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.
There are many products available in the market that can help you get rid of dandruff. But, most are not really effective in keeping the scalp dandruff-free on a long term basis. Some might or might not help; some might suit a particular scalp type while some might not be of the right quality or may be highly priced.
Here are the top 10 remedies –
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
Alternate Method
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking a bath. You can also apply the paste in the night, and shampoo your hair in the morning.
Why This Works
Neem leaves (and especially their extract) have excellent anti-fungal properties that can be used in the treatment of dandruff (1). It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (2).
Caution
Your scalp might itch as you apply the paste. This sensation is normal, and hence, there is nothing to worry about it.
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking a bath.
Why This Works
Coconut helps in preserving the hair’s natural proteins and is also known to eliminate dandruff (3). And according to an Italian study, honey is a suitable ingredient for treating dandruff, owing to its antimicrobial properties (4).
Caution
Remember not to rinse your hair with the shampoo more than twice. Doing so can strip your scalp of the moisture provided by the mask.
Also, if you generally use a hair dryer to dry your hair, ensure you do it on a low setting. Applying too much heat directly to your scalp can damage the hair roots.
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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
Aspirin contains salicylates that exfoliate the scalp and help treat dandruff (5).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking a bath.
Why This Works
Baking soda works by reducing the overactive fungi that are responsible for dandruff (6).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking a bath.
Why This Works
Mouthwash possesses antifungal properties that fight the dandruff-causing yeast and prevent it from growing (7).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, every day for a week. Post that, you can follow this remedy once every week.
Why This Works
Bananas are excellent sources of B vitamins, the nutrients that improve circulation and keep skin healthy. Apple cider vinegar is a known fungicide and germ killer, and helps treat dandruff (8).
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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
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 (9). According to one study, probiotics can help treat dandruff condition. Yogurt being a good source of probiotics could be one of the ideal remedies for dandruff.
Alternative Method
You can add two spoons of freshly ground black pepper to the yogurt. Pepper has antifungal properties (10).
Caution
Ensure that you use fresh yogurt and pepper. Otherwise, you might not get the desired results.
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before you take a bath.
Why This Works
Fuller’s earth absorbs the oil, grease, and dirt – all of which cause dandruff. It also improves blood circulation to the scalp, thereby keeping the scalp clean and free from dandruff.
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while you take a bath. You can follow this remedy twice to thrice every week.
Why This Works
The orange peel has acidic properties that help reduce excess oil and condition the scalp. This eventually helps treat dandruff.
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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. You can repeat this remedy three to four times a week.
Why This Works
As we know, lemon juice is rich in citric acid, which plays a major role in eliminating dandruff from the roots of the hair.
Caution
Don’t forget to shampoo your hair after this remedy, as curd has a tendency to leave a very undesirable odor.
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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. Do this for two to three times a week.
Why This Works
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 (11). It also reduces the dandruff-causing overactive fungi. Though your hair might get dried initially, within two weeks, your scalp will start producing natural oils to combat the dryness. Baking soda is known to reduce overactive fungi that can cause dandruff.
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
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, after taking a bath. Perform the remedy once a week till your dandruff is gone.
Why This Works
Coconut oil penetrates deep into the epidermis and works from within. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, which have regeneration properties that can help treat dandruff (12).
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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. You can repeat the remedy daily for about a week.
Why This Works
The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH levels of your scalp, thereby hampering the growth of yeast.
Caution
Ensure the mixture doesn’t get into your eyes. Also, any unhealed scratch or scab might burn when you use this remedy. In that case, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.
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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. You can repeat this remedy once a day every day for about a week.
Why This Works
Different studies have supported the efficacy of a tea tree oil shampoo in treating dandruff (13). Tea tree oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and a higher rate of dermal penetration, which makes it one of the best remedies for dandruff (14). 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 (15). Tea tree oil has also been found to work as an antiseptic.
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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
Cedarwood oil has anti-seborrheic properties that treat dandruff and other inflammatory scalp conditions (16).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking a bath.
Why This Works
The presence of several vitamins and minerals makes fenugreek seeds one of the ideal home remedies for dandruff (17).
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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
Biotin is one of those vitamins that can help treat dandruff (18). Egg yolks, being great sources of biotin, can be a great remedy in this case. Another advantage of egg yolks is they condition your hair and make it healthier (19).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To This
In the morning before taking a bath, or in the 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. A little amount of olive oil can help loosen those stubborn dandruff scales (20). They will eventually fall off from your scalp, leaving it healthy and rejuvenated. 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 (21).
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
A few drops of egg oil (Eyova)
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the night before going to bed. Follow the remedy twice to thrice a week for about 12 weeks.
Why This Works
Egg oil is rich in long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, which strengthen the hair follicles. The oil also contains cholesterol that can eliminate dandruff.
Caution
Shampoo your hair only once, as repeated shampooing can wash out the natural hair lipids, making it dry and weak.
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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
Garlic has excellent anti-fungal properties that can eliminate the bacteria that cause dandruff (22).
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What You Need
A saltshaker or 2 – 3 tablespoons of table salt
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before you take a bath.
Why This Works
The abrasive nature of table salt plays a great role in scrubbing off the dandruff flakes before you shampoo your hair.
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the night, before going to bed.
Why This Works
The baby oil that you get from your nearest drugstore doesn’t contain fats that can be consumed by the fungi and hence, helps in its elimination.
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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 (23). 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
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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What You Need
A small amount of aloe vera gel
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a 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 (24).
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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
Unripe apples contain Procyanidin B-2, a natural compound that has been found to promote hair growth (25). 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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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
You can try this in the morning while taking a 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 (26).
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What You Need
A teaspoon each of henna, amla powder, tea powder, lemon juice, and hair oil (preferably coconut oil)
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning while taking a 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 (27).
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 (28).
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What You Need
What You Need To Do
When You Need To Do This
In the morning before taking a 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 (29).
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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Dandruff is caused when a fungus called Malassezia grows on your scalp. This results in shedding of the scalp skin. There are two types of dandruff – one occurs due to the dryness of the scalp, while the other occurs due to the production of excessive oil on the scalp. Some of the known causes of dandruff are:
Having a clean scalp and hair is important to prevent dandruff. There are many anti-dandruff shampoos that work wonders. It is best to choose something mild unless your case is severe. Dead cells need to be prevented from getting accumulated, and the best way to do this is to keep your hair and scalp immaculately clean.
Brushing out an oily, dandruff-affected scalp before a hair wash can also help you reduce dandruff. This has to be followed by a rinse using a mixture of malt vinegar and water (4 teaspoons vinegar in one mug of water).
Ensure that you always cover your hair while traveling. This will help you reduce the risk of dandruff as the hair would not get exposed to the harsh, polluted environment.
While swimming, make sure to oil your hair and wear a shower cap. This will help reduce the risk of chlorine in the water spoiling your hair.
Do not expose your hair to the harsh sun rays, especially because the harmful UVA and UVB rays can dry the hair out.
Make sure that you use herbal products to remove dandruff, as most products contain harmful parabens, sulfates, and silicones.
However, ingredients such as ZPT and Pro-V Complex help reduce dandruff to a great extent.
Important Points To Remember
Kiss dandruff goodbye with these time-tested and effective home remedies. Do share your experiences with us in the comments section below!