by Have you noticed those little white flakes covering your shoulders and cluttering up your comb recently? Yeah, dandruff strikes again. Don’t worry, there’s no need to rush out and buy an expensive medicated shampoo just yet. You probably have everything you need in your kitchen cupboards and fridge to banish those pesky flakes and get your scalp back to healthy.
Give these natural home remedies a try first. Cheap, effective, and chemical-free – what’s not to love? In just a few simple steps, you’ll be flake-free and ready to rock that little black dress or sharp new suit. Dandruff doesn’t stand a chance against the power of natural ingredients. Read on to discover 10 best home remedies for treating dandruff naturally and saying goodbye to flakes once and for all.
Understanding Dandruff: Causes and Symptoms
Dandruff is caused by excessively oily or dry scalp that causes flaky, white flakes of dead skin to appear in your hair or on your shoulders.
Common Causes
- Dry scalp: Lack of moisture causes skin cells to dry out and flake off.
- Oily scalp: Excess oil causes skin cell overgrowth that sheds in large flakes.
- Sensitivity to hair products: Certain ingredients may irritate the scalp, causing inflammation and dandruff.
- Yeast overgrowth: The yeast P. ovale feeds on oils and dead skin cells, producing dandruff flakes.
Signs You May Have Dandruff
Itchy, flaky scalp with white or yellowish flakes on your scalp, hair, and shoulders. Oily, red patches or scaling may also appear. If left untreated, dandruff can lead to social embarrassment, hair damage or other scalp conditions. The good news is there are natural remedies you can try to curb dandruff and soothe your scalp.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Prevent Dandruff
Making a few lifestyle changes can help prevent dandruff flare-ups.
Shower regularly but don’t over-wash your hair
Showering helps remove oil, dirt and dead skin cells from your scalp that can lead to dandruff. However, washing too frequently – daily or every other day – can dry out the scalp and make dandruff worse. For most people, shampooing 2-3 times a week is ideal.
Choose a mild shampoo and conditioner
Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner formulated for dry scalp or dandruff control. Harsh hair products can strip the scalp and worsen flaking. Look for key ingredients like tea tree oil, zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole.
Limit use of hair styling products
Manage stress levels
Stress can trigger or worsen dandruff. Engage in regular exercise, meditation, yoga or deep breathing to lower stress. Getting enough sleep and downtime is also important.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-fungal agent that can help eliminate . Blend a balance of apple juice vinegar and water in a shower bottle. Gently shake to combine and spray directly onto your scalp, massaging into your hair with your fingertips. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes and then shampoo as usual.
The vinegar will help loosen and remove dead skin cells, reducing flakiness. Its acidity also helps balance the pH of your scalp to make it less hospitable for yeast growth. Do this 2-3 times a week until dandruff clears up, then continue once a week or as needed to prevent recurrence. The spray may sting briefly, but it is very effective.
2. Baking Soda Scrub
Baking soda is a gentle exfoliant that can help remove flakes and unclog hair follicles. Make a simple baking soda scrub by mixing 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water into a paste. Apply the paste to damp hair, massaging it into your scalp for 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water. The baking soda will help slough off dead skin cells and flakes, reducing dandruff.
Its antifungal properties may also help balance the pH of your scalp and inhibit the growth of malassezia yeast, a common cause of dandruff. Use this baking soda scrub 1-2 times a week until your dandruff clears up. Then you can reduce frequency to once a month or as needed.
Be careful not to overdo it, as baking soda can be drying. Moisturize your scalp after using the treatment and limit use to 2-3 times a week at most. For persistent or severe dandruff, you may need to use a medicated shampoo in addition to natural remedies.
3. Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural remedies that can help relieve an itchy, flaky scalp. Two oils in particular contain antifungal and antibacterial properties to target dandruff:
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil reduces inflammation and soothes irritation. Add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner, or dilute a few drops in a carrier oil like jojoba oil and massage into your scalp.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil leaves a refreshing tingle and stimulates circulation in the scalp. Mix a few drops into your hair products or massage diluted peppermint oil directly onto your scalp. The menthol naturally combats dandruff and leaves you with a clean, soothed scalp.
Using essential oils is a gentle, natural way to remedy dandruff and find relief from annoyance. Incorporate these scalp-soothing oils into your hair care routine 2-3 times a week to curb flakes, reduce itching and promote a healthy scalp environment.
4. Lemon Juice
A simple yet effective home remedy for dandruff is fresh lemon juice. Lemons have natural antifungal properties that can help reduce dandruff caused by the malassezia fungus.
Apply the juice of half a lemon to your scalp and massage it in with your fingertips. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then rinse with water. Do this 2-3 times a week until your dandruff clears up. The citric acid in lemon helps balance the pH of the scalp and removes dead skin cells.
For stubborn dandruff, combine equal parts lemon juice and vinegar. Massage into the scalp and let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. The vinegar helps restore the scalp’s natural acidity and kills the fungus. This potent mixture may irritate sensitive skin, so patch test on your forearm first. Rinsing with a lemon juice solution can leave hair feeling greasy, so shampoo as usual after the treatment.
You’ll likely need to repeat treatments to prevent the dandruff from returning. Lemon juice is a natural approach, but for persistent or severe dandruff, you may need an over-the-counter medicated shampoo.
5. Curd (Yoghurt)
Curd or yogurt contains probiotics and lactic acid that help treat dandruff.
Apply Curd to Your Scalp
Apply fresh curd directly to your scalp Tenderly back rub it into your scalp with your fingertips. Leave it on for no less than 30 minutes prior to washing with water. Do this two or three times a week to eliminate dandruff. The lactic acid in curd helps exfoliate the scalp, removing dead skin cells and excess oil.
It also restores the natural pH balance of the scalp, creating an unfavorable environment for the growth of dandruff-causing fungi and yeast. Curd can help moisturize a dry, itchy scalp and provide relief from inflammation.
Its soothing and cooling properties will leave your scalp feeling refreshed. Using curd is a simple, natural way to get rid of dandruff without harsh chemicals. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose and soft, flake-free hair to gain.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a natural remedy for dandruff that has been used for centuries. The gel from the aloe plant contains antifungal and moisturizing properties that can help reduce dandruff. To use, simply apply the gel directly to your scalp and hair about 30 minutes before shampooing. Gently massage it into your scalp. Let it sit, then wash your hair as usual with a mild shampoo.
Do this 2-3 times a week to combat dandruff and moisturize your scalp. The gel will help loosen the flakes while soothing irritation. Many people find aloe vera helps reduce inflammation and provides quick relief from itchiness.
For an intensive aloe vera treatment, apply the gel and leave on overnight before shampooing in the morning. Cover your head with a shower cap and rinse well when you shampoo. The longer it’s left on, the more effective it will be at moisturizing and removing dandruff. When used regularly, aloe vera can help eliminate dandruff and leave your scalp refreshed and flakes-free.
7. Neem
The neem tree, also known as Indian lilac, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat skin conditions and dandruff. Neem leaves contain compounds with antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help reduce dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp.
To make a neem remedy for dandruff, steep about 20 fresh neem leaves in 4 cups of boiling water. Let the tea steep until cooled, then strain out the leaves. Use the neem tea as a scalp rinse after shampooing. Gently massage it into your scalp and hair, then rinse with water. The neem will help eliminate the yeast and bacteria on your scalp that can lead to dandruff and itching.
You can also find neem oil and neem shampoos and conditioners to help combat dandruff. Neem is a safe, natural remedy for dandruff that may take repeated use to be fully effective. But when used regularly, it can successfully eliminate dandruff and leave your scalp feeling soothed and irritation-free.
8. Aspirin
Crush up two aspirin tablets and add them to your regular shampoo. The salicylic acid in aspirin is effective at combating the yeast-like fungus that can lead to dandruff. Gently massage the mixture into your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing as usual. Do this two or three times a week until your dandruff clears up.
The aspirin helps exfoliate the scalp, remove dead skin cells, and improve circulation to hair follicles.
9. Garlic
Garlic is a natural antimicrobial agent that can help reduce dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp. Crush a few cloves of garlic and apply the juice directly to your scalp. Massage it into your scalp and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing your hair as usual. The natural antifungal properties of garlic help eliminate the yeast-like fungus, Malassezia that can contribute to dandruff.
Garlic also has antibacterial effects that relieve scalp irritation and inflammation. For an easy DIY garlic hair mask, crush 5-6 cloves of garlic and mix with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil. Apply to damp hair and let soak in for 30-60 minutes before shampooing. The oil will help moisturize your scalp and hair while preventing the garlic from drying it out.
Use this treatment 1-2 times a week until dandruff clears up, then once a month or as needed to prevent recurrence. The pungent smell of garlic will fade once you wash your hair. You can also use garlic essential oil diluted in a carrier oil for the same benefits with less odor. Either way, garlic is a simple, natural solution for dandruff that provides relief and helps restore scalp health.
10. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are a potent anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce dandruff and soothe an itchy scalp. To use fenugreek seeds as a home remedy for dandruff:
| Steps | Description |
| Step-1 | Soak 2-3 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. The seeds will swell up and become mucilaginous. |
| Step-2 | Strain and reserve the water. Add 2 tablespoons of the soaked seeds to a blender along with 1/2 cup of the reserved water. Blend into a smooth paste. |
| Step-3 | Apply the paste to your scalp and hair, especially on areas where you see flakes. |
| Step-4 | Leave on for 30-60 minutes and then wash as usual with a mild shampoo. |
| Step-5 | Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all traces of the paste. |
The mucilage from the fenugreek seeds will help moisturize your scalp and reduce inflammation, while the antifungal properties target the yeast-like fungus Malassezia that can lead to dandruff. Using this treatment 2-3 times a week for a month should significantly reduce your dandruff and leave your scalp feeling soothed and flaky-free.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Have any other questions about dandruff and natural treatments? Here are some common FAQs:
Is dandruff contagious?
No, dandruff itself is not contagious. It’s caused by a natural fungus found on everyone’s scalp. Certain individuals are simply more delicate to it. While the underlying fungus can spread through direct contact, dandruff flakes themselves will not make others develop dandruff.
Is Eggs good for Hairs?
Eggs are rich in protein, vitamins, and fatty acids that are essential for healthy hair growth. The sulfur in eggs helps promote hair growth and prevents breakage. Eggs also contain biotin, an important B vitamin that helps strengthen hair follicles. To reap the benefits of eggs for your hair, try the following remedies:
1. Make an egg mask by whisking 1-2 eggs and applying to damp hair. Let sit for 15-20 minutes, then, at that point, wash with water. The protein in eggs helps moisturize hair and repair damage. Do this 1-2 times a month.
2. For extra nourishment, add 1 tablespoon of coconut or olive oil to the egg mask. The oil will help moisturize your scalp and hair.
3. Take a biotin supplement, which contains the same B vitamin found in eggs that helps hair growth. Aim for 2,500 to 5,000 mcg per day.
4. Eat more whole eggs, which provide the most nutrition. Have 2-3 eggs for breakfast a few times a week.
5. Eggs are also perfect for snacks, salads, and stir fries.
In summary, eggs and biotin are excellent for treating dandruff and promoting hair health due to their protein, vitamin, and mineral content. Making eggs a regular part of your diet and hair care routine can help you say goodbye to dandruff for good.
Conclusion
- So there you have it, 10 highly effective home remedies for banishing dandruff and getting your scalp back to its happy, flake-free self.
- As with any natural treatment, consistency and patience are key.
- Don’t expect overnight results – it can take several weeks of regular use to significantly improve your dandruff.
- But if you stick with these all-natural solutions, you’ll start noticing your shoulders are a little less snowy with each passing day.
- Your scalp will stop itching and your hair will once again have that healthy, enviable shine.
- Dandruff doesn’t have to be your natural state – you can reclaim a flake-free existence with simple, natural ingredients from your pantry.
- So go forth and conquer your dandruff once and for all – your scalp and your confidence will thank you!
