Dandruff is something that almost everyone faces at some point in life. It’s itchy, annoying and embarassing too, specially when you wearing black clothes and them white flakes show up. People try many shampoos but sometimes the chemicals don’t work or make it worse. So natural home remedies for dandruff is always better choice, atleast to try first.
In this article, we will talk about dandruff causes and some simple and easy home remedies you can do using stuff from your kitchen. Trust me, some of them really works if you try for few days regularly.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is basically dead skin cells falling from your scalp. Everyone’s scalp sheds skin but when it become too much and visible flakes, then it becomes dandruff. It can also make your scalp itchy or even red sometimes.
What Causes Dandruff?
There are many reasons why dandruff happens. It’s not just about dirty hair, as some people think. Common causes include:
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Dry scalp
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Oily scalp
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Fungal infection (like Malassezia)
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Not washing hair properly
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Using wrong hair products
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Stress
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Poor diet
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Weather change
Some people also get it more in winter because of dryness in air.
Common Home Remedies for Dandruff
Let’s check out some easy and natural home remedies for dandruff you can try. These are cheap, safe, and no chemicals.
1. Coconut Oil with Lemon
Coconut oil is great for moisturizing dry scalp and lemon has anti-fungal properties that can help reduce dandruff.
How to use:
Warm 2 spoons of coconut oil and add few drops of fresh lemon juice. Massage on your scalp, leave for 30 mins, then wash with mild shampoo.
Do this 2-3 times a week. It smells nice too!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar help in balancing pH of your scalp and kills fungus.
How to use:
Mix equal parts of ACV and water. After shampoo, pour this on your scalp and leave for 5 mins. Then rinse with plain water.
Don’t overdo it or use undiluted, it might irritate scalp.
3. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is soothing, cooling and helps heal scalp. It also reduce itching and flakiness.
How to use:
Take fresh aloe vera gel (from plant if possible), apply directly on scalp. Leave for 30-40 mins and wash with lukewarm water.
Use 2-3 times in week. You can also mix with few drops of tea tree oil.
4. Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds
Methi has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties which is great for dandruff.
How to use:
Soak 2 spoons of methi overnight. Grind into paste next morning. Apply on scalp and leave for 30-45 mins, then wash it.
Do once or twice in week.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda exfoliates scalp and removes dead skin. Also helps in controlling fungus.
How to use:
Wet your hair and rub little baking soda directly on scalp. Leave for few minutes then rinse.
But don’t use too often. It can dry your scalp more.
6. Neem Leaves
Neem is used from centuries in Ayurveda. It’s antibacterial and antifungal.
How to use:
Boil handful neem leaves in water. Cool it and rinse your scalp with this water after shampoo. Or make neem paste and apply on scalp.
It smell bitter but works nice.
7. Yogurt (Curd)
Curd is good for dry and itchy scalp. Also brings shine to hair.
How to use:
Apply plain curd on your scalp like a mask. Leave for 30-40 mins then wash off with mild shampoo.
Your hair might smell little bit after but it becomes smooth.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of best things for dandruff. It’s strong anti-fungal and fights the root cause.
How to use:
Add few drops of tea tree oil in coconut oil or in your shampoo. Don’t use directly on scalp – too strong.
Tips Along With Home Remedies
Just doing home remedies sometimes not enough. Here’s some extra tips:
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Wash your hair regularly but not everyday
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Don’t scratch your scalp – it get worse
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Use mild, sulphate-free shampoo
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Drink lots of water
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Eat healthy – more fruits, green veggies
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Don’t use too much styling products
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Comb your hair regularly to spread oil evenly
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Try to reduce stress (yes, it also causes dandruff)
When to See Doctor?
If dandruff not go away even after trying remedies for few weeks, or if you have:
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Red patches
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Hair fall increase too much
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Painful pimples on scalp
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Swelling or oozing
Then better to consult a skin specialist. Sometimes it’s not simple dandruff but something like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.
Mistakes People Make with Dandruff
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Using harsh shampoos too often
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Oiling too much and not washing properly
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Using hot water – dries scalp more
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Changing products again and again
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Ignoring the dandruff for long time
Be gentle with your scalp, it needs care like skin on face.
Final Words
Dandruff is common but it doesn’t mean you have to live with it always. With right care and some of these home remedies, you can control it and make your scalp healthy again. Coconut oil, aloe vera, curd, methi – these things are in your kitchen and can really help if used regularly and patiently.
Every person’s scalp is different, so try few remedies and see what works best for you. Natural treatment take time but they’re safer and gentle.