No one is really immune to dandruff, the annoying and sometimes embarrassing condition is aimed at scales of all kinds of people, young and old. Listed below are a few home remedies for dandruff to get rid of it naturally.
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What Cause the Dandruff
According to a study (1), dandruff affects up to 50% of people.
Dandruff actually surfaces on your head due to some reasons. It can be because you have oily skin/scalp or because of irregular combing or shampooing seldom.
The problem could also be genetic or environmentally caused. Also, a fungus called Malassezia leads to this mishap or other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis (2). Breathe!
It sure is a bad situation but it is curable. There are tons of anti-dandruff shampoos available on the shelves of superstores, however, few actually provide the promised results.
Fortunately, home remedies can be much useful when talking about getting rid of a menace like dandruff.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
1. Fenugreek
Anti-bacterial properties of fenugreek or methi seeds can help treat dandruff effectively (3). The small, round fenugreek seeds are a complete blessing for mankind.
They have unmeasurable health-related benefits, however, their gains remain underutilized by us. Fenugreek seeds could be soaked in water for the night to be used in the morning. This paste could then be applied bi-weekly to your scalp for three weeks continuously.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is full of probiotics. Consumption fo probiotics may help to boost the immune system, which could help the body fight against the fungal infections that cause dandruff (4).
The itchiness and roughness of the scalp can be treated greatly by the regular use of yogurt. Yogurt is surprisingly as good for the hair and scalp as it is for the skin. Other than removing dandruff its coolness on the scalp causes relaxation which is important in its own way.
Apply it twice every week and rinse off carefully as it can be a little difficult to get all the yogurt off your hair.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can be applied to your scalp before washing your hair. The best part about aloe vera while using it as a head/hair treatment; is that it provides significant relief from the itchiness caused by dandruff alongside removing dandruff from your hair.
Hence if you have serious itchiness problems then you must seriously look into applying some aloe gel on your head. According to a study, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera could help protect against dandruff (5).
4. Apple cider vinegar
If you want the bacteria and fungus removed from your hair that actually causes dandruff, then look no further than the apple cider vinegar. Studies confirm that apple cider vinegar and its compounds can limit the growth of certain types of fungus (6, 7).
The itchiness and dryness are all cured by this method as vinegar is acidic and it prevents the harmful microorganisms from re-growing on the surface of your skin. Whenever applying vinegar, add equal portions of vinegar and water and mix.
Apply this mixture on your scalp for 30 minutes, then wash your head.
5. Neem
Neem has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which may help reduce the symptoms associated with dandruff. This home remedy for dandruff is also proven by a small study (8).
Diluted neem, that is, essentially, neem boiled in water is one more method for treating dandruff. The water can be used to rinse the scalp and the antifungal and antibacterial properties of neem help in correcting the flaking and irritation.
6. Lemon
Lemons juice is high in vitamin C, fiber, and several beneficial plant compounds. Lemon has been considered as one of the best natural remedies for various dermal complications. You can also use lemon juice as a home remedy for dandruff treatment.
Applying lemon juice can be a little tough as it can cause irritation as lemon is acidic in nature. But it’ll eventually go away. Let the juice sit on your scalp for about 25 minutes and then wash your hair normally.
7. Baking soda
Surprisingly enough, even baking soda can be used to erase dandruff. Several studies have found that the antifungal effects of baking soda are effective for reducing fungus that causes skin infection which causes itchiness and irritation (9, 10, 11).
You will have to prepare a mixture of soda and water. Add one teaspoon soda and 30-40 ml water and apply this liquid on your damp hair. You must now rub and massage your scalp extensively to remove the white flakes properly.
8. Coconut oil
Uses of coconut oil are amazingly popular and for good reason. It offers many health benefits, has a delicate taste, and is widely available.
Although oils are not really suitable for dandruff coconut oil can actually reduce such scalp issues. According to a study (12), intermittent coconut oil usage on the head for 8 weeks helped solve the dandruff issue by about 70% which, I believe, is significant.
9. Tea tree oil
The components of tea tree oil can assist in fighting the S. Epidermidis which is found in people with dandruff (13, 14).
Being cautious is a must when using this remedy as it can cause inflammation or even rashes! But you need not worry. You can add some shampoo to the oil, mix it, and apply it to the affected region.
10. Garlic
Garlic can be extremely irritating because of its odor but just like one swallows the bitterest of medicines when sick, bear with the smell or add some honey and ginger to the garlic-water paste to make it bearable.
Leave it to sit on your head for a while. Wash it in about half an hour. This remedy for dandruff offers faster results and could be used regularly like others.
11. Manage stress
Stress may not sound that dangerous but believe me, it is. It slows down your bodily systems and that causes several problems. Therefore, the greatest help that you could give to your hair and health is by handling your stress levels.
Stress cannot produce dandruff but it can make the problems persist. High levels of stress curb the capability of the immune system to fight these fungi and bacteria. Stress can be killed greatly by eating chocolate, green vegetables, avocadoes, oatmeal, bananas, and etcetera.
12. Dandruff diet
Apart from using things externally, you could also nourish your system internally by enriching your diet with several important dandruff-fighting foods. An internal strength can cure a million diseases and mishaps.
Your body is designed in such a way that it fights with all the germs on its own but sometimes when it lacks the essential nutrients then it lets its sword down and sort of surrenders.
In order to be able to minimize your diseases, you must take a proper diet. As far as dandruff/hair-related problems are concerned, eat fish, almonds, egg, controlled sugar, garlic, and onions to name a few.
If left untreated, uncontrolled levels of dandruff can lead to the weakening of the roots, and that in turn can lead to noticeable hair loss. It can make you frustrated and can reduce efficiency in your daily activities or at work. To be productive, you need to keep your body as well as your head-strong and healthy.
