Dandruff is an embarrassing condition that most adults experience. It affects more than half the population across the world and has no boundaries when it comes to age, race, or gender.
Dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia, which feeds on sebum (oil) and dead skin cells on our scalp. This can lead to dryness, itchiness, and dandruffy-looking flakes that people have difficulty hiding.
There are a number of home remedies for dandruff including ones we’ve helped people make time and time again such as avoiding foods high in fat and sugar, moisturizing your hair at least twice a week with medicated shampoo, scrubbing your scalp gently in circular motion with prescription-strength shampoo – or just baking soda, cleansing hair with coconut oil 2-3 times a week to fight dryness from eating our scalp from within (it’s important!), scrunching dry locks in Italian light olive oil before washing it off in hot water with lukewarm soap – not too hot.
Here are some natural home remedies for dandruff you may not have known:
Quick Home Remedies:
1. Do not oil hair and keep it on for long
Delhi-based dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj said, “It’s a pure myth that oiling is good for hair with dandruff.” “In fact,” she asserted “applying oil will lead to more dandruff as oil is like food for Malazzesia which leads to dandruff.” Applying oil to a dry, itchy scalp may sound like heaven but unfortunately may only make your condition much worse.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar helps treat skin conditions including itchy and dry skin. The acidic content of vinegar also cures dandruff-causing fungus and bacteria. Dr. Deepali advises, “My favourite home remedy is to apply two parts white vinegar to one part water on the scalp skin 30 minutes before a head wash.”
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle way to remove dead skin cells and dirt from the scalp. It won’t cause irritation or make dandruff worse by building up. “In India’s harsh summer, baking soda is popularly applied to the scalp,” Dr. Sirisha Singh says, “and can be combined with apple cider vinegar for an extra scalp-soothing effect.” Baking soda in your shampoo creates all sorts of benefits, including fighting dandruff.
4. Neem
Here’s the good news: neem extract can contribute to many skin remedies thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. So, if you suffer from dandruff, it makes sense to turn to this natural remedy for help. You should be advised, though, that concentrated forms of neem might not bode well with sensitive skin.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been used to fight fungal and bacterial infections aside from its traditional applications as a general purpose cleaner. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash normally; you’ll notice the difference right away even without leaving home!
6. Garlic
The pungent aroma of some garlic cloves might make it difficult for some people to stomach, but its health benefits cannot be overlooked. Garlic has many natural properties that make it a powerful protective herb and has been used medicinally for centuries. Dice up a clove or two, mix with water, and then use on your scalp to see quick results. The smell? You can always add a little honey and ginger!
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is best extracted from the plant. It is clear and has a thick consistency, and it can be applied to your scalp. It will calm an irritated scalp, provide relief from inflammation and have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
8. Neem Shampoo
The easiest dandruff solution: Neem-based shampoo. While it may not be possible for you to make these home remedies, or if you find them too messy to do at home, all you have to do is pick up some neem-based shampoo. Neem has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties so using this shampoo will help control the fungus on your scalp and eliminate any signs of dandruff. All you need is one application per week to see results. One product we recommend is Head and Shoulders’ Neem variety because it contains neem along with many other benefits including those that can help keep dandruff at bay!