Winters are known to bring heavenly snowflakes but along with that comes the most infamous hair problem of scalp flakes, that is dandruff.
When you have dandruff, your scalp begins to dry and peel off. You see flakes all over your clothes, especially on your shoulders. Your scalp begins to feel itchy and uncomfortable. And this nasty situation forces you to start finding dandruff remedies.
If you are facing this horrible skin issue, don’t feel embarrassed, you’re not the only one and it’s not a chronic problem. After all, we Indians have home remedies for dandruff as well.
Is dandruff treatment necessary?
Though dandruff is not an epidemic, it needs to be controlled– to avoid irritation, discomfort and chances of skin inflammation. If kept untreated, the situation gets worse resulting in severe dandruff that is harder to treat.
And what a big deal it is to treat dandruff with easily available home remedies for dandruff when your simple steps can help you avoid being embarrassed with flakes all over your clothes and can provide a new life to your hair.
What causes dandruff?
Scientifically speaking, a fungus called Malassezia is the main cause of dandruff. Also, it can be caused due to certain skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.
Dandruff can grow on the scalp that is oily, dry or sensitive. And with the onset of winters and air getting dried, dandruff gets the most favourable conditions to prevail.
Although there is not much you can do to avoid the actual dandruff causes, by adopting certain habits, you can minimise the chances to a great extent. These habits are-
- Using home remedies for dandruff regularly
- Putting off caps and hats
- Drinking more water
- Avoiding heated styling tools
- Washing hair regularly
- Staying away from hot and dry air
I have tried plenty of natural remedies for dandruff. What I observed is, it takes at least two washes for home remedies for dandruff to remove the hair flakes completely.
In cases of mild dandruff, one wash can be effective. But for normal or severe dandruff, the natural remedies take time.
Natural remedies vs anti-dandruff products
While searching for dandruff remedies, I found a plethora of anti-dandruff hair products that claim to remove dandruff in one wash.
Perhaps, they are effective enough to do what they say but natural ways are always better. Home remedies for dandruff include no toxic ingredients and hence come with no side effects. But if you want to get rid of dandruff quickly, you should use both simultaneously.
Dandruff and hair loss
Dandruff is often blamed for hair loss. Busting the myth, it is a partial misconception.
Though scratching dandruff can damage hair follicles and lead to certain hair loss, it does not promote hair fall or hair loss directly.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
Of course, winter is a hard season for your hair health, don’t forget, it is a season of recovery as well. There is always a way to avoid insecurities.
Keeping this in mind, I experimented with a large number of home remedies for dandruff to get rid of this discomforting situation. And I found– you can actually get rid of dandruff at home with easily available ingredients (including those present in your kitchen!).
Based on the results observed and the scientific qualities of the ingredients, I have listed certain highly effective home remedies for dandruff dividing them into three categories.
Top 3 Effective Home Remedies for Dandruff
Though all the dandruff remedies mentioned in the article are tested for being effective, this section contains the remedies that suit all scalp types. These home remedies for dandruff not only fight dandruff but do wonders for your hair.
#1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works magically on your hair with its acidic nature that benefits the scalp. It balances pH levels and prevents the growth of dandruff-causing yeast.
Apple cider vinegar may not be an easily available dandruff remedy, it is a must-have ingredient for hair health-conscious individuals. ACD is not only among the top home remedies for dandruff. It also soothes the scalp, prevents infections, adds moisture to your hair and enhances hair growth.
How to use:
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 1 cup water.
- Pour the mixture on your scalp and massage.
- Let it stay for 10-15 minutes then rinse with water.
Bonus Tip- Applying a solution of apple cider vinegar regularly as a hair rinse, you can avoid dandruff permanently. Keep in mind, the concentration should not be high.
#2. Fuller's Earth (Multani Mitti)
Fuller’s Earth, the traditional Indian cleanser, is a highly effective home remedy for dandruff. It cleans the scalp absorbing dirt and soothes the hair follicles. This results in increasing blood circulation and removing dandruff to a considerable extent.
Once you wash your scalp with Fuller’s Earth, you will be obsessed with the texture of your hair. Your hair will feel another level of smoothness, nourishment and wellness.
How to use:
- In 1 cup Multani mitti, add 2-3 tablespoons of lemon and water to make a fine paste.
- Apply the paste to your scalp and let it rest for half an hour.
- Wash your hair with shampoo.
Bonus Tip- Fuller’s Earth work great when mixed with lemon, curd and fenugreek (soaked a day before applying).
#3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, a versatile herbal plant is among the most preferred home remedies for dandruff. Thanks to its moisturising effect, anti-inflammatory actions and antioxidant properties.
Aloe Vera is a great skin irritation reliever. This dandruff remedy prevents the scalp cells from getting damaged. And the enzymes present in it nourish the scalp to make it healthy and active to hair growth.
How to use:
- Simply extract the gel from the Aloe Vera leaf using a knife
- Apply the gel to your scalp massaging thoroughly.
- Wash it after half an hour.
Bonus Tip- Wash the leaf after cutting it from the plant to drain out the yellowish fluid. This part needs to be avoided.
Ingredients from Your Kitchen
If the above-mentioned home remedies for dandruff are not available to you, don’t worry, you can experience similar results with the ingredients resting on your kitchen shelf.
#1. Lemon
Here comes the best and most used home remedy for dandruff– lemon. Enriched with vitamin B & C, lemon juice is known to repair and soothe damaged skin cells. It is effective enough to make your scalp dandruff-free, balancing the pH of your scalp.
How to use:
- Mix 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to 3 tablespoons of water.
- Apply the mixture on your scalp massaging with fingertips.
- Wash it after half an hour.
#2. Fenugreek Seeds
Well-known for their anti-hair properties, fenugreek seeds are great home remedies for dandruff as well. The proteins and vitamins strengthen the roots, hydrate the scalp and hence prevent dandruff growth.
How to use:
- Soak the seeds overnight
- Make a paste of the soaked seeds the next morning.
- Apply the paste for half an hour.
- Rinse with water.
#3. Baking Soda
According to scientific research, baking soda has properties that can help people get rid of dandruff effectively. I haven’t used it yet but my research urged me to mention it. Using it for dandruff treatment can remove dead cells.
How to use:
- Cover your scalp with olive oil.
- Make a fine paste of baking soda and water.
- Apply the paste on the oiled scalp.
- Wash the scalp after 5-6 minutes.
#4. Amla
We all know how beneficial Amla is for our hair. But do you know, it is a great dandruff remedy as well. Amla improves the condition of your hair preventing the scalp from getting dry and itchy. Amla has properties like anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial that curb dandruff on your scalp.
How to use:
- Add 3 spoon amla power to Tulsi leaves power.
- Make a fine paste adding water.
- Apply the paste to your scalp.
- Wash it off after half an hour (when it gets dry).
Natural Oils
If oiling is your way to fight dandruff, here are the best natural oils that can help you get rid of dandruff.
#1. Tea-Tree Oil
Out of all the home remedies for dandruff discussed so far, tea-tree oil is the most effective one. The oil is filled with all the goodness that your hair craves for removing dandruff. It is anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial. Go nowhere else if this oil is available to you.
#2. Coconut Oil
When it comes to the best hair oil for hair, coconut oil always makes a position with its nourishing properties. And why not when it can treat even dandruff besides several other hair problems. The vitamins, proteins and acids present in it, moisturise the scalp and keep it hydrated. This results in preventing and curing dandruff.
Final Words
All the home remedies for dandruff discussed so far are highly effective. Any of these can work miraculously for your purpose if you use them regularly and in the right manner. Just be patient and stay hygienic.
For better and quick results, you can pair these home remedies for dandruff with anti-dandruff shampoos.
