8 Easy Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dandruff. Dandruff can be a pain to deal with, but luckily there are some easy home remedies that can help. These simple dandruff home remedies will help you control or get rid of dandruff.
The most embarassing thing that could happen when you’re dressed up for an interview or a formal dinner, is an all-consuming need to scratch an itchy scalp.
You also know that a cascade of white flakes would follow, onto your clothes- laid bare for all to see. Dandruff is a medical problem that has managed to unite over half the adult population across the world – beyond gender, age and race.
Dandruff is a scalp condition caused by the fungus Malassezia, which feed off of sebum and dead skin cells.
When this microbe becomes problematic, it causes the sebum to break down into fatty acids which irritate the scalp, causing dryness and itchiness. This also leads to dead skin cells accumulating and visible flakes forming.
Malassezia is a fungus that loves moisture and becomes a problem during humid months when sweating is excessive. However, the dry, cold wind of winter also causes dandruff by robbing the scalp of moisture. There is no one solution to keeping dandruff at bay year-round, but there are many remedies that can help control it.
Here are some natural home remedies for dandruff you may not have known:
Quick Home Remedies:
1. Do not oil hair and keep it on for long
Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based dermatologist, says that it is a myth that oiling is good for hair with dandruff.
She affirms that applying oil will actually lead to more dandruff, as oil is like food for the fungus Malassezia, which leads to dandruff.
Applying oil to a dry, itchy scalp may sound like heaven, but it may only exacerbate your dandruff condition, especially when you let it sit on your scalp for longer periods of time.
2. Vinegar
White vinegar is an all-natural remedy for treating itchy, dry skin as well as killing dandruff-causing fungus and bacteria. The acidic content of white vinegar works to reduce flaking significantly.
Dr.Deepali’s favorite home remedy is to apply an equal mixture of white vinegar and water to the scalp skin about half an hour before head wash.
3. Baking Soda
Exfoliating the scalp is important to get rid of dandruff, and one way to do this is by using baking soda. Baking soda acts as a gentle scrub and removes dead skin cells without irritating the scalp.
Dr. Sirisha Singh, Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist at The Skin Centre in New Delhi, says that baking soda also has anti-fungal properties and can soothe the scalp.
You can add baking soda to your shampoo while washing your hair to get these benefits.
4. Neem
Neem extract has been used for centuries in skin medications due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Dandruff is often caused by fungal colonization of the scalp, making neem an ideal remedy. However, Dr. Sirisha Singh warns us to use a very diluted version of neem (neem boiled in water) for the scalp, as concentrated versions may Irritate the skin further.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an powerful natural remedy for fighting fungal and bacterial infections. Just add a drop or two of tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash normally to see the results for yourself!
6. Garlic
Garlic, while it may not be the most pleasant smelling ingredient, has a long history of being used for its medicinal purposes.
Crush a clove or two of garlic and mix it with water to use it as an anti-fungal on your scalp. For those who are worried about the smell, add a little honey and ginger to the mixture.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a great plant to use if you want to cool down your skin while also mildly exfoliating it. This plant also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, so it’s great to use if you’re trying to get rid of dandruff.
To use aloe vera, extract the gel from the plant and apply it directly to your scalp. Leave the gel on for a few minutes before washing it off with a medicated anti-dandruff or mild shampoo.
8. Neem Shampoo
If you’re looking for an easy and mess-free solution to dandruff, try using a neem-based shampoo. Neem oil has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, making it an effective natural dandruff remedy.
Use the shampoo 2-3 times per week for best results. We recommend Head and Shoulders Neem Shampoo as it contains neem oil and other ingredients that can help prevent dandruff.
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