Home Remedies For Dandruff
Today I will discuss the home remedies to avoid dandruff but first we need to know what causes it. Dandruff can be due various reasons which include insufficient water intake that tends to cause dry skin, using harsh chemicals or shampoos on the scalp, eczema, a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, not cleaning or scrubbing often enough, seasonal changes and even fungus. The major signs of dandruff include reddish skin, itchy scalp and skin and flakiness. Medically some specialized shampoos are recommended and depending on the type of dandruff, anti-fungal treatments but in all honesty, there is not true cure. Just lots of care.
The following are some of the most effective home remedies for dandruff for those like me who absolutely abhor any type of medications.
Here are the top 10 Home Remedies For Dandruff.
1. Neem
Neem is also known as Indian Lilac. Neem leaves are very soothing and refreshing especially when used during bathing.
- Take four cups of water and boil a handful of fresh leaves in it.
- Leave it to cool and then strain the leaves out.
- Use the remainder as your hair rinse 2-3 times a week.
- Alternately you can also buy some neem capsules. Remove the cover from 3-4 capsules.
- Mix the coarse neem powder with any oil of your choice and apply to scalp.
- Leave overnight or for a couple of hours. It may itch but nothing to worry about. Wash normally as you do after time is up.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is soothing for the itching and provides the moisture to the dry scalp. It is also known to have some anti-fungal properties which is an additional benefit.
- Massage coconut oil on just the clean dry scalp not hair.
- Wash it all out. Repeat twice a week till dandruff gone.
- Alternately you can mix coconut oil with some lemon juice.
- Massage into the scalp gently.
- Wash after half an hour. Repeat 2-3 times a week.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Also known as ACV is made from cider or apple must. The color varies from pale to medium amber. For fighting dandruff, the organic form of apple cider vinegar is best. Due to its highly acidic nature it helps in clarifying the scalp, clean the hair follicles, clogged pores and even restore the scalp’s natural ph balance which helps in preventing the growth of yeast.- Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and keep in a bottle. 15-20 drop of tea tree oil can also be added to this. Helps in negating some of the acidity which tends to over dry the hair texture.
- After washing the hair like we usually do, run the mixture through hair and deep massage gently into the scalp. (In case of severe case of dandruff or unhealed scab or scratch, it may be burn. Just rinse that area gently with water)
- Let it sit on the scalp for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. Don’t worry about the horrible smell. It usually goes away after the hair dries but if you want you can the conditioner as last step. Help eliminate the smell faster.
- Make it a routine every time you wash your hair.
4. Fenugreek Seeds
Also known as Methi seeds. They are known for helping in removing the dandruff though not much is known.
- Roughly grind a tablespoon of these seeds by hand.
- Soak the course powder overnight in approximately 2 cups of water.
- Apply the mixture and best leave it for 45 minutes to an hour . Rinse with water or mild shampoo.
5. Baking Soda
One of the most easily found items inside the kitchen. One of the reasons is that it helps, immensely, the people who have dandruff problems causing hair fall, greasy scalps, exfoliating the dead skin etc. There is some controversy to the excess us of baking soda for hair as it might harm the scalp in long term etc. It is still one of the most used remedy for dandruff since it also contains properties of a fungicide.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water.
- Better to use an old shampoo or conditioner bottle. Shake vigorously and apply generously to the scalp, massaging gently. Then rinse off. Can be used instead of shampoo.
- In case you find it too drying (the restoring of natural oils takes up to two weeks) or not comfortable using it alone, you can mix 1 teaspoon of the baking soda into your shampoo and wash as usual.
6. White Vinegar
White vinegar is distilled and comparatively less acidic to others especially ACV.- White vinegar can be poured directly to the hair before or after shampooing. (Keep in mind the shampoo should be very mild preferably SLS free and the vinegar should not enter the eyes.)
- Alternately, you can also apply to scalp using cotton balls.
- Massage into the scalp carefully and let it sit for at least 10-20 minutes.
- Rinse off.
7. Olive Oil
Regularly massaging olive oil (extra virgin preferably) to your scalp can be beneficial to fighting dandruff as it is a natural moisturizer.- Heat the oil slightly till it is warm and then massage into the scalp.
- Wrap the hair with a warm towel for it to penetrate deeply and be more effective.
- Leave it on for 45 minutes to an hour. Wash as normal.
8. Tea Tree Oil
A natural anti-septic, it is one of the best ingredients to fight dandruff.- Add a couple of drops of the oil to your shampoo.
- Massage into the scalp and let it sit for 5 minutes. Wash off.
- Or buy a shampoo already containing at least 5% of tea tree oil in it.
- It can also be used with other remedies.
9. Lemon Juice
Another effective ingredient found easily in the house.- Just apply to scalp and massage gently into the scalp.
- Leave for 20-25 minutes. (Itching is normal) and then rinse off. Shampoo if required.
10. Aspirin
A deceptive medicine which can also be used to fight dandruff but not by taking it orally.- Crush 2-3 aspiring tablets into a powder by wrapping it in a clean napkin or cloth.
- Add the powder to your shampoo. Use as usual, just leaving it in for 2 minutes before rinsing off.
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