Dandruff is a scalp condition caused by a fungus that causes itchy, flaking skin, and greasy patches. There are many causes for dandruff and can lead to low confidence as one might feel embarrassed of constantly itching their hair and/or the white flakes on a black dress in public. There are ways to control and cure dandruff and also to prevent dandruff from coming back especially during the monsoon season.
What Causes Dandruff?
If you’re wondering what causes dandruff, then there are several explanations behind it. By understanding the causes of dandruff, one can take steps to prevent it from occurring in the future. A few of them are listed below:
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Dry skin
- Allergic reactions to hair and skin products
- Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
- Diet
- Overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia
- Stress
- Poor hair brushing
Know The Different Types Of Dandruff
Before starting treatment, one needs to understand the different types of dandruff. By understanding the root cause of the problem, it will be easier to fix the issue and also help in avoiding future dandruff outbreaks.
- Dry skin-related dandruff is one of the types of dandruff caused by washing your hair in hot water, especially during winters
- Oil-related dandruff is caused when there is an accumulation of sebum oil in the scalp generally due to increased stress and anxiety levels
- Fungal dandruff by the Malassezia Globosa fungus when your scalp is excessively oily or there is pH imbalance
- Skin disease-related dandruff, like psoriasis or eczema, stimulate excessive production of skin cells leading to flakes and itching
10 Simple Home Remedies For Dandruff That Are Quite Effective
It is possible to cure dandruff at home with easily available ingredients that are both natural and inexpensive. By choosing home remedies to remove dandruff, one does not have to worry about harmful chemicals used in their hair. This will help maintain the texture and health of the hair while removing dandruff flakes. Here are 10 easy do-it-yourself home remedies that will get rid of that itchy scalp issue.
1. Vinegar
Vinegar has antifungal properties that can be used as a dandruff remedy and is very simple to make it at home.
How To Do It:
- Simply boil 2 cups of vinegar and keep it aside to cool.
- Then add ⅛ cup of water and apply it to your hair before washing your hair with shampoo as one of the leading home remedies for dandruff.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most effective home remedies for dandruff. It has also been used to treat acne.
How To Do It:
- Applying tea tree oil to the scalp can cause irritation so mix a few drops of the oil to coconut oil and apply it to your hair before rinsing.
- Or an alternative method is you can mix a few drops with your regular shampoo to treat dandruff.
3. Coconut Oil
Applying oil to our hair is an old Indian tradition considered to keep our hair healthy and shiny.
How To Do It:
- Oiling your hair with coconut oil could be a dandruff solution while also keeping your hair hydrated and preventing dryness.
4. Aloe Vera
One of the natural remedies for dandruff is aloe vera. Aloe vera is one of the most versatile products used to treat many skin problems.
How To Do It:
- Apply aloe vera gel all over your scalp and after 30 minutes rinse your hair for immediate relief from itchiness and dryness.
Also check out these simple aloe vera hair pack recipes that are effective in treating common hair related issues.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is often used in home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp. Avoid everyday use as it can cause dryness.
How To Do It:
- As apple cider vinegar is very strong, mix it with equal parts of water before applying to your scalp.
- Apply this mixture to wet hair and let it be for 15 minutes while gently massaging your hair.
- Afterwards, rinse your hair.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil is very good for your hair and an easy dandruff treatment at home.
How To Do It:
- Apply olive oil into your hair and gently massage it into your scalp.
- You can either apply it 30 minutes before your shower or before bed and leave it overnight for maximum absorption.
7. Curd (Dahi)
Natural remedies for dandruff include curd as it is easily available at home. Curd or yoghurt is very beneficial in treating dandruff.
How To Do It:
- Apply curd to your hair and scalp and let it dry for about an hour.
- Rinse it with shampoo. This is one of the potent home remedies to get rid of dandruff.
8. Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds
Fenugreek or methi seeds is both used as a preventative measure and as home remedies for dandruff and hair fall. This is also supposed to help with regulating blood sugar and in appetite control.
How To Do It:
- To use this as a dandruff solution, soak the seeds in water overnight.
- In the morning, mash the seeds into a paste and add a few drops of lemon juice while mixing it well.
- Apply this mixture on your hair and leave it for 30 minutes before shampooing your hair.
9. Garlic
Garlic is a natural antifungal ingredient that can be used as a dandruff treatment at home.
How To Do It:
- To use garlic as home remedies to remove dandruff, firstly crush a few cloves of garlic into a paste and add 1 tablespoon honey to it. As garlic has a strong and pungent smell, we add honey to remove the odour from the hair.
- Apply this paste on your hair for 15 minutes before rinsing.
10. Neem
Neem is one of the powerful natural remedies for dandruff due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How To Do It:
- To use it successfully, crush some fresh neem leaves into a thick paste
- Apply it in your hair for at least 10 minutes before washing. Neem juice is one of the effective home remedies for dandruff and hairfall.
8 Pro Tips On How To Prevent Dandruff
Here are a few ways on how to prevent dandruff from occurring in the first place.
- Add certain nutrients like zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B in your diet for healthy hair and prevent dandruff
- Avoid excessive hair treatments like colouring, perms, and dry heat on hair for a good way on how to prevent dandruff
- Use a sulphate and paraben-free shampoo as these products clean your hair without causing any damage to them
- Avoid using regular use of hair styling products as this could cause product buildup in the hair leading to fungal infections
- Keep your hair clean and wash them regularly
- Use a good anti-dandruff shampoo for an easy way on how to prevent dandruff. Choose a shampoo that either contains Ketoconazole or Salicylic acid as one of the main ingredients
- Do not share combs with anybody as each one’s hair and scalp are different and cause issues. Sharing combs can actually lead to dandruff
- Cover your hair while travelling, especially when there is dust and pollution
Although dandruff can be a frustrating problem, there are plenty of home remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp. Next time you have dandruff try these solutions on their own or pair them with a good anti-dandruff shampoo for maximum effectiveness. Also, taking care of your health by eating healthy foods rich in nutrients, avoiding stress, and sleeping for 8 hours regularly will also reduce dandruff. While not every home remedy will suit everyone, many of these remedies have been found effective in treating dandruff.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which specialist should one consult for dandruff?
A. For dandruff remedy, one must consult a dermatologist or a skin specialist for treatment and care of their hair. They can further advise on the right course of treatment based on your specific issues.
Q. Can people with dandruff use a conditioner?
A. Yes. Using a conditioner after shampooing your hair and using any home remedies for dandruff will not affect your scalp as the conditioner only conditions your hair and makes it smooth.
Q. What vitamin deficiency causes dry scalp?
A. Dry scalp may be what causes dandruff due to a deficiency in vitamin B. You can boost your intake by adding fruits and vegetables or directly supplementing with vitamin B. Also, for the general good health of your hair, you can supplement with biotin for long, lustrous hair.
Q. Does washing your hair with hot water cause dandruff?
A. Washing your hair with hot water may lead to dandruff as it can dry out the scalp out of its natural oils. It’s better to wash your hair with cold water if possible or lukewarm water as one of the home remedies to get rid of dandruff.
Q. Can frequent hair washing cause dandruff?
A. A very dry scalp can cause dandruff especially when it is washed daily. It’s recommended to shampoo your hair 2-3 times in a week for best results.
Q. How often should one use an anti-dandruff shampoo?
A. While individual frequency will vary based on each person’s unique hair and issue, a good rule of thumb is to use it twice a week. Check for instructions on the container and consult with your dermatologist for best results.
