Are you aware of those dry skin flakes on your shoulders? Are you embarrassed by them in public? Yes, you are suffering from a case of dandruff, a skin condition that causes dead and dry skin flakes on your scalp. It can also be a result of a skin problem called seborrheic dermatitis, a scalp disorder that involves shedding dead skin cells, accompanied by itchy, red inflamed skin and an oily scalp.
Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
Suggested read: Impressive benefits of blueberries for your skin and hair
Some of the major causes of dandruff are:
- Dry skin: One of the most common causes of dandruff and dry flakes
- Hair care products: Sensitivity to hair care products like hair dyes might create irritation and redness on the scalp, resulting in dandruff
- Malassezia: Overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia, which is present in the scalp of most people, may result in flaky skin. It is unclear why this fungus overgrows, but possibilities include hormonal or neurological disorders, stress, sleeplessness, dry and cold weather, exposure to heat, exposure to pollution, poor hygiene, infrequent shampooing, and a suppressed immune system
- Other skin conditions: Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic infections might also result in dandruff.
Dandruff, although not contagious, is an extremely common health problem. If not treated in time, it might cause seborrheic dermatitis, seborrhea, or other serious scalp problems. Excess dandruff not only affects the skin of the scalp but also in facial and body hair. Meanwhile, severe dandruff can even result in hair fall.
Some of the best ways to control or avoid dandruff are:
1. Do not scratch your scalp
It is quite common for people to scratch their scalp due to the itchy sensation of dry skin. However, scratching the scalp with your nails might lead to worsened irritation of the skin, causing more dandruff.
2. Reduce stress
Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
Stress is one of the main causes of numerous diseases, and dandruff is no exception. Stress and tension can worsen any skin condition, resulting in dandruff as well as acne. To control dandruff, you must learn to control your stress level.
3. Maintain a proper diet
Image source: Shutterstock
A stapled and strict diet is an essential must. Taking anti-inflammatory and Vitamin B-enriched foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, etc. can help you reduce dandruff. Meanwhile you would do well to avoid oily, rich, and greasy food.
4. Wash your hair regularly
It is very essential to wash your hair regularly or every alternate day with a mild normal or herbal shampoo to protect your scalp. After shampooing, do make sure to rinse your hair properly and thoroughly with clean water, as soap residues might result in scalp irritation.
5. Use anti-dandruff shampoo and rinse your hair with lukewarm water
Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
People who are already suffering from dandruff must use an anti-dandruff shampoo on a regular basis. A dermatologist-prescribed anti-dandruff shampoo is a better option to choose than picking up any random shampoo from the market. For better results, leave the shampoo in for at least five minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water to reduce dandruff.
6. Brush your hair
Always remember to brush your hair after washing it and make sure to clean your hair brush on a regular basis to avoid dandruff.
Health and beauty care companies have launched many anti-dandruff products, while many hair specialists have launched expensive treatment centers catering to the issue. But the best way to get rid of and control dandruff is to follow certain inexpensive and easy home remedies, which yield better results. Here are 15 easy home remedies for dandruff you can try:
1. Olive oil
Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License
A massage on your scalp with warm olive oil before shampooing the next day can help you moisturize your dry skin and reduce dandruff.
Suggested read: 10 everyday foods to get your skin glowing in no time!
2. Fenugreek seeds/Methi
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water and make a paste. Apply on your scalp, leave it for an hour, and wash it off with a mild shampoo. The soothing quality of fenugreek seeds can help you get rid of dandruff.
3. Neem leaves
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
The antiseptic property of neem leaves helps you get rid of dandruff easily. Make a paste of neem leaves and allow it to sit on your scalp for an hour, for effective results.
4. Amla powder
Make a paste of amla powder and apply it on your scalp thoroughly, before washing it off after an hour with a mild shampoo.
5. Baking soda
Adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo can help you get rid of the dry flakes stuck to your scalp.
6. Aloe vera
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Aloe vera is a good cure for dandruff due to its healing, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. Apply aloe vera gel on your scalp 30 minutes before washing your hair with shampoo.
7. Basil leaves/Tulsi
One of the best qualities of basil leaves is its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it a good cure for dandruff. Make a paste of basil leaves and apply it on your scalp for better results.
8. Apple cider vinegar
Before washing your hair, apply apple cider vinegar mixed with equal partsof water with a dab of cotton on your scalp. This will help you reduce dandruff and dry skin. You can also apply cider vinegar after shampooing and conditioning your hair – just make sure you rinse it off with clean water after some time.
9. Onion paste
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Make a smooth paste of fresh onions and apply it on your scalp for an hour. Wash it off thoroughly with a mild shampoo to get rid of dandruff from your hair. To get rid of the onion smell, you can apply lemon juice as well.
10. Tea tree oil
The tea tree oil of Australian origin, known for its anti-fungal properties, is also a good cure for dandruff. A massage with tea tree oil before shampooing can be a great natural remedy for the condition.
Suggested read: Amazing benefits of strawberries for your skin and hair
11. Henna
The powder of dried henna leaves or a paste of raw henna leaves, if applied on your scalp, can be extensively used as a natural cure for dandruff.
12. Reetha/Soap nuts
Reetha is one of the best natural treatment for dandruff.Applying reetha soap or a paste of reetha powder on your scalp will help you get rid of dry skin.
13. Ginger and beetroot paste
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Make a paste of ground ginger and beetroot and apply it on your scalp. Keep overnight and rinse it off with a mild shampoo in the morning. To help you reduce dandruff at the earliest, follow the process for four to five nights in a row to get better results.
14. Yogurt and pepper
Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License
Sounds like a weird combination, but while yogurt helps you keep your scalp from scaling, pepper is known for its anti-fungal properties. Make a mixture using two spoons of black pepper powder and one cup of yoghurt. Apply it on your scalp for an hour and rinse it off with a mild shampoo.
15. Lemon juice and coconut oil
A mixture of lemon juice and coconut oil is one of the simplest natural remedies for dandruff. Coconut oil has its own conditioning properties, while lemons’ acidic nature keeps dandruff away. A regular massage with this mixture before shampooing can give you brilliant results.
Since these home remedies for dandruff are all natural, there are no side effects unless you’re specifically allergic to any of the substances. And if you know of any other easy, natural, and home remedies for dandruff, do share them with us in the comments section below.
Have a happy hair day! 
Featured image source: Shutterstock
Facebook
Disqus
Google + 
