Dandruff is an irritating and embarrassing hair problem that often causes hair fall too. According to scientific studies, it is caused due to infection of a fungus called malassezia. Sometimes the infections is short lived and go away with the use of anti-dandruff shampoo.
But in many cases the fungus go wild on the skin and spread all over the scalp resulting in shedding skin flakes along with hair. In this situation, one needs to consult a dermatologist for treatment. Application of medicated shampoo containing ketoconazole and salicylic acid solution has been found very effective in clearing dandruff from the scalp.
However, it is always better to deal with dandruff before it gets hold of the scalp. Many simple home remedies are very effective in removing dandruff in its initial stage. So, let’s learn some home remedies to remove dandruff before the fungus makes the scalp its permanent home.
Best Home Remedies for Dandruff
Aspirin
Aspirin is a common medicine that is found in every home’s medicine box. Whereas its use for treating dandruff is an uncommon one! Aspirin can be used by crushing it into powder and mixing it with shampoo while washing hair. Once the mixture is applied, leave it for one to two minutes and then rinse with water. Then again wash the hair with plain shampoo.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used directly from your kitchen to get rid of dandruff. Rub enough amount of baking soda in your wet hand and apply it on the scalp while spreading it all over the scalp. And then rinse with water.
Do not use baking soda along with shampoo. Initially, you may notice a dry scalp but after few weeks scalp will naturally start secreting oil making the hair soft and shiny.
Lemon
Lemon is an easy, effective and inexpensive remedy for dandruff control. It is widely known and used as a home based dandruff remedy. Take a lemon juice and squeeze the juice. Mix the juice with a glass of water. Rub the lemon peel on the scalp and then apply the juice mixture.
Lemon juice can also be used along with coconut oil by combining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 5 tablespoons of coconut oil. The oil mixture should be massage gently every time you oil your hair to get a lemony fresh dandruff-free hair.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is the most-suited oil for dandruff prone scalp. It helps to remove dandruff from the scalp while providing nourishment to the hair and skin. Olive oil has a number of benefits on hair.
Olive oil massage improves blood circulation, provides nutrition to the scalp as well as hair, and moisturizes the scalp by removing dryness. Application of olive oil is very simple. Take enough amount of olive oil, warm it and apply onto the scalp giving a gentle massage to the scalp at night. Shampoo the hair in the morning.
Mouthwash
The use of mouth wash for treating dandruff may sounds unusual but it is true that it is effective in fighting dandruff. Clean the hair and scalp by washing with shampoo and then rinse with an alcohol based mouth wash. Apply a regular conditioner afterward.
Common Salt
Common salt is another item from your kitchen that can be used to get dandruff-free hair. Take three to four tablespoons of common salt in your hand and directly apply it to the scalp. Give a soft scalp massage with your hand. Salt Massage will remove the flakes and dead skin. Finally, wash your hair with shampoo.
Vinegar
Overall, vinegar is a wonderful remedy for hair problems. Besides being a great hair conditioner, it nourishes the hair scalp and promotes hair growth. After shampoo, rinse the hair with a mixture of 2 cups of vinegar and 2 cups of cold water. It can be used in another way by massaging the scalp with 3 tablespoons of vinegar before shampoo.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a European herb used for culinary purpose. It is also used as medicinal herb for the treatment of various health problems. It is effectively used to remove dandruff. Take few rosemary leaves and crush them finely.
Then mix it with vinegar. Apply the paste on the scalp and after 10 to 20 minutes wash off the mixture with water. Apply a massage of rosemary oil mixed and coconut oil mixture on the scalp before going to bed. Next morning wash the hair with shampoo and enjoy the aromatic hair after shampoo.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a popular remedy for dandruff in India. It is also commonly used as a natural hair conditioner. Mix four tablespoons of chickpea flour (also known as besan) with yogurt to make a thick paste.
Apply it onto the scalp and leave it for 45 minute. Then wash the hair with either shampoo or plain water. Yogurt and chickpea flour works together to remove dead skin flakes from the scalp simultaneously nourishing the hair strands.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is effective in treating dandruff due to its antiseptic, anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities. You can add 10 drops of tea tree oil in your shampoo before washing hair. Also, you can simply massage your scalp with tea tree oil before shampoo.
Application of tea tree oil gives instant relief from dandruff. Even after single application, you will notice a significant difference on the scalp.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seed is an ayurvedic remedy for treating dandruff and baldness. It is used for curing several health problems like diabetes and high blood cholesterol. Intake of fenugreek seeds is very beneficial for lactating mothers. Besides, it is also used to induce easy delivery by expanding the uterine walls.
Use of fenugreek seeds for hairs is also very popular in India for inducing hair growth as well as for improving the hair texture. Soak half cup of fenugreek seed overnight and next day blend them in a food processer. Then mix it with equal amount of warm olive oil or coconut oil. Apply the paste on the scalp and leave for one hour. Wash it off with plain water or shampoo.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.