You might be good at hiding tears behind your smiles, but hiding nasty dandruff on the scalp turns out to be a helpless situation. Not only itching sensation brings discomfort, but also cascades of white flakes on your shoulders, which leaves you feeling embarrassed. Furthermore, just because dandruff gets noticed more on dark clothes, you stop wearing your favourite dark colours. Living with a flaky scalp can be a terribly frustrating and horrible experience for anyone.
You are not alone since this persistent skin issue of the scalp is affecting a larger group of people. However, the good news is that this issue is pretty manageable if the right cure is provided. A fungus called Malassezia, which lives on the scalp causes dandruff. There are certain essential oils and natural botanical extracts that have been found effective in removing dandruff because of their antifungal properties. According to a controlled research study, a significant reduction in dandruff has been observed in people who have used tea tree oil-based shampoo. Several other studies have demonstrated the benefits of other natural ingredients in providing relief from scalp irritations.
EFFECTIVE REMEDIES
- Fuller’s earth
- Tea tree oil
- Baking soda
- Apple cider vinegar
- Coconut oil
- Fenugreek seeds
- Amla
- Neem
- Jojoba oil
- Onion
- Lemon
1. Fuller’s earth
Fuller’s Earth is an effective home remedy to cure not just dandruff but also an oily scalp. It acts as a natural cleanser for your scalp while absorbing greasiness, excessive oil, and unwanted impurities etc. Another remarkable property of fuller’s earth is that it improves blood circulation in your scalp area, which further nourishes hair follicles.
Directions to use
- Add 1 cup of fuller’s earth with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice in a bowl.
- Pour 4 tablespoons of water in the bowl containing mixture before blending it well.
- Apply the mixture on your scalp for about 20 minutes and wash it off with water and shampoo.
2. Tea tree oil
Have you heard about this miraculous home remedy for treating dandruff and dry scalp? Here we bring this natural ingredient "Tea Tree oil" into your notice for managing dandruff. Several studies have suggested that tea tree oil has the ability to fight a particular strain of fungus that causes dandruff. What’s more, packed with anti-microbial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, it works effectively against several scalp and hair issues such as yeast infection, etc. It soothes the irritable itching that occurs due to dandruff. Another remarkable benefit is that it controls the excess oil production in your scalp; hence preventing the clogging of your hair follicles.
Directions to use
- Add a couple of drops of tea tree oil in your silicone-sulphate free shampoo.
- Blend the mixture before gently massaging the shampoo onto your scalp and tresses.
- Rinse it after 5 minutes with cold water.
- Following the process, at least twice a week will help you achieve a healthy scalp.
3. Baking soda
Baking soda also known as Sodium Bicarbonate is another beneficial remedy that can provide you relief from dandruff. A study presented in the National Library of Medicine states that the antifungal properties of Sodium Bicarbonate prevent the overgrowth of fungus responsible for an itchy and flaky scalp. In addition, baking soda also helps in removing the dead skin cells and extra oil deposited on your scalp.
Directions to use
- Mix 2-3 tablespoon of baking soda with water to make a fine paste.
- Part your hair to apply a few drops of olive oil to your scalp before applying the baking soda paste.
- Allow the paste to sit on your scalp for 5-6 minutes and then rinse it off with water. Repeat this remedy once in a week for desired results.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Top hair specialists explain that the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar helps to balance pH levels of your scalp, thereby making unfavourable conditions for yeast growth. Apart from that, it also helps to manage itchy scalp while reducing fungus, therefore preventing dandruff.
Directions to use
- Add 2 tablespoons of water and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and pour the mixture on your head.
- Gently massage your scalp for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it with water.
- Do this remedy once or twice a week to ensure dandruff-free scalp.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains good levels of vitamins (E & K), proteins, and natural fatty acids that keep the scalp moisturized and healthy. Numerous studies have theorised that deep hydration properties of coconut oil prevent the dryness and scalp itches, which are liable for worsening dandruff. Its strong anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory action not only helps to control the spread of fungal infection but also eases the discomfort of dandruff.
Directions to use
- Add 2 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a bowl and mix it well.
- Massage the mixture onto your scalp for 5 minutes with your fingertips.
- Rinse off your hair with a mild sulphate silicone-free shampoo.
6. Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds are a potent home remedy for treating dandruff. It contains a high content of protein and water-soluble vitamins (B3 or nicotinic acid) which manages several hair problems such as dandruff, hair fall etc. Aside from that, it also carries a natural emollient called nicotinic acid that offers the deep hydration to your hair that in turn strengthens hair roots and follicles as well.
Directions to use
- Soak fenugreek seeds overnight.
- Next morning, make a fine paste of the soaked seeds before applying it on your scalp.
- Allow the paste to dry for 30 - 45 minutes before rinsing it away.
7. Amla
Enriched with the goodness of vitamin C, amla juice helps to curb white flakes on your scalp. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties are known to provide relief in itchiness caused by dandruff. Not to mention, the antioxidant action of amla helps to prevent the dryness of your scalp while improving the skin conditions.
Directions to use
- Take 6-7 tulsi leaves and dry them to make a fine powder.
- Add the tulsi leaves powder with 3 amla powder in a bowl.
- Pour a few drops of water into the bowl containing mixture to make a fine paste.
- Blend this paste well before applying it on your scalp.
- Let the paste dry for 30- 40 minutes before rinsing it off.
8. Neem
Neem has been famous for ages to treat bacterial and fungal infections of skin and hair. Journals of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences claim that the potent antifungal action of neem prevents the overgrowth of Candida (yeast) on your scalp. Its anti-inflammatory properties work effectively in managing scalp irritation and other scalp issues such as dermatitis, psoriasis etc. Several research studies also support the topical application of neem helps in reducing the symptoms of dandruff.
Directions to use
- Take 7 fresh neem leaves and wash them properly before soaking them in water overnight.
- Next morning, strain the leaves to rinse your hair with the remaining water.
- Allow your scalp to reap the benefits of neem water before rinsing it away with normal water.
9. Jojoba oil
There are various benefits of Jojoba oil, one of them is treating dandruff effectively. Jojoba oil has remarkable effects to provide relief in the dry scalp. It helps to balance out the natural oils and pH of your scalp, which revitalize healthy scalp conditions. Jojoba Oil’s natural moisturizing property keeps the scalp smooth and dissolves dry flakes. Moreover, this natural oil is a rich source of vitamins E, Vitamin B, mineral-like iodine, copper etc. that encourages new hair growth.
Directions to use
- Gently massage olive oil on your scalp with your fingertips.
- Cover your head with a shower cap or towel for an hour to let your scalp derive the benefits of the oil.
- Once the time is up, wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo anti-dandruff shampoo.
10. Onion
Your scalp contains a fungus known as Malassezia Furfur that causes dandruff. Numerous studies confirm that onion helps to get rid of this fungus, resulting in the dandruff-free scalp. Furthermore, it stimulates the circulation of blood in your scalp that encourages hair growth.
Directions to use
- Chop an onion into small pieces before blending it with the help of a blender or a food processor.
- Gently massage the onion juice from the roots of your hair to the tips.
- Allow it to dry for 30 minutes before washing it off.
11. Lemon
Lemon is known as one of the best cures for dandruff. Rich in vitamin B and Vitamin C, lemon promotes collagen production that helps to repair damaged skin. In addition, a 2015 study concludes that citric acid present in lemon helps to balance the pH of your scalp, resulting in a dandruff-free scalp.
Directions to use?
- Add 3 tablespoons of water and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice in a bowl.
- Mix it well before massaging it on your scalp with fingertips.
- Allow it to rest for 30 minutes before rinsing your hair with water.
It is essential to treat dandruff as soon as you spot it because an itchy, flaky scalp is the germination ground for several hair woes. This scalp condition deteriorates the structure of hair follicles, which leads to serious hair fall. If you are dealing with this irksome problem, you should consider following a long-term scalp care regimen along with making tweaks in your everyday lifestyle. In a nutshell, the right care at the right time can really help you get a clean and healthy scalp.
P.S.
Dandruff control shampoo and anti-recurrence dandruff lotion are considered important Over The Counter Products (OTC ) to get rid of stubborn flaky deposits. The presence of essential oils like Jojoba, Sage, Fenugreek, and Tea Tree and other bioactive compounds helps to balance out pH levels of the scalp which ultimately kills the dandruff fungus. Even board-certified dermatologists agree that continuous use of ideal anti-dandruff formulations helps to get rid of dandruff flakes completely. Most importantly, people with severe dandruff conditions are recommended to take advice from an experienced dermatologist.
