A scaly and itchy scalp is a symptom of dandruff that affects up to 50 percent of people. Dandruff is a scalp condition that causes flakes of skin to appear, and this is not because of poor hygiene alone; there are many causes of it.
Dandruff can cause many other issues, like tingling skin and greasy patches on the scalp. It can lead to hair fall as well. If you do not brush or wash your hair often, then dandruff may appear more prominently. You may feel ashamed of it because, as soon as someone notices dandruff, they tend to distance themselves. It can be an embarrassing situation for most of us.
Causes of dandruff:
To know how to cure dandruff permanently, you should know the cause of dandruff. Instead of using any over-the-counter products to cure dandruff, you can use some natural remedies that can give you relief naturally. So, let’s see what the causes of dandruff are before we discuss the remedies.
- The major cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis (scaly patches and red skin on the scalp). This condition may appear on other oily areas of the body, including the upper chest, back, and face. However, this condition mainly affects your scalp and causes stubborn dandruff.
- Sensitivity to hair products and the growth of a specific type of fungus called Malassezia (infection of the hair follicle) also cause dandruff. Malassezia is a naturally occurring yeast that gets in the hair follicles of the skin and erupts on the skin surface, causing breakouts.
- Dry skin or other skin conditions like psoriasis, and eczema also cause dandruff.
Many topical shampoos and topical medications can treat dandruff, but to cure dandruff, here are some natural home remedies that can help. Some remedies will be effective for getting shiny hair easily. It will treat frizzy hair issues and control hair fall too.
Natural Home Remedies to Treat Dandruff:
Aspirin:
Do you know aspirin has salicylic acid, and this key ingredient is found in many medicated dandruff shampoos as well? It also reduces scalp inflammation, which is the primary cause of dandruff. Aspirin exfoliates the scalp and removes grease and dead cells from the skin. It transfers oxygen to hair follicles.
Process: If you want flaking to be reduced, then simply crush two aspirins and make a fine powder. Now just add it to the regular shampoo that you use when you wash your hair. You just have to shampoo your hair like normal and leave it for one to two minutes. Then rinse it off and wash your hair again with your normal shampoo.
Mustard oil:
Mustard oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is a natural treatment that prevents dandruff caused by yeast growth and is ideal for skin to increase the moisture level as well. It is a traditional remedy for skin and hair. It is used in cooking as well. It also prevents premature greying of the hair.
Process: Apply mustard oil directly to your scalp and hair. It nourishes hair follicles and prevents hair fall and dandruff, so leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, and after that, use a mild shampoo to wash your hair.
Orange:
Oranges are not just used as a part of a healthy diet; they also have many nutrients that are rich in vitamin C. It improves the overall growth of the hair. It contains many micro and macronutrients that can improve skin and hair. It is a dominant source of antioxidants, which improve hair fall and reduce dandruff as well.
Process: Take a whole orange and peel it. Grind the peels and oranges in a blender, and apply the thick paste to the scalp and hair. Keep the mask on your hair for a few hours, and then rinse it with water.
Use orange with other ingredients:
You need the peels of two to three oranges and some yogurt or curd. Mix both the ingredients and blend them. Apply the thick paste uniformly to your scalp and hair. Let it sit for a few hours, and then wash it with warm water. Your hair will become shinier, and the prominence of dandruff will also reduce.
Curd:
If you want a promising dandruff home remedy, then start using curd. Curd is a wonderful ingredient for removing dandruff. Curd is packed with antibacterial properties and rich in fatty acids. It removes dandruff and gives smooth, frizz-free hair, it is rich in zinc, magnesium, and potassium; it can be added to your diet, and it can resolve many hair problems if you use it directly on your hair.
Process: Apply curd to your hair for 15 minutes and wash it off with normal water. You can also shampoo your hair first and use curd like a conditioner. It will not just remove dandruff but also make your hair soft.
Use curd with other ingredients:
- Soak fenugreek seeds overnight. Take 5 tbsp of fenugreek seeds, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and a cup of curd. Blend it well, and with the help of a brush, apply it to your hair. You should cover your hair with a shower cap for 40 minutes and then rinse the mask off, followed by a mild herbal shampoo. Use this remedy twice a week for the best results.
- Take a cup of curd and 2 tablespoons of honey (Honey is a great natural moisturiser that prevents dryness). Mix it well. Massage it well on your head and hair. Leave the mask on for twenty minutes. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. It is a great remedy for itchy and irritating scalps.
Tea Tree Oil:
According to a study, shampoo that has just 5 percent tea tree oil improves the severity of dandruff. Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant and has a compound called terpinene-4, which has powerful antimicrobial properties. It suppresses the growth of fungi on the scalp and treats dandruff. It can prevent lice as well.
Process: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favourite shampoo and wash your hair normally with it. You should not apply the oil directly to your scalp, otherwise, it can cause rashes or inflammation.
Baking soda:
The key to a flake-free and itch-free scalp is baking soda. It is an important kitchen ingredient and helps to remove dandruff as well. It reduces overactive fungi that cause dandruff. When you start using baking soda, in the beginning, your hair may dry out, but after a few weeks, your hair will produce natural oils. Your hair will become soft and free of flakes.
Process: Simply wet your hair and take a handful of baking soda. Now rub it vigorously on your scalp. Do not shampoo your hair. Rinse your hair with normal water after this.
Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is known for its variety of benefits. It improves insulin sensitivity, promotes weight loss, and reduces dandruff. It can shed dead skin cells from the scalp. It also balances the pH levels of the skin and reduces the growth of fungus. It makes it harder for the yeast to grow on the scalp.
Process: Take a quarter cup of water and a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar and mix them in a spray bottle. Spray it on your scalp and wrap your head with a towel for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Then use a shampoo to wash your hair. Don’t do this daily, but do it twice a week.
Coconut oil:
Coconut oil is a natural dandruff remedy at home that will give great results if you use it regularly. It is a tried-and-tested remedy for dandruff that smells so good and prevents dryness. It also improves hydration. It is a mineral oil that can treat eczema, which can cause inflammation and itchiness. It also has antimicrobial properties, and if you use it for 8 weeks, dandruff symptoms can be reduced by 68%.
Process: Take 3 to 5 tablespoons of coconut and massage it gently on your hair. Leave it for an hour or so, and then shampoo normally. Choose a shampoo that has coconut oil for the best results.
Aloe Vera gel:
Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that is added to many cosmetics, skin ointments, and lotions because of its amazing healing properties. It can treat many skin conditions, like sores, burns, and psoriasis. It is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can treat dandruff and many other issues easily. It controls fungal infections, which can stop hair loss too.
Process: You can directly take the aloe vera gel from the plant or buy it from the market. Fresh plant gel will be more useful. Just apply it to your head underneath your hair and let it sit for thirty minutes. Now use a mild shampoo, and you can repeat the process two to three times a week.
Lemon:
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and offer many health benefits. The citric acid in lemon fights dandruff and is ideal for a flaky scalp. Lemons are rich in antioxidants that boost the immune system. Lemons strengthen the hair follicles, balance the pH of the scalp, eliminate the buildup of flakes, and reduce the production of excess oils in the hair.
Process: You can use it directly on your head. Stir one tablespoon of lemon juice in one cup of water and rinse your hair with it. You can do it daily.
Using lemon with other ingredients:
- Mix two tbsp of amla juice (Amla, an Indian Gooseberry that reduces dead cell formation) and two tbsp of lemon juice. Take a cotton ball and gently dab it into your hair. Leave it for thirty minutes and wash with regular shampoo. You can get rid of dandruff problems using this remedy twice a week.
- For strong hair, lemon and yoghurt is an ideal combination. Mix two tablespoons of yoghurt with one tbsp of lemon. Mix them and apply them to the scalp gently. Let it sit for 30 minutes and rinse with a mild shampoo.
Onion:
Onion is popular for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It can treat dandruff and hair loss problems. Studies have shown that it can eliminate Malassezia furfur, which causes dandruff. It aids in hair growth and stimulates blood circulation.
Process: Take a large onion and blender. Cut onions into small pieces and blend them. You can squeeze the juice of an onion with the help of a cloth. Massage the juice directly onto the scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse with a mild shampoo. You can do this one to two times a week.
Use onion with other ingredients:
- Fenugreek seeds and onion juice: Fenugreek seeds promote hair growth and inhibit the growth of furfur. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in some water. Take two tbsp of onion juice, two tbsp of fenugreek seeds, and a bowl of water. Grind them into a fine paste and apply it to the scalp. Wash off with normal water after half an hour.
- Aloe vera and onion juice: take 2 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel and 3 tbsp of onion juice. Mix them and apply them to the scalp. Lightly massage it on the scalp, leave it for ten minutes, and then rinse. You can use this remedy 2 to 3 times a week.
These are a few effective remedies to get rid of dandruff, and within a few months, you will have beautiful hair. Some home remedies for hair fall are also mentioned above. These remedies are very effective for removing dandruff and hair fall problems together. So, overall, you will have good and healthy hair that will be free of dandruff and other issues. You may not be able to see instant results, but if you keep applying these remedies as mentioned, then in a few weeks you will get satisfying results.
