used with either coconut oil or tea tree oil. Again, I have never tried this and am only putting this article here for research purposes.
Dandruff Cure
Dandruff is due to one of two conditions. Either the head is too oily or too dry. Each is an improper condition and has a harmful effect on the hair. The best cure for dandruff is scalp massage, which keeps the skin loose, regulates the circulation of the small blood vessels which carry life to the hair roots, and aids in cleansing and airing the skin of the head.
Massage the scalp every night for at least 10 minutes (20 minutes would be better), using the following method:
Scalp Massage.
Before dressing the hair and when taking it down at night, loosen it by giving the ends two or three light shakes; place the tips at the juncture of the hair and the forehead and then work them with a circular motion gently but firmly toward an imaginary center at the top of the head. At each turn of the fingers, let them work lightly on the surface, and then deeply, the first motion is for the hair follicles themselves, the next for moving the scalp on the head so as to make it soft, yielding and flexible.
Second Movement — Place the tips of the fingers so that the forefinger of each hand will meet at the spot where the last massage left off. This will bring the fingers of each hand over an ear at the juncture of the hair and skin. In the same manner as before, they should work over the hair roots with light and deep massage until the finger tips meet at the center at the top.
Source: The Day Book (Chicago, Illinois newspaper). September 11, 1912.
