Dandruff, which is characterized by itchy, white flakes of skin on your scalp, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with. The most embarrassing thing that could happen when you're dressed up for an interview or a formal dinner or any occasions, and if you need to scratch an itchy scalp and you also know that a cascade of white flakes of skin on your scalp would follow, onto a jet black blazer- laid bare for all to see.
Dandruff may be caused by multiple factors, including dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products, and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on your scalp.
It may also cause other symptoms, such as greasy patches on your scalp and tingling skin.
Dandruff is a medical problem that has managed to unite over half the adult population across the world - beyond gender, age and race. It is a scalp condition which is caused by a fungus, which feeds on sebum (the oily matter secreted by the sebaceous glands on our scalp) and the dead skin cells which occur naturally due to formation of new skin.
This is also the reason for dryness and itchiness on the scalp, leading to the dead skin cells accumulating into visible flakes. The level of sensitivity of people to these fatty acids determines whether they develop acute or mild dandruff.
Though there are plenty of over-the-counter products designed to treat dandruff, natural remedies are often just as effective.
If you're looking for home remedies for dandruff, we're to help.
Following are some natural home remedies for dandruff you may not have known
If you want to get rid of dandruff on your scalp, try these following natural remedies
Coconut oilStart by rubbing 3 to 5 teaspoons of coconut oil into your scalp, then wait an hour and shampoo your hair. Renowned for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil is also used as a natural remedy for dandruff. It may work by improving skin hydration and preventing dryness, which can worsen dandruff.
According to some research, coconut oil may be as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration when applied as a moisturizer. Other research suggests that coconut oil aids the treatment of eczema, a skin condition that may contribute to dandruff.
One study found that applying coconut oil to the skin reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis
In a 12-week study in 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp led to significant improvements in the scalp microbiome and certain markers of dandruff.
Aloe Vera
Rub a bit into your scalp just before you shampoo your hair. Not only is aloe vera cooling but also mildly exfoliates the skin and has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Aloe Vera
Rub a bit into your scalp just before you shampoo your hair. Not only is aloe vera cooling but also mildly exfoliates the skin and has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
It is best to directly extract some from the aloe vera plant- it is transparent and has a thick consistency. It can be applied in the scalp and then washed off with a medicated anti-dandruff or mild shampoo. This herb also help to calm down an irritated scalp and provide relief from inflammation.
Aloe Vera is a succulent that’s often added to skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions.
When applied to the skin, it may help treat skin conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and cold sores. According to one study, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera may also protect against dandruff .
Similarly, several test-tube studies show that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may help control certain fungal infections.
Aloe Vera is a succulent that’s often added to skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions.
When applied to the skin, it may help treat skin conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and cold sores. According to one study, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera may also protect against dandruff .
Similarly, several test-tube studies show that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may help control certain fungal infections.
Apple cider vinegar
Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse your scalp well.
Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits and is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff. It is because the vinegar’s acidity is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp.
Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse your scalp well.
Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits and is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff. It is because the vinegar’s acidity is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp.
Apple cider vinegar is also said to balance the pH of your skin to reduce fungal growth and thus fight dandruff. However, no studies support these claims. Many of the supposed benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff are based on anecdotal evidence.
If you’d like to give apple cider vinegar a try, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with essential oils and spray directly onto your hair.
Olive oil
If you’d like to give apple cider vinegar a try, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with essential oils and spray directly onto your hair.
Olive oil
Rub several drops of olive oil into your scalp, cover your hair with a shower cap, then sleep on it. In the morning, shampoo your hair.
Tea tree oil
Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments such as acne and psoriasis.
It is also proven to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of dandruff.
Tea tree oil is effective at fighting the specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
Another study found, that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription anti-fungal treatment at healing lesions caused by this fungus.
Additionally, tea tree oil may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s best to dilute it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity and symptoms of dandruff.
Tea tree oil
Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments such as acne and psoriasis.
It is also proven to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of dandruff.
Tea tree oil is effective at fighting the specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
Another study found, that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription anti-fungal treatment at healing lesions caused by this fungus.
Additionally, tea tree oil may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s best to dilute it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity and symptoms of dandruff.
Neem
All of us are aware of the role that Neem extract plays in almost all skin medications because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities. Since dandruff can mostly be attributed to fungal colonization of scalp, it is only right to turn to this age-old remedy for skin ailments.
All of us are aware of the role that Neem extract plays in almost all skin medications because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities. Since dandruff can mostly be attributed to fungal colonization of scalp, it is only right to turn to this age-old remedy for skin ailments.
Natural is always the best way to go; however it is always advisable to use a very diluted version of Neem (Neem boiled in water) for the scalp as concentrated versions may only irritate the skin further.
All anti-acne and anti-fungal medications boast of tea tree oil due to its exceptional power to fight fungal and bacterial infections. Add a drop or two of tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash normally and notice the results sitting in the comfort of your home!
You can simply add some baking soda to your shampoo while washing hair to derive its benefits. It’s believed to act as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and reduce scaling and itchiness. It also has anti-fungal properties that may benefit dandruff treatment.
Baking soda had no effect on psoriasis, skin hydration, or skin redness. It has anti-fungal properties and may help relieve itching and skin irritation. In fact baking soda baths significantly reduced both itchiness and irritation after just 3 weeks.
Baking soda is a quick, convenient, and readily available dandruff remedy.
Leave the shampoo on your head for 5 minutes, or as directed.
Rinse thoroughly. Any leftover shampoo may irritate your skin.
If you're still scratching and shedding after trying over-the-counter preparations, see your doctor. For really stubborn dandruff cases, you may need to use a prescription shampoo or topical medication.
Some foods that you may want to limit are
If these remedies don’t work, consult a dermatologist to find out whether other treatment options may be necessary to provide long lasting relief.
All anti-acne and anti-fungal medications boast of tea tree oil due to its exceptional power to fight fungal and bacterial infections. Add a drop or two of tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash normally and notice the results sitting in the comfort of your home!
Aspirin
For an easy dandruff remedy, try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair.
Aspirin contains Salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. This acid has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
For an easy dandruff remedy, try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair.
Aspirin contains Salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. This acid has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
This acid is also an ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos. It works by helping to get rid of scaly skin and loosening flakes so they can be removed.
Neem Shampoo
The easiest solution for all dandruff issues. When you don't have the time or patience to try the above home remedies or if you find the above remedies messy to do at home, all you have to do is get the Neem-based shampoo from the nearest store.
Neem Shampoo
The easiest solution for all dandruff issues. When you don't have the time or patience to try the above home remedies or if you find the above remedies messy to do at home, all you have to do is get the Neem-based shampoo from the nearest store.
Neem has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and thereby Neem dandruff shampoo does wonder as a quick and easy at-home dandruff solution. Apply and wash your hair 2-3 times per week. We suggest using Head and Shoulders Neem for this because it has all these properties along with Neem that may help you keep dandruff at bay.
Baking soda
Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out. Baking soda, acts as a scrub and exfoliates the scalp gently, without irritating it and removing dead skin cells.
Baking soda
Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out. Baking soda, acts as a scrub and exfoliates the scalp gently, without irritating it and removing dead skin cells.
Exfoliation is essential to ensure there is no build up of flakes on the scalp that make dandruff even more visible. Baking soda, along with its exfoliation and anti-fungal properties, also soothes the scalp and reduces redness and itching.
You can simply add some baking soda to your shampoo while washing hair to derive its benefits. It’s believed to act as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and reduce scaling and itchiness. It also has anti-fungal properties that may benefit dandruff treatment.
Baking soda had no effect on psoriasis, skin hydration, or skin redness. It has anti-fungal properties and may help relieve itching and skin irritation. In fact baking soda baths significantly reduced both itchiness and irritation after just 3 weeks.
Baking soda is a quick, convenient, and readily available dandruff remedy.
Lemon juice
Rub 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into your scalp, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse. Follow that by mixing another teaspoon of lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water and pouring it over your scalp.
Garlic
The pungent smell of the occasional garlic clove may make it a No-No for some but its medicinal value is definitely something that cannot be overlooked. Garlic is immensely beneficial as an anti-fungal natural product and the benefits of raw or crushed garlic (avoid cooked garlic for treating medical conditions) have mesmerized man for centuries.
Rub 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into your scalp, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse. Follow that by mixing another teaspoon of lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water and pouring it over your scalp.
Garlic
The pungent smell of the occasional garlic clove may make it a No-No for some but its medicinal value is definitely something that cannot be overlooked. Garlic is immensely beneficial as an anti-fungal natural product and the benefits of raw or crushed garlic (avoid cooked garlic for treating medical conditions) have mesmerized man for centuries.
Pound a clove or two of garlic and after mixing with water, use it on your scalp to see quick results. The smell? You could always mix in a little honey and ginger! Garlic is immensely beneficial as an anti-fungal natural product.
Vinegar
Mixture of white vinegar with water on the scalp skin about half an hour before a head wash, helps in treating itchy, dry skin and also helps to kill dandruff-causing fungus and bacteria. The acidic content of vinegar is supremely beneficial to drastically reduce flaking.
Vinegar
Mixture of white vinegar with water on the scalp skin about half an hour before a head wash, helps in treating itchy, dry skin and also helps to kill dandruff-causing fungus and bacteria. The acidic content of vinegar is supremely beneficial to drastically reduce flaking.
Dandruff Shampoos
One important thing everyone should know that, Not all dandruff shampoos are alike. Some have different active ingredients, such as:- Salicylic acid and sulfur (Sebex, Sebulex)
- Coal tar preparations (Denorex Therapeutic Protection, Neutrogena T/Gel, Scytera)
- Selenium sulfide (Dandrex, Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength, Selsun)
- Ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral A-D, Xolegel)
- Salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal)
You may need to switch between these types of shampoos because one type controls the dandruff at first but later loses its effectiveness. And if you decide to try a shampoo that has coal tar in it, you’ll need to be extra careful.
Coal tar treats dandruff by making the skin cells on your scalp die and flake off more slowly, Some people have an allergic reaction to it. You’ll need to keep it away from any cuts, broken skin, or infections, as well as your eyes. It can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
How to use dandruff shampoos
When shampooing
Rub the shampoo into your scalp well.Leave the shampoo on your head for 5 minutes, or as directed.
Rinse thoroughly. Any leftover shampoo may irritate your skin.
If you're still scratching and shedding after trying over-the-counter preparations, see your doctor. For really stubborn dandruff cases, you may need to use a prescription shampoo or topical medication.
Avoid certain foods
Although more research is needed on the relationship between diet and dandruff, some people may find that limiting consumption of certain foods relieves inflammation, which may help improve scalp health.Some foods that you may want to limit are
Refined carbs such as white bread, white pasta, tortillas, and red meat, processed foods, fried foods, sugary foods and beverages
Additionally, certain foods may trigger flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema, which may contribute to dandruff.
While specific trigger foods vary from person to person, some of the most common are white flour, gluten-containing products, and nightshades such as eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes.
Additionally, certain foods may trigger flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema, which may contribute to dandruff.
While specific trigger foods vary from person to person, some of the most common are white flour, gluten-containing products, and nightshades such as eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes.
SUMMARY
While these home remedies are often beneficial, Making changes to your diet may reduce inflammation and prevent fungal infections, which may help treat dandruff. Many medicated shampoos and scalp treatments contain anti-fungal or antibacterial ingredients designed to decrease dandruff.Although dandruff can be a difficult problem to deal with, a variety of natural remedies may reduce symptoms and provide relief.
If these remedies don’t work, consult a dermatologist to find out whether other treatment options may be necessary to provide long lasting relief.
