Dandruff Treatment
Are you embarrassed with dandruff and want to get rid of it permanently?
Well, now you can make it happen with the right diet, effective lifestyle changes and healthy habits and useful home remedies using natural ingredients.
Dandruff Causes
Although, we view dandruff as a harmless condition caused by dryness of scalp, it is actually one of the most wide spread skin disorders affecting half of the world population.
Dandruff is caused by proliferation of lipophilic yeasts that belongs to the genus Malassezia.
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff?
Various studies indicate that there are various natural remedies with anti dandruff characteristics that can treat dandruff as effectively as synthetic products such as medicated shampoos and creams.
Home Remedies for Dandruff
In this article, we present to you a comprehensive guide that contains 14 effective home remedies to treat and cure dandruff.
Foods and Diet:
There are certain dietary factors that may contribute to dandruff. Deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals and healthy fats along with allergies or intolerances to certain food ingredients can aggravate yeast infection and cause dandruff.
1. Increase Zinc Intake
There is a high concentration of sebaceous glands on the scalp that produces natural oils that protect the scalp and hair. But, excessive sebum production on the scalp act as a feeding ground for Pityrosporum ovale fungus that cause dandruff. Research and clinical trial show that zinc supplementation helps to get rid of dandruff by reducing sebum production in the scalp.
What Is The Suggested Intake Of Zinc To Cure Dandruff?
The USDA has established a level of adequate intake of zinc for both adults and children. Amount of zinc in the foods and in dietary supplements is measured in milligrams.
- Children under 3 years of age – 2 to 3 mg of zinc daily
- Kids between 4 to 8 years of age – 5 mg of zinc daily
- Male adolescents and adults over 14 years of age – 11 mg of zinc daily
- Female adolescents and adults over 14 years of age – 8 to 9 mg of zinc daily
- Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding – 11 to 13 mg of zinc daily
What Are The Dietary Sources Of Zinc?
Zinc is found in wholesome amount in red meat such as beef and pork, chicken, oysters, crab meat, etc. Some vegetarian sources of zinc include chickpeas, baked beans, cheddar cheese, peanuts, almonds, cashews, etc.
Note – Low dietary levels of zinc can promote excess sebum production and cause dandruff. Eating more foods rich in zinc can help to treat dandruff in some individuals.
2. Include Allicin in Your Diet
Allicin is a potent natural anti-fungal and anti-Candida compound that helps to control the overgrowth of Candida yeast and play an important role in curing stubborn dandruff.
Garlic and other members of the Allium family such as onions and shallots are potent sources of allicin that can be used as a natural treatment for dandruff. Garlic can be used both as topical and oral treatment for dandruff.
How To Use Allicin In Garlic For Fighting Dandruff?
Method 1
- Crush as few cloves of garlic and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- It provides enough time for formation of allicin in the crushed garlic.
- Now, add the crushed garlic to your soups and curries.
Method 2
- Crush a few cloves of garlic, wait for 15 minutes and the squeeze out the garlic juice.
- Dilute it with some water and apply it to the scalp.
- Wait for 30 minutes and wash off with a shampoo.
Note – Allicin found garlic is a powerful health promoting compound that helps to fight dandruff thanks to its anti-fungal properties.
3. Eat more Vitamin B Rich Foods
Deficiency of B-complex vitamins in the diet may contribute to dandruff and cause scaliness of scalp and hair loss. B vitamins often work together and co-exist in the same foods. Research shows that optimum intake of vitamins B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (riboflavin) helps to cure dandruff caused by inefficient metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids.
How B-Vitamins Help Fight Dandruff?
- B-vitamins are vital for growth of new cells, blood circulation and metabolism – all of which are important for maintaining a healthy scalp.
- B-vitamins for food help to control sebum overproduction that is one of the main contributing factors of dandruff.
- B complex vitamins help to reduce stress which also acts as a trigger for dandruff.
What Are The Potent Foods Sources Of B-Vitamins?
B-complex vitamins are found in red meat, organ meat such as liver and kidneys, poultry, eggs, fish and dairy products. Vegetarian sources of B-vitamins include leafy green vegetables, peas, beans, cereals, some breads.
Note – B-complex vitamins found in foods are the best remedy to cure dandruff caused by sebum imbalances and inefficient carbohydrate and fatty acids metabolism.
4. Consume Probiotics
Adding a good quality probiotic supplement to your daily diet or eating probiotic-rich foods that contain a strain of bacillus laterosporus bacteria not only help to cure dandruff, but also improve overall health and restoring the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut.
A small study done on probiotic supplementation shows that supplementing probiotics in the diet brought about a 70% reduction in dandruff in just 4 to 5 weeks.
What Is The Best Food-Based Source Of Probiotics?
Natural, unflavored yogurt or curd is one of the most easily- available sources of probiotics that you can use topically or orally. The alkaline nature of yogurt improves the health of scalp and reduces scalp irritation and redness.
How To Use The Probiotics In Yogurt To Treat Dandruff?
- Take a tablespoon of yogurt and rub it thoroughly into the scalp after washing your hair. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash off with water.
- Consume 100 to 150 grams of plain or Greek yogurt every day. You can add nuts or fruits to it to add some texture and flavor.
Note – A quality probiotic supplement of probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt helps to reduce dandruff caused by imbalance of gut flora. It also helps to boost overall health.
5. Eat More Omega-3-rich Foods
Excessive dry scalp along with deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals can cause dandruff. Supplementing moega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is one of best natural remedies for dandruff.
How Omega-3 And Omega-6 Fatty Acids Fight Dandruff?
Oemga-6 fatty acids promote the body to produce a hormone-like substance called prostaglandins that calm over-active oil glands and reduce sebum production, which is one of the main causes of dandruff.
Omega-3 fatty acids prevent inflammation and redness of skin which causes dandruff, psoriasis and dermatitis.
What Are The Best Food-Sources Of Omega-3 And Omega-6 Fatty Acids?
- Omega-3 fatty acids are found in – flaxseed oil, walnut oil, olive oil, cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and egg yolk.
- Omega-6 fatty acids are found in cooking oils – soy oil, corn oil, canola, oil, sunflower oil and safflower oil.
Note – Relative intake of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is crucial for regulation of inflammation that is one of the main contributing factors for dandruff.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
Low water intake and dehydration causes dryness of the skin and scalp and contribute to dandruff. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water and other fluids every day.
What Is The Link Between Dehydration And Dry Scalp?
- A dry scalp has some noticeable symptoms such as itching sensation and formation of powdery white flakes on the scalp.
- Dry scalp is caused when the natural oil-producing glands of the scalp don’t work properly because they are dehydrated.
- Dryness and dehydration can be caused sure to lack of water consumption, cold seasonal temperatures or certain skin conditions.
How To Treat Dry Scalp Caused By Dehydration?
- The most effective way to fight back dehydration is to keep your body fully hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Try to consume at last 8-ounce glasses of water every day.
- Also, stay away from alcohol and sugar-laden soft drinks that cause dehydration.
Note – Dry and flaky scalp are common signs of dehydration. Drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids to moisturize your scalp from within.
7. Limit Sugar Intake
Dandruff is often caused by Candida yeast. A diet rich in sugar and simple carbohydrates promote the overgrowth of Candida yeast in the body and causes dandruff. In addition, sugar also reduces the levels of B-complex vitamins in the body, which are crucial for fighting dandruff.
What Is The Link Between Sugar And Dandruff?
- Sugar and simple carbohydrates promote inflammation in the body that is one of the main causes of dandruff.
- A diet loaded with sugar, processed foods and unhealthy fats causes sudden insulin spikes which in turn stimulate the release of other hormones that trigger oil production by the glands that contribute to dandruff.
How To Limit Sugar In Your Diet To Cure Dandruff?
You should limit the overall intake of refined sugar along with fatty and fried foods, processed foods, simple carbohydrates and sugar-laden fruits juices and soft drinks in order to stop dandruff.
Note – It is important to limit sugar and simple carbs in the diet in order to control Candida yeast, inflammation and hormonal imbalances – all of which trigger dandruff.
8. Avoid Food Allergens
Some people are sensitive to yeast, dairy products and wheat and these foods many cause dandruff. But, what causes an allergic reaction may not cause a reaction in another person. So these allergies vary from person to person.
How To Identify Which Foods Are Causing Allergic Reaction And Dandruff?
The easiest way to identify the foods that are causing dandruff in an individual is to opt for an allergy test.
Alternatively, a person can eliminate all the foods from the diet that he/she suspects is causing allergy-induced dandruff for 2 to 4 weeks. Once the dandruff disappears significantly, the suspected foods can be re-introduced in the diet, one by one. If the dandruff reoccurs or worsens after eating a specific food then the person is allergic to that specific food or foods.
List Of Common Food Allergens That Cause Dandruff
- Yeast containing foods such as bear, wine, bread
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese, cream
- Cereals containing gluten such as wheat, barley, rye
Note – Intolerance or allergy to certain foods can contribute to dandruff, so reduce the intake of dairy, gluten-rich foods, etc.
Lifestyle Changes and Medicinal Treatments
Following a few hygienic habits and using prescription-strengthen shampoos and creams can treat severe cases of dandruff in an effective manner. These shampoos are prescribed by the dermatologist after examining and determining the actual cause of dandruff.
9. Use a good-quality anti-dandruff shampoo
Anti-dandruff shampoos that contain controlled amount of certain chemicals help to control dandruff by reducing inflammation, controlling sebum production and fighting yeast and fungus infections. These shampoos also moisturize the scalp to a certain extent.
Zinc pyrithione shampoo – Zinc pyrithione is a potent antibacterial and antifungal agent that helps to fight dandruff caused by bacterial or fungal infections. It also helps to treat seborrheic dermatitis.
Shampoo containing coal tar – Coal tar slows down the disintegration of skin cells of the scalp. It prevents the skin cells from drying and forming white scaly plaques. Less plaque formation means less dandruff.
Selenium sulfide shampoo – Selenium sulfide also slows down the rate of turnover of the skin cells on the scalp which in turn reduces scaling and dandruff. Selenium sulfide is an antifungal agent that fights dandruff caused by malassezia fungi.
Shampoo containing salicylic acid – Salicylic acid is the main medicinal ingredient in aspirin that helps to reduce scaling and eliminate dandruff by softening the dead skin cells, reducing inflammation and exfoliating the scalp.
Shampoo containing ketoconazole – Ketoconazole is a versatile antifungal agent that fights most types of fungi and yeast infections that cause dandruff.
Note – Regular use of over-the-counter antidandruff shampoos and prescription shampoos can effectively control severe cases of dandruff.
10. Brush Your Hair After Shower And Shampoo
Brushing your hair after taking a bath or applying shampoo not only untangles the knots, but also helps to distribute the natural oils of scalp evenly throughout the entire surface of the head and the entire length of hair – from root to tip.
How Brushing Reduces Dandruff?
- Brushing your hair regularly helps to remove the dead skin cells from the scalp and prevents them from sticking together and clogging the hair follicles.
- Brushing helps to pull out the natural oils from the hair follicles onto the scalp and distribute them evenly throughout the scalp and hair strands. These natural oil acts as a moisturizer for the scalp and hair.
- Brushing also increases blood circulation to the scalp and supplies essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells of the scalp.
What Type Of Brush Is Best For The Scalp?
- It is best to use natural boar bristle brush to bush your hair. Boar hair is similar in texture to human hair and it helps to unclog the hair follicles and massage the scalp.
- Start from your scalp and brush outwards to distribute the natural oil throughout the entire head.
Note – Brushing your hair on a daily basis and especially after taking a bath aids even distribution of the natural oils throughout the scalp and hair strands that helps to prevent dandruff.
11. Avoid Stress And Relax
Although, stress is not a direct cause of dandruff, but stressful situations, depression and anxiety often cause impaired immune system so that the body is not able to fight the pityrosporum ovale fungus effectively. Stress also makes it harder to get rid of dandruff if you already have it.
How To Deal With Stress In Order To Reduce Dandruff?
- Address the underlying cause of stress and try to solve the problem if possible.
- Maintain a positive attitude and set realistic goals.
- Accept the fact that you can’t control everything.
- Stand up for yourself and share your feelings and opinions in a polite way.
- Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, Tai chi, breathing exercises, mediation.
- Exercise on a daily basis and follow a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
- Get plenty of restful sleep.
- Go easy on alcohol and caffeine.
Note – Stress and anxiety interferes with a number of body functions and cause skin problems such as dandruff. Try to resolve stressful issues and alleviate stress in order to cure dandruff.
12. Practice Yoga
Yoga is the ultimate cure for all diseases and disorders. There are a number of factors that directly and indirectly cause dandruff. Yoga poses, that are specifically intended to nourish the hair and scalp can help to alleviate dandruff and reduce its formation effectively.
Most Effective Yoga Poses For Healthy Scalp And Hair
Paschimottasana (Two-Legged Forward Bend)
This yoga pose involves intense stretching that supplies nutrients and blood throughout the body and helps to control hair fall.
How To Do:
- Sit on the floor with your legs stretched in front and palms on the floor.
- Take a deep breath and bend forward while exhaling.
- Hold the big toes both feet with your hands and keep the face on the knees.
- Wait for 30 seconds and return to the starting position.
Chakrasana (Lying-Down Body Twist)
This yoga pose increases the amount of oxygen supply to the scalp and reduce the formation of dandruff.
How To Do:
- Lie on your back and spread your legs shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees and place your feet on the ground so that your heels touch you buttocks.
- Bend your elbows so that your fingers touch your shoulders.
- Now, breathe in and push your torso up with the force of your hands and legs so that your body forms an inverted U shape.
- Hold this pose for a few seconds and lower your body to the floor as you breathe out.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
This yoga pose improves blood circulation to the neck and scalp and stimulates the nerves of the entire body.
How To Do:
- Lie on your back. Lift your legs, buttocks and back off the ground in one move and support your back with your hands.
- Move your elbows close to each other and move your hands along your back, moving them up towards the shoulder blade.
- Keep the legs and spine straight and breathe deeply. Stay in this position for 30 to 60 seconds and return to the starting position.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing Dog pose)
- This yoga pose improves blood circulation to the brain, thus alleviating any condition of the scalp.
- Get on all fours and lift up your hips towards the ceiling by straightening your knees and elbows, so that your body forms an inverted-V shape. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and feet hip-width apart and toes pointed ahead. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds while taking long deep breaths and return to the starting position.
Note –Although, dandruff is an inevitable skin problem, but it can be controlled and cured easily with holistic methods such as yoga.
Spend Some Time In The Sun
Lack of sun exposure can be one the reasons for dandruff. Small doses of sunlight nourish the scalp and help to keep it flake-free.
How Sunlight Reduces Dandruff?
Sunlight promotes the production of vitamin D3 that improves the release of healthy oils in the skin and scalp that helps to prevent dandruff.
The potent ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun kill microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria that cause dandruff.
What Precautions Should You Take Before Going Out In The Sun?
- Make it a point to protect the exposed skin of the face and body from excessive exposure to damaging UV rays by applying a sunscreen lotion with high SPF.
- Start by spending about 15 to 20 minutes outside each day without covering your head.
- Avoid prolonged period of sunbathing because excessive exposure can cause sunburn and lead to more flakiness.
Note – Spending some time in the sun every day can help to reduce dandruff naturally by promoting the production of vitamin D3 that increases oil production in the skin and scalp.
Home Remedies and Natural Cures
Although, medicinal remedies for dandruff are quite effective in fighting the fungus and bacteria that cause dandruff, but the harsh chemicals in these shampoos and creams might have some adverse reaction of sensitive skin. Natural treatments of dandruff using essential oils, herbs and other ingredients can help to reduce dandruff over time without any harmful side effects.
1. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are powerful seeds which contain essential elements like nicotinic, acid & protein, niacin, potassium, Vitamin C, Amino acids & diosgenin which helps to prevent dandruff & hair loss.
Ingredients:
- Two table spoons of Fenugreek Seeds.
- Water
- A Bowl.
Method:
- Take two table spoons of Fenugreek seeds in a bowl.
- Soak it for overnight.
- Grind it to make a fine paste.
- Apply it on your scalp.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with that soaked water
- Repeat it regularly to get rid of dandruff.
Benefits:
- Fenugreek seeds are Anti fungus i.e., they remove the fungus that are growing inside & onside the scalp.
- The seeds are rich in proteins & amino acids which moisturizers the hair & reduces dandruff & then after hair fall.
2. Fenugreek with ACV
Ingredients:
- Few Fenugreek seeds or leaves
- Apple cider vinegar
Method:
- Take few fenugreek seeds or leaves.
- Make it like a paste with the help of blender/grinder.
- To that paste add Apple cider vinegar & Mix it well.
- Apply it on your scalp.
- Leave it for few minutes.
- Rinse your hair with water.
- Repeat the process to get rid of dandruff & dry itchy scalps.
Benefits:
- High acidity & powerful enzymes in Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) kills the bottle bacillus, a germ which causes dandruff.
- Fenugreek when combined with ACV will kill the bacteria or fungus which causes dandruff, itchy & moisturizes your hair to grow healthier.
3. Fenugreek with Coconut Oil
Ingredients:
- One table spoon of Fenugreek seeds
- Five table spoons of Coconut oil
Method:
- Take fenugreek seeds & crush it well.
- Warm the coconut oil.
- Mix the powdered seeds in the oil.
- Apply it on your scalp when the oil comes to room temperature.
- Leave it for 2 hours.
- Wash it off with water followed by mild shampoo.
Benefits:
- Both fenugreek & coconut acts as an anti fungal & removes the dandruff.
- Coconut oil Removes dry scalp which is main reason for dandruff.
- It moisturizes your hair & prevents dry scalp & helps in hair growth.
4. Lemon (For Dry Scalp)
Lemon helps to reduce scalp itch & it balances potenz hydrogen (pH) levels and reduce excessive oils, which causes dandruff.
Method:
- Take one ripped lemon & cut it into half.
- Apply the lemon or its juice directly on your scalp.
- Massage it gently.
- Leave it for about 5 – 10 minutes.
- Wash your hair with cold water.
Benefits:
Lemon contains Citric acid which fights with dandruff & get rid off from the roots of hair follicles.
5. Lemon with Coconut Oil
- Ingredients:
- Lemon juice
- Coconut oil
Method:
- Take a lemon & squeeze the juice from it.
- Warm the coconut oil in indirect heat.
- Mix the lemon juice in the oil.
- Apply it on your scalp.
- Let it sit for about as hour.
- Rinse your hair with water.
- Cover your hair with warm towel.
- Repeat the process for better results.
Benefits:
- Coconut oil works as a deep moisturizer which solves the problem of dry scalp.
- Lemon & Coconut oil works on moisturizing dry scalp & balancing the shed of dead cells by removing the dead cells from the hair.
6. Lemon with Hazel Oil
Ingredients:
- One table spoon of witch Hazel oil
- One table spoon of lemon juice
Method:
- Mix all the above said ingredients properly.
- Warm the mixture on indirect heat.
- Apply it on your scalp
- Massage it in circular motion.
- Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with water.
Benefits:
- Hazel helps to balance the moisture levels & to reduce inflammation.
- Lemon is anti fungal properties & it actions on scalp it removes the dandruff & up to some extent, it makes to scalp to dry & hazel moisturizes it & helps to prevent the dandruff.
7. Lemon with Fuller’s Earth
Ingredients:
- Lemon juice
- Fuller’s Earth (Multani mitti)
Method:
- Take Fuller’s Earth in a bowl (depending upon the length of your hair)
- Add lemon juice to it.
- Mix it well to form a paste
- Apply it on your scalp.
- Leave it for few minutes to get dry.
- Wash it off with water.
- Repeat the process once in a week.
Benefits:
- Lemon is purely acidic in nature & it works on the surface of scalp to remove the dirt particles & dead skin cells.
- Multani mitti is mild in nature & acts as an absorber as it absorbs the excess oil from the hair which causes the dandruff.
8. Curd
Method:
- Take a cup of curd in a bowl
- Allow it to open for 3 – 4 days.
- Massage your hair with that curd.
- Leave it for about 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with water & apply shampoo to it.
Benefits:
It conditions the hair from dry scalp & prevents dandruff & hair fall.
9. Curd with Pepper
Ingredients:
- Curd
- Two tbsp of Black Pepper powder.
Method:
- Take a cup of yogurt & add pepper powder to it.
- Mix it well to make a paste.
- Apply it on your scalp but not for hair.
- Leave it for about one hour.
- Rinse it off with mild shampoo.
Benefits:
- Curd acts as a moisturizer & helps the hair in preventing the dry scalp & dandruff.
- Black pepper contains dandruff fighting minerals, zinc & selenium.
10. Curd with Lemon Juice
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of curd
- 1 or 2 spoons of lemon juice
- 1 spoon of honey
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients properly to form a paste.
- Apply it on your hair thoroughly by dividing it into parts.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- After that comb your hair gently.
- Rinse it off with water followed by a mild shampoo.
- Apply conditioner as usually.
Benefits:
- Curd moisturizes the hair, lemon cleanse the hair & gives natural shine
- Honey will give soft & shinny hair
- When these are applied on hair will give good results in fighting with dandruff.
11. Curd with Aloe Vera
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of curd
- 2 – 3 spoons of fresh aloe vera juice.
- Olive oil / coconut oil.
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients (coming to oil, if you applied oil for your hair means no need to add in process. If not add it to prevent over drying)
- Apply this paste on your hair evenly as hair pack.
- Wait for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with water followed by mild shampoo & conditioner.
Benefits:
- Aloe vera contains of pectin that carries unique qualities to stimulate, breakdown dead cells & develop new tissues & cells which helps to prevent dandruff soon.
- You can also use fresh aloe vera juice on your scalp to get rid of dandruff.
12. Tea Tree Oil
Ingredients:
- Few drops of tea tree oil
- Regularly used shampoo or empty spray bottle
Method:
- Take tea tree oil
- Add few drops of tea tree oil to the shampoo mixture which you use regularly.
- Apply that mixture to your hair
- Wash it off completely.
- Or you can mix 1 tbsp on tea tree oil in one cup of warm water.
- Put in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution after taking shampoo to your hair.
- Massage it well & pat dry it.
Benefits:
- Tea tree oil will effectively fights with the fungus that causes dandruff without drying your scalp.
- It is a natural conditioner too.
13. Tea Tree Oil with Carrier Oils
Ingredients:
- Tea tree oil
- Carrier oil (olive oil or almond oil)
Method:
- Mix the above ingredients in 10: 1 ratio i.e. 10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Massage it on your scalp.
- Let it sit for about half an hour.
- Wash your hair with normal water followed by shampoo.
Benefits:
- When both the oils applied on the scalp/hair will give dandruff less hair as tea tree oil & carrier oils will fight with the fungus that causing the dandruff & moisturizers the hair.
- Most effective for dry scalp.
14. White Vinegar
Ingredients:
- Vinegar
- Water
Method:
- Take Vinegar & water in 1: 3 ratios i.e., one part of vinegar with three parts of water.
- Use this liquid to wash your hair.
- Rinse your hair with normal water.
- Or you can apply vinegar directly on your hair.
- Cover your hair with towel or some cloth.
- Leave it for overnight
- Next day morning wash your hair with shampoo as usually.
Benefits:
Acetic acid which is present in the vinegar helps to kill the bacteria & fungus on your scalp to prevents dandruff.
15. Olive Oil
Method:
- Take olive oil & make it warm on indirect heat.
- Use this oil to massage it on your scalp.
- Wrap your hair with towel
- Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with normal water.
Benefits:
Olive oil soothing the scalp & gently rejuvenating the scalp of its moisture & nutrition and prevents the dandruff.
16. Baking Soda
Method:
- Wash your hair to be in wet.
- Rub baking soda on your scalp
- Leave it for few minutes.
- Rinse it off with normal oil.
- Don’t apply shampoo to your hair.
- You can also try by adding small amount of baking soda to your shampoo while washing your hair.
Benefits:
- Baking soda is an alkaline; it balances the pH level of your hair.
- It is a mild exfoliant which removes the dead skin cells & excess oil on your scalp & at last prevents dandruff.
17. Aloe Vera
Ingredients:
Fresh aloe vera juice or gel taken from aloe vera leaves.
Method:
- Take aloe vera juice or gel.
- Apply it on your hair.
- Let it sit for about few minutes.
- Wash your hair with mild shampoo.
- Repeat this process for at least once in two days to get rid of dandruff problem.
Benefits:
Aloe vera moisturizes your hair, removes the dead cells without getting dry on your scalp.
18. Thyme
Ingredients:
- Four tbsp of dried thyme
- Two cups of water.
Method:
- Mix the thyme & water properly.
- Boil it for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid & allow it to cool up to room temperature.
- Take that liquid & massage it on your scalp evenly.
- Leave it for 5 minutes.
- Repeat the process again.
- Apply it like a mask.
- Wash your hair after 2 – 3 hours.
- Repeat the process to get rid of dandruff problem.
Benefits:
- Thyme has a healing & anti septic property.
- It stimulates the blood circulation when massaged it on your scalp & helps to get their nutrition
- It prevents the hair loss & dandruff.
19. Aspirin
Ingredients:
- Aspirins
- Shampoo
Method:
- Take two aspirins & crush it to powered form
- Mix it with shampoo of equal quantity.
- Wash your hair with this mixture.
- Massage your scalp with it.
- Rinse it off completely
Benefits:
Acetyl salicylic acid, which we commonly seen in Aspirin help to prevent the dandruff.
20. Listerine (Mouth Wash)
Method:
- Take Listerine in your hand & rinse your hair with that solution.
- Leave it for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Wash your hair completely.
- You can also try by taking water in two parts to that of one part of Listerine.
- Mix it well & pour it in an empty spray bottle.
- Spray that solution all over the wet hair.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes & wash it completely.
Benefits:
Listerine contains anti fungal properties which prevents yeast responsible for dandruff.
21. Eggs
Method:
- Beat 2 eggs & mix it properly.
- Apply the mixture on your hair
- Leave it for about an hour.
- Rinse it off completely.
Benefits:
Egg contains proteins which help to prevent the dandruff.
22. Apple
Ingredients:
- Apple
- Orange
Method:
- Take apple & orange in equal quantity.
- Make it like a fine paste.
- Apply it on your scalp.
- Leave it for 20 – 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with shampoo.
Benefit:
Apple & orange helps to prevent the dandruff as orange contains critic acid which removes the dead skin cells & apple helps to build new tissues.
23. Apple Juice
Ingredients:
- Apple juice
- Warm water
Method:
- Take apple juice & warm water in equal quantity.
- Mix it well
- Apply it on your scalp & massage it evenly.
- Let it sit for about for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Wash it off with normal water.
Benefits:
Apples contain enzymes that will help lift the rest of dead cells & impurities causing dandruff.
24. Neem
Ingredients:
- Neem leaves (handful)
- 4-5 cups of water
Method:
- Take handful of neem leaves & add water to it.
- Soak it for overnight
- Next day morning, just strain the water & use it to rinse your hair.
- Or you can try by pasting the leaves by crushing it to make fine paste.
- Apply it on your scalp
- Leave it for about an hour.
- Rinse it off by using warm water or cold water.
Benefits:
Neem has anti fungal properties which kills the fungus causes the dandruff. It also have the property of relieving you from itching, preventing the growth of dandruff & eliminating it from the root & helps you not to face this problem repeatedly.
25. Indian Basil / Tulsi
Ingredients:
- Basil leaves / Tulsi leaves
- Amla powder
Method:
- Take Tulsi leaves & crush it.
- Add Amla powder to it in a bowl
- Make it like a fine paste by adding water.
- Massage your scalp with that paste.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair completely with water & shampoo.
Benefits:
- Tulsi helps to improve blood circulation, keeps your scalp clean, cool & reducing itchiness, & at last dandruff problems.
- You can also apply the paste f tulsi on your scalp which clean all the impurities & rinse it off when it gets dries.
26. Garlic
Ingredients:
- Two table spoons of Garlic powder
- One table spoon of lemon juice
Method:
- Take the above ingredients & mix it to make a fine paste.
- Apply it on your hair
- Leave it for about 30 – 40 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water & apply shampoo.
- Or you can use a mixture of honey & crushed garlic
- Apply it on your scalp & wait for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with shampoo.
Benefits:
Garlic contains allisin which acts as anti fungus which kills the fungus producing the dandruff.
27. Onions
Ingredients:
- Onions
- Lemon juice
Method:
- Take onions according to your hair length.
- Paste the onions with the help of blender/grinder.
- Apply the paste on your scalp.
- Leave it for one hour.
- Rinse it off completely.
- Apply fresh lemon juice to avoid the smell of onions.
- Let it sit for few minutes.
- Wash it off with normal water.
Benefits:
Onions are rich in vitamins, sulfur, calcium, minerals, potassium & magnesium which help the hair to regenerate the new cells & prevent the dandruff.
28. Beet Root & Ginger
Ingredients:
- Ginger
- Beet root
Method:
- Take ginger & beet root in a bowl.
- Peel it off the covered layer.
- Make it like a paste with the help of blender/mixture grinder.
- Massage that paste on your scalp.
- Leave it for overnight.
- Next day morning, wash it off completely with normal water.
- Do the same process continuously for 4-5 nights.
Benefits:
- Beet roots are full of vitamins & minerals which help for follicles of hair to grow healthy & prevent the dandruff.
- Ginger has anti fungal & anti bacterial properties.
29) Gram Flour (Besan)
Ingredients:
- Besan / Gram Flour
- Curd
Method:
- Take some amount of gram flour / besan in a bowl.
- Mix it well with curd.
- Apply that paste on your scalp.
- Let it sit for about 20 – 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
Benefits:
Besan acts as an effective cleansing agent; it removes the dirt particles/dead cells which causes the dandruff.
30. Rosemary
Ingredients:
- Rosemary Leaves /Oil
- Vinegar
Method:
- Take oil of rosemary leaves (by squeezing them).
- Mix it with vinegar
- Apply it on your scalp.
- Wait for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse it off completely.
- Or you can use rosemary oil & coconut oil.
- Mix it well.
- Apply it on your scalp.
- The process has to be repeated for at least twice a week.
Benefits:
Rosemary acts as astringent which reduces the oily on your scalp & helps to prevent the dandruff.
31. Henna
Ingredients:
- Henna powder
- Amla powder
- Tea powder,
- Lemon juice &
- Curd
Method:
- Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl to make a paste.
- Add few drops of oil (regularly used hair oil) in the paste.
- Let it sit aside for about 10 – 12 hours, better mix it in the night & leave it for overnight.
- Next day morning apply it on your hair evenly.
- Leave it for an hour.
- Rinse it off with shampoo.
Benefits:
- It acts as a curative & conditioner.
- It nourishes the roots of hair & prevents the hair fall and dandruff.
32. Beetroot Leaves
Ingredients:
- Henna powder
- Beetroot leaves
Method:
- Take henna leaves & beetroot leaves.
- Mash it to make a fine paste.
- Apply the paste on your scalp.
- Leave it for few minutes without disturbing.
- When it gets dried, wash your hair with shampoo.
Benefits:
- Henna powder attaches with keratin in the hair by creating a protective layer & relieving the scalp irritation.
- It acts as anti bacterial & anti fungal properties so, it prevents the dandruff.
33. Cedar Wood
Ingredients:
- Cedar oil (seven drops)
- Cypress & juniper (each ten drops)
- Carrier oil (50 ml)
Method:
- Mix all the ingredients properly.
- Massage your scalp with that oil.
- Allow it to sit for an hour without disturbing.
- Wash it off with warm water & apply mild shampoo.
- Or you can use all the above ingredients in equal quantity.
- Mix the oils in 600 ml of warm water.
- Stir it well & use it as in water for final rinse.
Benefits:
- Cedar wood is a natural antiseptic, anti fungal so it kills the fungus which causes the dandruff.
- Carrier oil nourishes & moisturizes the hair.
34. Snake Gourd
Ingredients:
- Snake gourd
Method:
- Take snake gourd & make it like a paste with the help of blender/mixture.
- Apply the juice on your scalp.
- Let it sit for half an hour.
- Rinse your hair with water followed by shampoo.
Benefits:
It has anti inflammatory property which helps to reduce the dandruff.
35. Ginger
Ingredients:
- Ginger
- Lemon juice
- Sesame oil or olive oil.
Method:
- Peel the roots of ginger & make like a juice.
- Combine ginger juice, lemon juice & sesame oil/ olive oil in equal quantity.
- Mix it well.
- Massage it on your scalp.
- Wait for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
Benefits:
It acts as anti inflammatory & anti fungal, it prevents the dandruff.
36. Parsley
Ingredients:
- Parsley
- Boiled water
Method:
- Take fresh parsley leaves & finely chopped it.
- Now take one cup of chopped parsley & mix it with 2 cups of boiling water/ warm water.
- Allow it to cool for 30 minutes.
- Massage this liquid on your scalp.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with cool water.
- Repeat the process for at least one a week.
Benefits:
- It reduces the free radical damage which prevents the dandruff.
- It is a natural herb.
37. Honey
Ingredients:
- Honey
Method:
- Take honey according to the length of your hair
- Apply it on your scalp evenly by massaging.
- Wait for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with warm water followed by shampoo.
Benefits:
- It has humectants & anti bacterial properties.
- It has anti inflammatory & anti viral properties that helps to eliminate dandruff.
38. Get the Sun Shine
Ingredients:
- Sunlight
Method:
- Everyday try to spend at least 10 – 15 minutes out in the Sunlight.
- This helps you to absorb the vitamin from it & dry up the excess oil on your hair
- At last prevent the dandruff problem to you.
- But make sure that not to extend the time under the sun, which can be harmful to your skin, hair & health also.
Benefits:
It is an unknown remedy for the scientific reason why severity of dandruff will be lessened when the afflicted person spent more time in Sun.
39. Maintain Healthy Diet
Ingredients:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Plenty of water
- Fish oil
- Lean & Other proteins
Method:
- Include green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale & others to encourage the healthy hair, skin & nail growth.
- Have food with Fish Oil & its supplements which helps to lessen the severity of dandruff & prevent it that not to repeat it in future.
- Take lean proteins to reduce the dandruff & it also helps to build your hair in healthy form. This protein will be available in fishes, non meat proteins like eggs, nuts, beans etc.
Benefits:
Eating healthy food will reflects your health very sound. As we all know that oily/fatty foods will increases the problem of dandruff.
Take the healthy food which helps your scalp to fight against the bacteria causing the dandruff & to get rid of those pesky flakes to keep them away in future also.
40. Dandruff Using Salt
Method:
- Take 3 – 4 tbsp of salt (if you have Epsom salt will work well or otherwise regular table salt is also fine for this treatment) into your hands.
- Now pour it on your scalp
- Gently massage it on your skin which is dry or slightly dampened scalp for about 3 -4 minutes
- Immediately after applying thoroughly onto your scalp, rinse it off with normal water.
- Continue this process to ward off the dandruff.
Benefits:
- It also helps in preventing the dandruff problem. Its abrasive crystals will work here as a natural exfoliator & removes the excess oil & dead skin flakes.
- It clears your scalp & makes you feel like a spa treatment.
- If your skin / scalp are itchy, it would be a pleasant treatment to feel.
Tips to Prevent Dandruff:
These tips are very effective for treating the dandruff. Follow these to get best results.
- Rinse your hair regularly for every alternate day by which the scalp gets cleaned & reduces dandruff to spread.
- Brush your hair to remove the dead cells & massage your hair with oil as it improves the blood circulation & prevents dandruff.
- Taking care of your hair during winter season as it is known that during winter, the scalp will gets dried easily & dandruff will occur.
- Rinse it off completely after applying your hair with shampoo & conditioner. Use anti dandruff shampoo & conditioner to prevent the dandruff.
- Include fats, zinc, foods contains vitamin B, omega 3s etc in your diet which helps to prevent the dandruff.
- Reduce the stress levels & if possible live a stress less life which is the best remedy for many problems including dandruff. To reduce stress, follow regularly the methods of yoga, meditation etc., to get the relief from stress.
- Apply sesame oil / carrier oil to your hair & leave it for overnight & wash it off with warm water in the next day morning.
- Apply hot oil massages regularly.
- Cover your hair while swimming, which helps to prevent chorine water to enter into your hair.
- Drink plenty of water & eat healthy food by including leafy vegetables, fish oils and fruits. But make sure to avoid oily foods which help the dandruff to spread.
- Apply homemade hair packs to prevent the dandruff regularly.
- Exposure to moderate sunlight to get necessary vitamins.
- Don’t make your hair too dry.
- Avoid taking hot water bath.
- Lathering your hair will help to prevent dandruff. For the first lathering & rinsing, it will remove the loose flakes & oily buildup on your hair & scalp. Then the second lather will works best by penetrating into the skin cells & do its job of what it’s supposed to do. But surely leave for 5 minutes before rinsing for second lather.
- If you are bored of use anti dandruff shampoos & it is not that much effective to cure your dandruff problem then try the tar shampoos, which is a proven remedy for dandruff as it decreases the cell turnover very effectively & reduces the growth of dandruff. But be sure to test it initially & these shampoos have a strong odor.
- Avoid your fingers that not to go to the itchy patches as it will injure the scalp. Try to find out the reason that for what you are getting this itching other than dandruff. As we know, even using the medicated shampoos will cause itchy then switch to a mild shampoos.
- Effective & Harmless remedies will not give instant results, but definitely leads to a permanent solution. First of all see what kind of dandruff you are facing and then proceed to the treatment to get rid of the problem by following the remedies of your choice.