10 Ways To Get Rid Of Dandruff Naturally
Almost 50% of people all over the world regardless of their culture or ethnicity are affected by dandruff. Dandruff is a scalp disorder which can be caused by a number of factors. I am sure most of you reading this must have been affected by it at some point in your life. While getting those white flakes in your hair for a short period of time may not be a cause to worry but the prolonged condition can be really annoying.
No one wants to end up scratching their head while tiny white flakes fall on your shoulder, especially if you are out for an interview or party. Dandruff can affect any hair-bearing area or an area with even very small hair follicles.
There can be various causes of dandruff but the exact cause is unknown. Possible causes could be increased oil production and secretion and increased numbers of normal skin yeasts. Fungal infection can also cause dandruff. Contrary to popular belief dandruff is not contagious.
Poor hair hygiene can worsen dandruff. A weak immune system also plays a role in worsening the condition.
Some people are more prone to dandruff than others. There are a lot of products available to cure dandruff. The best shampoo choices include those containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and tar-based shampoos.
If you are looking for a more gentle and natural way to get rid of this condition these natural remedies are worth giving a try.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is frequently used in many skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions. Aloe vera is known to treat skin conditions like burns, psoriasis and cold sores.
The antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of aloe vera could also help cure dandruff. A test-tube study found that aloe vera is effective against several species of fungi and may help control fungal infections that cause hair loss from the scalp.
Massage some soothing aloe vera gel into your scalp before washing your hairs.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent moisturiser and can help prevent dryness, itching, and flaking of the scalp. It contains many essential vitamins (A, E and K) and minerals to repair the damaged hair. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that fight against the yeast – like fungus and other microbes causing dandruff.
Simply massage some warm olive oil in your scalp for 5-10 minutes and then wrap a warm towel around your head for 45 minutes before washing. There are many other ways to use olive oil for treating dandruff.
Combine 2 tablespoons each of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and water in a small bowl. Pour this rinse on your damp head and massage it into your scalp. Allow it to sit for about 20 – 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair as usual.
Pour 1 capful of neem oil or use 2 neem oil capsules and add 1 – 2 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture for 20 – 30 minutes and rinse it off with water.
Add 1 teaspoon each of fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil in a bowl. Gently massage for a few minutes and let it stay for 2 – 3 hours. Rinse it with a mild shampoo.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is also an excellent moisturiser that nourishes the scalp and removes the dryness to get clear dandruff. It relieves you from itching and irritation.
You can use coconut oil directly. Just warm some oil and massage it on your scalp. Keep the oil overnight and wash your hairs in the morning.
You can also use lemon along with this oil for additional benefits. Lemon has a citric nature that helps to fight against the fungi and excess oil that causes dandruff. Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a bowl. Massage it gently for a few minutes and let it stay for 30 – 45 minutes. Wash your hairs with a mild shampoo.
You can also replace lemon juice with fenugreek powder.
Camphor and coconut oil also make a great combo to fight dandruff. Mix 1 teaspoon of camphor to 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Apply it on the scalp at night and leave it overnight. Wash it off in the morning.
Another ingredient that you can combine with coconut oil is Indian gooseberry (or amla) as it acts as a scalp protector. Grate half an amla and squeeze it to extract its juice in a bowl. Add 1 – 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in it and warm this mixture a little bit. Apply this warm oil mix evenly on the scalp and massage it gently for a few minutes. Allow it to sit for about an hour or two and then wash your hair with shampoo.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is widely used for treating dandruff. It contains terpinene – 4 – ol which has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties that are used to kill yeast or fungus causing dandruff on the scalp. It’s anti-inflammatory properties relieve you from irritation and inflammation. It unclogs hair follicles to prevent the growth of micro-organisms that trigger dandruff.
Never use tea tree oil alone as it can cause itching and redness. There different ways to use it for treating dandruff.
Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to 2 tablespoons of your regular shampoo. Apply this mixture on the scalp and hair and massage it gently for a few minutes and rinse it off with warm water.
Mix 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil in 1 cup of warm water and store this mix it in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture on the hair and scalp after shampoo. Massage it gently and rinse it off with water after a few minutes.
Mix 1 – 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in 1 cup of warm water. Dip a cotton ball in this mix and dab it on dandruff affected scalp areas. Leave it overnight and then rinse it off with anti-dandruff shampoo and warm water.
Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (like olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil). Massage this mixture gently on the scalp for a few minutes and leave it on for about 30 – 45 minutes or overnight. Wash it in with a mild shampoo.
Wash your hairs and scalp with shampoo and warm water. Then mix 5 – 10 drops of tea tree oil, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water. Use this mixture to rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an exfoliator that helps get rid of dead skin cells from the scalp. It also fights against the yeast like fungus causing dandruff on the scalp. The tiny particles of baking soda remove the loose white flakes. Being alkaline in nature it balances the scalp pH.
There are different ways to use baking soda to cure dandruff.
Rinse your hair with warm water. Add 1 – 3 tablespoon of baking soda to 1/2 cup of warm water. Apply the mixture on damp scalp and massage gently. Let it stay for a few minutes and then rinse off with water (do not use shampoo).
You can also add some baking soda to your regular shampoo and use it to rinse your hair.
Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice in enough of baking soda to make a fine paste. Massage it gently and let it stay for a few minutes till your scalp feel itchy. Wash it off with water and use apple cider vinegar diluted with water to rinse your hairs after washing. It acts as a conditioner.
You can replace lemon juice with mint juice, basil juice or ginger juice and water.
Mix baking soda and raw apple cider vinegar in a bowl till it forms a fine paste. Apply it on the scalp and massage gently as a scrub to remove dandruff. Let it stay for a few minutes and wash your hair with cool water.
6. White Vinegar
Vinegar also helps in treating itchy, dry and dandruff prone scalp. It helps to kill dandruff-causing fungus and bacteria. The acidic nature of vinegar drastically reduces flaking.
Mix an equal quantity of white vinegar and water. Apply it on the scalp about half an hour before a head wash.
7. Neem
Neem is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities and that is why it is used in so many skin medications. However concentrated neem extract can be too strong for the skin. So, always use diluted neem extract for any skin or scalp concerns.
Grind a bunch of neem leaves in a food processor to form a thick paste. Apply this paste on your scalp and let it stay for 10 minutes. Wash it off with water.
Alternatively, Keep a handful of neem leaves in 4-5 cups of hot water. Let it stay overnight. Strain the liquid the next morning and use it to rinse your hair.
8. Garlic
Garlic has huge medicinal value and is immensely beneficial as an anti-fungal agent. Its antimicrobial properties eliminate dandruff causing bacteria. Garlic is a rich source of salicylic acid which is a common ingredient used commercially for the treatment of dandruff.
Crush a few garlic cloves in a bowl and let it stay for a few minutes.
Add honey and some ginger to the crushed cloves. This will reduce the pungent smell of garlic.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it in for about 5-10 minutes.
Rinse your hair and scalp with a mild shampoo.
9. Aspirin
Aspirin contains salicylic acid which is primarily used in many anti-dandruff products. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps get rid of scaly skin and loosening flakes.
Crush two tablets of aspirin and add the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair. Let it stay on your hair for two minutes and then rinse with water.
10. Onion
Onion has strong anti-microbial properties and it is an ideal ingredient for treating dandruff. It also improves blood circulation to the scalp and flushes out the toxins.
Blend a large onion to get a smooth paste. Apply this paste from roots to tips of your hairs. Keep this on for about an hour and wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
Lastly, not all remedies work for everyone but unfortunately, you can’t know which is the best for you until you give each one a try. Use hit and trial to find out your ideal solution to icky dandruff and never again shy away from wearing dark clothes.
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