Dandruff is a common scalp condition, especially in winter, that causes flakes of skin to appear in a person’s hair. It is usually caused by a fungus called Malassezia, which lives on the scalp of most people. Then other factors that can contribute to dandruff include dry skin, sensitivity to hair care products, and a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. In some cases, dandruff can also be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition, such as psoriasis or eczema.
How to Treat Dandruff Naturally at Home?
There are several things you can try to help get rid of dandruff naturally at home.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the greatest all-natural treatments for severe dandruff is supposed to be apple cider vinegar. Vinegar helps in treating itchy and dry skin. It also aids in the destruction of germs and fungi responsible for dandruff. Vinegar’s acidic composition is quite helpful in significantly minimizing flaking. Applying white vinegar and water in equal parts to the scalp’s skin around 30 minutes before washing your hair treats dandruff. - Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil fights bacterial and fungal infections. The powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, alleviate symptoms of dandruff. To use tea tree oil for treating dandruff add a drop or two of tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash normally or add a few drops of tea tree oil to any carrier oil and massage your scalp. Keep it for 30 minutes before washing your hair. - Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is commonly used in cosmetics, lotions, and other beauty products. It offers great benefits for the skin. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of aloe vera help treat dandruff. The mild cooling properties of aloe vera soothe the itchy and dandruff-ridden scalp. Scrape aloe gel from the aloe plant. Massage the gel on the scalp for a few minutes. Keep it on your scalp for 30 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water. - Baking Soda
Baking Soda works as a mild scrub and exfoliates the scalp gently. Exfoliating the scalp removes dead skin and eases itchiness. For the exfoliation, sprinkle some baking soda on damp hair and massage it gently for five minutes. Then wash your hair with lukewarm water. You can also add baking soda to your shampoo while washing your hair. - Neem Water
Neem plays an important role in almost all skin medications because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Neem is great for curing dandruff. For this, boil neem leaves in water and let the water cool down. Use this water to wash your hair.
Other Treatments to Cure Dandruff
- Use a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo that contains ingredients like pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole. These ingredients can help control the growth of the fungus that causes dandruff.
- Massage your scalp with coconut oil or olive oil to help moisturize your scalp and reduce flaking.
- Avoid using hair care products that contain alcohol, as they can dry out your scalp and make dandruff worse.
- Avoid using hot water when washing your hair, as it can strip your scalp of its natural oils and make dandruff worse.
- Avoid scratching your scalp, as this can irritate your skin and make dandruff worse.
If left untreated, dandruff can sometimes lead to temporary hair loss due to excessive scratching of the scalp. If you are concerned about your dandruff or if it is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.