Home remedies to cure and control dandruff HAIR By femina

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder which can be very vexing. It generally occurs due to dry and irritated skin, growth of bacteria and fungus on the
scalp, causing itchiness with excessive formation of dry skin flakes. We tell you everything you need to know about dandruff, and how to control it.

Causes of dandruff

Dandruff is characterised by small white flakes falling from the scalp. While a small amount is normal, as dead skin cells flake off your scalp, many people experience an unusually large amount of flaking. This often leads to their shoulders being covered in tiny white snowflakes. While many people blame dry skin, oily skin, diet, hygiene and stress as causes of dandruff, most scientists believe that dandruff is actually caused by fungal infection. The good news is that dandruff can be treated naturally.

1. Fungal infection
2. Dry scalp
3. Diet 
4. Hygiene 
5. Stress 

Natural home remedies for dandruff

1. Treat your dry scalp with green tea

What you need
Green tea
Peppermint essential oil
White vinegar

What you need to do
1. Brew a cup of green tea and mix 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil.
2. Add a teaspoon of white vinegar to the mix, and let it cool. 
3. Wet your hair under running water, and pour the green tea rinse through it. 
4. Massage it on to your scalp for about five minutes, before rinsing it off with a mild sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner.

When you need to do this
You can do this just before a bath

Why this works
Green tea and peppermint essential oil have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can help promote scalp health, while conditioning your hair.

2. Control dandruff with neem leaves

What you need
Neem leaves

What you need to do
1. Steep 2 handfuls of neem leaves in 4-5 cups of hot wate. Let it stay overnight.
2. The next morning, strain the liquid and use it to rinse your hair. You can also try making a paste out of leaves.
3. Apply it to your scalp and let it sit for about an hour before washing it off with water.
When you need to do this
You can do this in the morning, just before your bath. But if you have the time, you can even apply this treatment to your hair in the night before you turn in, and wash it off in the morning.

Why this works
Neem leaves not only relieve itching, but they also inhibit the over-growth of dandruff-causing fungus.

3. Shampoo well

While this is not exactly a home remedy, this is something you can do avoid getting dandruff in the first place. Not washing your hair properly after shampooing leads to accumulation of dead cells and oil on the scalp, which may lead to dandruff. Wash your hair frequently with a mild shampoo. If you are using a conditioner after shampooing, make sure to apply it at least an inch away from the scalp and wash it off thoroughly so that no residue is left in the hair.

4. Try the aspirin treatment

What you need
2 aspirin tablets
Shampoo

What you need to do
1. Crush 2 aspirin tablets after placing them beneath a clean napkin. 2. Transfer the powder to a bowl. 3. Take a little amount of your regular shampoo and add it to the powder, and mix well. 4. Shampoo as usual using this mixture. 5. Let it stay on your hair for two minutes and then rinse with water. When you need to do this
Ideally, this should be done when you're in the shower shampooing your hair. The idea is to alternate using your regular shampoo with this mixture. 

Why this works Aspirin contains salicylates that exfoliate the scalp and help treat dandruff.

5. Apple cider vinegar can combat itchiness

What you need
Vinegar
Water

What you need to do1. Dilute the vinegar with water in equal parts. For example, if you're taking half a cup of vinegar, mix it with half a cup of water.
2. Use this in place of your shampoo.

When you need to do this
You can use this technique any time you're washing your hair.

Why this works
Apple cider vinegar is great for killing the fungus that causes dandruff. It provides instant relief from itchiness, while getting rid of dandruff with just a few applications over the course of a few days.

6. Get a coconut oil massage

What you need
Coconut oil
Pure tea tree oil

What you need to do
1. Mix 5-10 drops of pure tea tree oil with 5 tablespoons of coconut oil.
2. Apply this mixture on to your scalp as you would while oiling regularly. You don't need to oil the lengths of your hair with this, though. 
3. If you find that you need more oil, make sure that you keep the ratio of the ingredients constant. However, a few teaspoons applied to scalp should be enough.

When you need to do this
You can apply this mixture to your scalp in the night, and wash it off in the morning. If you're short on time, you can just use this 30 minutes before you head for a bath. 

Why this works
Coconut oil is another amazing anti-fungal food that is capable of killing fungus and eliminating dandruff. Tea tree oil helps provide a nice shine to your hair.

7. Lemon juice can help control dandruff

What you need
Lemon juice
Water

What you need to do
1. Massage 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice into your scalp and let it sit for a minute.
2. Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into 1 cup of water and rinse your hair with it.
3. Repeat daily until all your dandruff is gone
When you need to do this
Do this right before your shower daily for best results.

Why this works
Freshly squeezed lemon juice contains acids that can help break down the fungus that is often the cause of dandruff. Its also free from harsh chemicals that often do more harm than good to our hair and scalp and is completely natural. Plus, it leaves you smelling clean and fresh.

8. A hair mask of sour curd can help combat dandruff

What you need
Sour curd or yoghurt
Mild shampoo

What you need to do
1. Take a small amount of sour curd or yoghurt and leave it in the open for a day or two for fermentation.
2. Whisk the curd and apply it to your scalp and hair like a mask and leave it on for an hour.
3. Rinse it thoroughly with a mild shampoo. 

When you need to do this
You should apply this mask about an hour before you take a bath.

Why this works
The acidic quality of the curd not only helps combat dandruff, but conditions it to give it a shiny, soft texture.

9. Use orange peels to condition your scalp



What you need
Dry orange peels
Lemon juice
Shampoo

What you need to do
1. Blend 3-4 dry orange peels with 5-6 tablespoons lemon juice in a mixer till it forms a smooth paste.
2. Apply the paste to your scalp, leaving it on for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse off with your usual shampoo

When you need to do this
You should ideally do this in the morning when you have a bath. Repeat twice or thrice a week for best results.

Why this works
Orange peels have acidic properties that can help reduce excess oil, while conditioning your scalp. This will take care of your dandruff problem eventually. 

10. Try baking soda to solve your dandruff concerns



What you need
Baking soda

What you need to do
1. Get your hair wet, and rub a tablespoon of baking soda on your hair and scalp.
2. Leave it on for just a minute, and wash it off thoroughly. You can also use a mild shampoo to rinse the soda off your hair.

When you need to do this
Try this method while you're in the shower in the morning. Repeat twice a week for best results. 

Why this works
Baking soda is great to fight against the overactive fungi that causes dandruff. It makes for great exfoliant that is mild on your skin, and helps to remove dead skin. It also soaks up any excess oil from your scalp, thus combating yet another reason that causes dandruff. Don't worry if your hair feels dry initially. Your scalp will start producing natural oils to fight the dryness within two weeks.

FAQs on dandruff

Q  

Which are the best anti-dandruff shampoos?

A While dealing with dandruff, it is best to pick hair products that target the issue directly. Opt for medicated shampoos instead of your general store-bought ones. 

Q  

What is dandruff caused by?

 

A Dandruff is characterised by small white flakes falling from the scalp. While a small amount is normal, as dead skin cells flake off your scalp, many people experience an unusually large amount of flaking. This often leads to their shoulders to be covered in tiny white snowflakes. While many people blame dry skin, oily skin, diet, hygiene and stress as causes of dandruff, most scientists believe that dandruff is actually caused by fungal infection.

Q  

Is it a permanent condition?

 
A Dandruff cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Essentialy, it is important to know what is causing dandruff in your hair, and then treat that. 


Q  

Does dandruff cause hairfall?

 
A Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from scalp. It is a chronic condition that causes itching and flaking of the scalp. And if untreated, it can make the scalp itchy and inflamed, causing temporary hair loss. The good news is once you've treated your scalp, the hair will probably grow back. While dandruff itself is not associated with hair loss, certain underlying medical conditions, such as psoriasis, may cause hair loss, say experts.


Q  

What are the best oils to control dandruff?

 
A A number of oils can be your allies in your fight against dandruff. Coconut oil, olive oil, and tea tree oil are among the best ones out there to combat dandruff. Their antibacterial, anti-fungal and moisturising properties are not only effective against dandruff; they are also very helpful for bettering your hair health.


Source: femina