Beauty Nuskhe: 7 Lemon-Based Gharelu Remedies To Treat Dandruff

Dandruff is perhaps one of the most common hair concerns among people. Other than being annoying and (at times) embarrassing, it can also lead to hair fall, and an itchy and flaky scalp. Although medicated shampoos and antifungal scalp treatment oils help reduce dandruff, the chemicals they sometimes carry can be damaging to your hair’s health.

And that’s why we love our desi nuskhe. Home remedies are a safer alternative to treating your dandruff problems. And what’s great is that one of the most common ingredients used to treat dandruff at home is the humble lemon. Yes, nimbu, an ingredient that is easily available in Indian households is great for treating dandruff. Thanks to its medicinal properties, high vitamin C content, flavonoid, iron, and citric acid, it is considered to be highly effective in getting rid of flaky dandruff long-term. 

8 COMMON CAUSES OF DANDRUFF

Before we talk about how you can use lemon for dandruff, let’s take a look at the most common causes of this haircare problem:

1. Dry skin on the scalp.
2. Allergic reaction to certain hair care products.
3. Not shampooing enough which can lead to dirt and oil build-up and cause dandruff.
4. Medical conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, affect the body parts where oil glands are present.
5. An inherently oily scalp.
6. Not brushing your hair frequently.
7. Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
8. Overgrowth of fungus Malassezia.

4 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE LEMON FOR DANDRUFF TREATMENT

1. The antimicrobial properties of lemon reduce the growth of fungi and bacteria which are responsible for causing dandruff. 
2. The citric acid present in lemon can balance the pH of the scalp. 
3. Citric acid also helps in eliminating the excess oils that may lead to build-up on the scalp. 
4. Lemons contain vitamin C which helps in strengthening the hair and repairing damaged skin cells by promoting collagen production.

7 HOME REMEDIES USING LEMON FOR DANDRUFF TREATMENT

Wondering how can lemon remove dandruff? Try these incredible home remedies and see the results for yourself! 

1. Aloe Vera & Lemon To Treat Dandruff

Use this soothing and effective combination to remove dandruff, and for a healthy scalp and hair. It also contains aloe vera, which is packed with hydrating and medicinal properties and can help in reducing itching and redness.

You Will Need:

• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Method:

1. Mix them and apply this mixture to your scalp.
2. Leave this for about 45 minutes and then wash it off with your regular shampoo.

You may also use neem and lemon for dandruff instead of aloe vera. 

2. Olive Oil, Coconut Oil & Lemon For Dandruff

The combination of coconut oil, olive oil and lemon for dandruff is an age-old remedy that a lot of people swear by. Olive oil helps moisturise and detoxify the scalp, and the hydrating properties of coconut oil help in reducing flakiness and dryness.

You Will Need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method:

1. Mix olive oil, coconut oil and lemon for dandruff and use the mixture to massage your scalp.
2. Keep it for about an hour before washing it off with your regular shampoo.

3. Fenugreek Seed & Lemon Juice Hair Mask To Treat Dandruff

Can lemon remove dandruff when combined with other powerful ingredients? Yes, absolutely! Fenugreek seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals and also contain a high amount of lecithin. They help in hydrating the scalp and strengthen the hair roots. This mask will help remove dandruff and revive your scalp health.

You Will Need:

• 3-4 tbsp fenugreek seeds
• 2 tsp lemon juice

Method:

1. Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
2. Grind the soaked seeds into a fine paste and add the lemon juice.
3. Apply this mask to your scalp and hair.
4. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash it off with your shampoo.

4. Honey & Lemon For Dandruff Treatment

Another amazing ingredient which is often used for removing dandruff and reviving hair health is honey. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When mixed with lemon, honey can help keep your scalp clean, prevent dandruff and nourish your hair.

You Will Need:

• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice for dandruff

Method:

1. Take honey and lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio and mix them.
2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with your shampoo.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar & Lemon Juice For Dandruff Removal

Apple cider vinegar can help in balancing the pH levels of your scalp. It also exhibits anti-fungal properties that aid in reducing dandruff and soothing your scalp. Using it with lemon will effectively clean your scalp and hair without making it dry.

You Will Need:

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup water

Method:

1. Mix the ingredients and apply the solution to your scalp and hair.
2. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off.

6. Tulsi, Dahi (Curd) & Lemon For Dandruff

Tulsi (basil) is known for its medicinal benefits and antibacterial properties. It can help deeply cleanse the scalp while dahi aids in hydrating the scalp. This mask will make your hair healthy, shiny and dandruff-free.

You Will Need:

• 20 basil leaves
• ½ cup curd
• 2 tsp lemon

Method:

1. Grind the ingredients together to make a fine paste.
2. Apply this paste to your scalp and hair, and leave it for about 30 minutes. Wash it off with your regular shampoo.

7. Coffee & Lemon Juice Scrub To Treat Dandruff

One of the main causes of dandruff is dirt and grime build-up on the scalp. This scrub will help exfoliate and cleanse the scalp, thus getting rid of dirt and build-up. Coffee also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in stimulating blood circulation, giving you a healthier scalp and shinier hair.

You Will Need:

• 1 tbsp coffee
• 1 tsp lemon juice for dandruff
• 2 tsp olive oil

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients. 
2. Massage this mixture onto your scalp in circular motions for 5 minutes.
3. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with your regular shampoo. 

If you want your hair mask to be more nourishing and conditioning, try using a combination of egg and lemon for dandruff.

POTENTIAL SIDE-EFFECTS OF USING LEMON ON SCALP

Using lemon for dandruff and itchy scalp works wonders. However, if you have a sensitive scalp, you may end up facing some problems. Here are a few side-effects that can be a result of using lemon on your scalp. 

1. Using lemon can make your hair sun sensitive, making your strands susceptible to damage. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight after applying lemon.
2. Using lemon directly on the scalp can cause itchiness or redness if your skin is sensitive.
3. The use of concentrated lemon can remove the keratin layer making the hair vulnerable to breakage and damage. So, always use the correct proportions and dilute with water if needed.
4. Excessive usage of lemon can dry out your hair so stick to using lemon packs to treat dandruff once a week or fortnightly.

WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR

Dandruff is a common problem that can be treated by using these amazing home remedies. However, if these fail to work and the problem persists you may need some extra help. If you experience symptoms like redness or itchiness, then it is best to consult a doctor like a trichologist or a dermatologist who specialises in treating hair and skin problems.

CONCLUSION

Although lemon is very effective in treating dandruff, using it excessively or without caution can do more harm than good. Never use lemon juice directly on the scalp; always dilute it with other ingredients. #BeALittleMore cautious and perform a patch test before using any home remedy to avoid allergic reactions. And lastly, don’t forget to wash your hair thoroughly after applying lemon juice in any form. By using these simple rules, you can make the most out of using lemon and its incredible properties as a home remedy.

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