Dandruff is not a petty problem that can be ignored. At the same time, it is not so big a problem that it can’t be solved. Before going any further with this post, consider this:
You are all set for your friend’s birthday party. New pants, perfume, a trendy hairstyle, a pair of Jimmy Choos, a Prada handbag, and makeup that makes you look stunning – everything is perfectly fine.
Until you stand before the mirror one last time and run a comb through your hair. That’s it! Little flakes of dandruff fall on your shoulder, and sap both your energy and mood.
Does this strike a note? We bet it does! Dandruff is one of the most commonest (we are using double superlative here) problems in the world, and one of the most simplest (double superlative again!) issues that can be treated with amazing ease.
You don’t have to go to a hair specialist or resort to expensive treatments. All that is required is a bit of patience. And you can bid adieu to dandruff.
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
You can try this in the morning before bath.
Why This Works
The yeast within our bodies triggers inflammation. This results in the build-up of yeast on the skin. Boosting friendly bacteria inside our digestive systems can reduce the yeast within our bodies. Yogurt is one of the best sources of friendly bacteria, and it prevents scaling of the scalp (1). Pepper has antifungal properties (2).
Caution
Ensure that you use fresh yogurt and pepper. Otherwise, you might not get the desired results.
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[ Read: How To Get Rid Of Dandruff Permanently ]
What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
Every night before going to bed.
Why This Works
There are two ways in which olive oil can cure dandruff. One, olive oil moisturizes the dry areas of the scalp and prevents them from flaking. Two, olive oil can soak into the thick and scaly areas of the scalp that cause continuous dandruff issues. Due to this, the scaly areas fall away as one large piece instead of separate flakes. This helps put an end to dandruff as the affected spot can finally heal (3).
Caution
Make sure you cover your head with a cotton wrap (to prevent your oily hair from attracting dust). Also, ensure the olive oil is just warm and not too hot.
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before shampooing your hair.
Why This Works
Vinegar is capable of killing scalp fungus and bacteria. It also helps in treating dry skin and reducing dandruff not caused by fungus (4). The acid content in vinegar reduces the itchiness of the scalp and drastically brings down flaking.
Caution
Ensure the vinegar doesn’t get into your eyes as it is acidic and might irritate your eyes.
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath.
Why This Works
Baking soda is known to reduce overactive fungi that can cause dandruff.
The baking soda scrub is a mild exfoliant that helps remove dead skin. Excess oil on the scalp (another reason for dandruff) can also be reduced with the help of baking soda (5).
Caution
Remember not to leave baking soda on your hair for a long time. Doing so might dry out your hair.
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
1. Mix one part lemon juice with five parts coconut oil.
2. Apply the mixture gently to your scalp and leave it on for about half an hour.
3. Wash using a mild shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath.
Why This Works
One cause of dandruff is the imbalance in the pH levels of the scalp. The acidity of lemon juice helps in balancing the pH levels of the scalp, thereby keeping dandruff at bay. Coconut oil contains conditioning agents and antibacterial properties, and these can make your hair stronger.
Caution
If you have any minor cuts or wounds on your scalp, refrain from trying this remedy. Lemon juice is acidic in nature and can aggravate them. Also, make it a point to use only fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can have artificial ingredients that might not give you the desired results (or cause harm).
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[ Read: How To Use Lemon To Get Rid Of Dandruff ]
What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking bath. Do this regularly for best results.
Why This Works
Aloe vera has natural antibacterial and fungicidal properties. It also has proteolytic enzyme characteristics, which means it can break down proteins, including dead skin cells. This quality of aloe vera helps it to act as an exfoliant and removes the dead skin so that it doesn’t appear later as dandruff (6).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
You can try this in the morning, before taking bath.
Why This Works
Neem has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties (7).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking bath.
Why This Works
Unripe apples contain Procyanidin B-2, a natural compound that has been found to promote hair growth (8). Since untreated dandruff ultimately leads to hair fall, apples do play a role in keeping your hair healthy.
Caution
Ensure you don’t add too much of water to the apple juice. This can reduce the concentration of the juice, and you might not get the desired results.
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[ Read: Ayurvedic Cures For Dandruff ]
What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
You can try this in the morning while taking bath.
Why This Works
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can also stimulate hair growth. The active components of ginger, like volatile oils, help prevent dandruff (9).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking bath.
Why This Works
Tea tree oil originates from an Australian tree, and is known for its antifungal properties. In one study, participants who used five percent tea tree oil shampoo for four weeks saw a 41 percent reduction in dandruff, whereas those who used shampoo alone showed a 11 percent reduction (10). Tea tree oil has also been found to work as an antiseptic.
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[ Read: How Does Fenugreek Help Cure Dandruff ]
What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning while taking bath.
Why This Works
The dried leaves of henna are extensively used in treating many hair conditions, including dandruff. Active constituents of henna like tannic and gallic acid, lawsone, and mucilage play a major role in henna’s dyeing effect (11).
Henna has the ability to bind to the keratin in the hair, which creates a protective layer and relieves one from scalp irritation. It also reduces oiliness of the scalp and acts as a conditioner. This property of henna helps reduce dandruff (12).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning before taking bath.
Why This Works
Basil leaves are one of the many natural ingredients that can cure dandruff. Known for their extensive antibacterial and antifungal properties, they help treat dandruff and also improve the strength of the scalp (13).
As already stated, dandruff is not an unsolvable problem. The simple and natural ingredients found in our homes are very effective in curing dandruff, and stopping it from recurring.
We don’t think you would be worried about dandruff anymore, would you?
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Hope you liked this post highlighting the simple yet effective home remedies for dandruff. Share your experiences in the comments section given below. We would love to hear from you.