There are ample remedies that have been flooded in the market for omitting dandruff. Right from medicated shampoos to corticosteroids and how we can even forget about natural remedy for dandruff at home. According to research and studies, dandruff is common in everyone, men, women and kids alike.
Dandruff is mainly the itchy, white flakes of the skin that you will notice on your scalp. It is pretty uncomfortable to deal with. If you have black hair, it is all the more visible even to the naked eye. Not just that, when you wear solid-colored clothing, it is all the more visible. Some common symptoms that you will come across will be greasy patches on the scalp as well as itchy skin.
If you are wondering how to get rid of dandruff, we have got you covered in this article. We will speak about the information and detail and who knows you will find your hero here!
What is the main cause of dandruff?
The causes of dandruff are many. It completely varies from person to person. The most common causes of dandruff are –
If you suffer from irritated and oily skin, there are higher chances of you suffering from dandruff.
Not maintaining clean hygiene and not shampooing well could lead the skin cells to accumulate. It leads to skin flaking and itching.
There could be a reaction in our immune system. It will be the type of yeast that lives on the skin. It is known as Malassezia globosa. This might even lead to dandruff.
If you are suffering from hormonal issues, there could be issues of dandruff. This is mostly found in youngsters undergoing hormonal changes.
If you are extremely sensitive to hair care products, this might lead to contact dermatitis. It might even lead to dandruff.
Other skincare issues may even lead to dandruff including eczema and psoriasis.
Is dandruff a fungus?
Dandruff is not a fungus but it is caused by a fungus. There is a yeast-like fungus, also known as malassia, that mainly feeds on the sebum. Sebus is a natural oil that is made from hair follicles and oil glands. It is a breeding ground for yeast (the fungus). This type of fungus lives on the oils on the scalp of most people. This leads to causing dandruff.
How often should I wash my hair if I have dandruff?
If you are thinking that dandruff is caused due to dry scalp and that you could not be washing your hair regularly, you are mistaken. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the effective way of treating your dandruff is by using over-the-counter shampoo.
You should rather shampoo your hair every day. But again, the chemicals might affect your roots. If you have natural hair, try using anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week. Washing your hair every alternative day is one of the best solutions for treating your dandruff.
What should I avoid if I have dandruff?
Here are some of the things that you should avoid and keep in mind if you have dandruff –
- Avoid having fatty foods, refined sugar, fried foods, and processed foods as well as gluten to reduce flaking on the scalp.
- Another reason for dandruff is Seborrheic dermatitis. This leads to oily flakes and irritation on the scalp. Do not use any random shampoo for your hair. Rather use the medicated ones which are prescribed by the doctor.
- Test and try personal hair care products before you start using them regularly.
Natural Remedy for Dandruff
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the best ailments for treating dandruff, acne as well as psoriasis. It does have the ability to fight against a specific type of fungus that leads to dandruff. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation as well as an excess of yeast fungus. It also has antifungal properties that heal lesions caused by the fungus on the scalp.
How to apply?
- Mix 1 tbsp of tea tree oil with any carrier oil of your choice. This includes almond oil, coconut oil or olive oil.
- You can even heat it at a low temperature and apply it to your scalp. Make sure it is not too hot.
- Massage your scalp well and cover it with a towel for an hour. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo and make sure no residue is left.
- Repeat this process thrice a week for the best results.
2. Coconut Oil
Known for its different health benefits, coconut oil is also known as a natural remedy for dandruff. According to research and study, coconut oil improves skin hydration as well as treats skin conditions like eczema that contribute to dandruff. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that omit a certain strain of fungus that causes dandruff.
How to apply?
- You may simply apply coconut oil to your scalp and leave it for an hour or two.
- You may even apply the oil to your scalp overnight and wash it with cold water and mild shampoo the next morning.
- You may even mix carrier oil for enhanced benefits.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Being acidic in nature, apple cider vinegar reduces flakiness and itchiness. It further gives your relief from dandruff. Furthermore, it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help you give protection against dandruff.
How to apply?
- Mix equal parts of ACV and water. Keep it aside.
- After washing your hair, you can apply the mixture directly to the scalp.
- Gently massage your hair for 5 min. Let it sit on your scalp for 15 – 20 min.
- Rinse it off with cold water.
- Use it every two days to see the best results.
4. Baking Soda
An effective remedy for combating dandruff, baking soda soaks the excess sebum production. Not just that, it has the ability to fight against the fungus that causes dandruff. Using the ingredient in the right way will soak in the natural oils. When you shampoo and condition your hair, it will look softer and healthier.
How to apply?
- Sprinkle baking soda on dampen hair.
- Rub vigorously for 1 min on your scalp.
- You can shampoo or just wash your hair if you want.
- After a few sessions, your scalp will produce natural oils but your hair will be softer with no dry flakes.
5. Yoghurt
Yoghurt has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that calm down the itchy scalp. The presence of friendly bacteria helps in preventing dry and itchy flakes on the scalp. Applying curd to your hair also reduces other scalp issues as well as promotes healthy hair growth.
How to apply?
- Apply the curd to your scalp and hair properly.
- Let it dry for an hour.
- Rinse it off thoroughly with mild shampoo and conditioner.
- Let your hair air dry. Do this twice a week for the best results.
6. Fuller’s Earth
Also known as Indian clay, it absorbs all the oil, grease and dirt. These all could increase and cause dandruff. It further helps in improving blood circulation which helps in keeping your scalp dandruff-free.
How to apply?
- Mix a good portion of Fuller’s Earth with water to make a good paste with good consistency.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice to the paste.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and let it rest for 20 min.
- Wash it off with regular water or you may even use gentle/mild shampoo and conditioner.
7. Lemon
Lemon has acidic properties and also helps in reducing inflammation and itchiness from the scalp. When you are using it post hair wash sessions, it helps in disappearing your dandruff. The acidic character of the lemon helps in balancing the pH of your hair.
How to apply?
- Squeeze a full lemon juice.
- Apply it to your scalp and massage it for 2-3 min.
- You may even use it with your regular shampoo. Or wash your hair with lemon juice and a mug of water.
- Repeat regularly until the dandruff disappears.
8. Aloe Vera
It helps in reducing irritation, itchiness, flaking as well as inflammation. Having antibacterial and antifungal properties. aloe vera gel needs no more extra ingredients to provide you with the best results. It works naturally.
How to apply?
- Apply the gel directly to your scalp and leave it for an hour.
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and air dry.
9. Neem
It has antifungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in preventing and treating dandruff. It can be used in the form of oil, a hair mask as well as water for washing your hair. You can use it regularly. You will even see many shampoo and haircare products have neem in them for their amazing properties.
How to apply?
- You can apply neem oil to the scalp and let it sit for a few hours. Then shampoo your hair.
- For the hair mask, make a thorough paste of neem and water. Apply it to your scalp and hair. Let it sit for 15-20 min. Wash with cold water.
- You may even boil neem leaves with water. Let it cool down and wash your hair with that water.
10. Fenugreek Seeds
They are rich in protein. This helps in preventing hair from getting dry, and brittle, and prevents hair fall as well as dandruff. Not just that it moisturizes your scalp and boosts hair growth.
How to apply?
- Soak the seeds overnight. Grind it into a thick paste.
- Apply it to the scalp and hair. Leave it for 15-20 min.
- Wash it with mild shampoo and conditioner.
Conclusion
Dandruff is caused due to a lot of issues. But the most important among all is poor diet. You should add more fruits and vegetables to your diet to promote overall good health and a healthier scalp. Low fiber intake leaves to poor digestion that may even give way to dandruff. Try including zinc, minerals and biotin in your diet. Not just that, you should only use haircare products that suit your scalp. If needed, you may even consult a dermatologist.
FAQs –
Do lemon remove dandruff?
Yes, lemon helps in removing dandruff. Regular use of it will make you see the visible changes. It is advised to use lemon with water or any carrier oil or shampoo. Direct application of the juice could result in side effects or burn the skin with frequent use.
Does coconut oil get rid of dandruff?
Yes, coconut oil helps in getting rid of dandruff provided you are using organic and virgin oil. Making it as a carrier oil and mixing it with the concentrated ones could be highly beneficial as it will be more effective for removing dandruff and promoting healthy hair growth.
Can apple cider vinegar stop dandruff?
Yes, it will help in removing dandruff. Excess use of it could result in more hair loss. Make sure that you are using the diluted form with water and not applying directly on the scalp.
What food kills dandruff?
Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet helps in promoting good scalp health. Add zinc, nutrition, fiber, mineral, biotin and Vit B to your diet. Having salmon, peanut butter, olive oil, tuna, fish, walnuts, avocado, pumpkin seeds, carrot, eggs, yogurt and more help in decreasing flakes.
What permanently kills dandruff?
Shampoos like Ketoconazole shampoos are one of the best to kill dandruff-causing fungi that tend to live on your scalp. There are other home remedies mentioned above that you may try to see the visible results of.
Which herb is best for dandruff?
Using neem leaves is the best for dandruff. If you follow Ayurveda, washing your hair with Amla, Reetha, Neem and Shikakai not only is best for dandruff but also promotes healthy hair.
What kills dandruff immediately?
There are ample home remedies that you can opt for. Mixing coconut oil with lemon juice could be highly beneficial for killing bacteria. Many anti-dandruff shampoos are doctor prescribed, you may even opt for the same.
