Tired of dealing with those embarrassing itch accompanied with flaking scalp? Then it’s important that you read this article. We will list you some amazing herbs and home remedies for dandruff. But, we also don’t want to give you false assurances; there is no permanent cure for dandruff. Fret not! It is not a life-threatening condition. It can certainly be controlled effectively with proper management. Before we list the natural ways to get rid of dandruff, know a few things.
About Dandruff
Dandruff can occur to anybody with no specific age group. Genetics, lifestyle and environmental agents handle the flaking scalps. When there is an imbalance of proteins in the body, it can contribute to dandruff. Hence, irrespective of the number of times you may have washed your hair, it may still persistently return to manifest you.
Keratinocytes handle the immunological responses during the dandruff attack. The conditions in your hair can quickly escalate with changing weather. Winter can aggravate dandruff and will intensify the symptoms. However, you can easily manage dandruff by using shampoos and hair products that are specifically aimed at dealing with this simple ailment.
Causes of Dandruff
There are several contributing factors that cause dandruff. Your dandruff can occur due to one or many of the following reasons:
- Dry skin (most common cause)
- Insufficient/inappropriate cleaning of hair
- Scrubbing
- Excessive use of shampoos
- Being more sensitive to the chemical hair products
- Eczema
- Psoriasis in the hair.
There are studies that point to other causes of dandruff too, which include:
- Excess sebum (skin oil) secretion from your skin.
- The excrement of microorganisms that thrive in the skin.
- Sensitivity and tolerance of the individual towards allergy and natural immunity.
The other causes from compromising your lifestyle are:
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Use of synthetic or chemical hair and skin products
- Harsh shampoos
- Loss of energy due to infection/illness
- Extremities of weather
- Improper diet
Classification of Dandruff
When you are experiencing a dandruff episode, you will fall into one of these three risk classifications:
- Mild Dandruff: You will notice flaking in small patches and sections. They may or may not appear red.
- Moderate Dandruff: Multiple affected areas with skin flakes. They may turn red, and the sign is itchiness.
- Severe Dandruff: Non-responsive to most treatment measures, intense itching, and skin turning red.
Signs and Symptoms of Dandruff
When you are experiencing a dandruff attack, you will notice the following symptoms:
- Intense itching of the scalp where you will notice dead skin flaking off.
- Patches of skin scaling and turning red. The area of the skin that appears red are scalp, forehead, hairline, forehead, creases of nose and ears, eyebrows, mid-section of your back, armpit, groin, breastbone, ear canals, beard areas, or eyelids.
- If you have dark skin (the areas affected appear lighter than the rest).
8 Natural Home Remedies For Dandruff
8.Garlic
Method Of Preparation
- Take few garlic cloves (fresh ones).
- ½ cup of olive oil
- Peel thoroughly and crush the garlic-cloves.
- Take a small sauce-pan, add olive oil and let it get heat. Add the crushed-garlic
- Heat it for five minutes and strain it.
- Let it cool.
- Once done, apply to your scalp, leave it for 30-45 minutes and rinse with water.
- Apply this twice a week. Use only mild shampoo.
How Does This Work ?
Garlic provides a high amount of allicin which would work on the dandruff.
The Remedy Is Not Good If:
Some would not like the smell of garlic. Some might have the skin rashes
7. Blend of Herbals
Ingredients Required:
- Indian Gooseberry (or Amla) – 1 cup
- Holy basil leaves – 8 to 10
- Fresh hibiscus flowers – 3 to 4
- Sesame oil – 3 tablespoons
- Tender coconut water – 8 cups
Method of Preparation
- Step 1: Take all the ingredients mentioned above in a pan.
- Step 2: Pour the tender coconut water to it.
- Step 3: Boil until all the water content evaporates.
- Step 4: Filter the residue and store it.
- Step 5: Apply thrice in a week. Leave it for 30 minutes before washing your hair.
How Does This Work?
What makes Emblica officinalis or Indian gooseberries so potent in treating dandruff is the presence of essential nutrients. In fact, the amount of nutrition and benefits found in this small fruit is rarely found in any other natural resource. It has two times more antioxidant power than acai berries and 17 times than that of pomegranates. It is one of the best sources of vitamin C. The other major compounds include antioxidants — emblicanin A & B, phyllantidine, phyllantine, kaempferol, quercetin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid. It also contains high concentrations of amino acids and minerals.
Due to its rich antioxidant properties, basil leaves greatly help in the treatment of dandruff. It contains some active compounds like orientin, vicenin, and flavonoids that protect the cell structures and chromosomes from oxidation.
The reason hibiscus flowers and leaves are helpful in the treatment of dandruff is its essential compounds. It is fortified with Vitamin A, C, Alpha Hydroxy acids, and amino acids.
Sesame oil is fortified with proteins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin B complex, and vitamin E, all of which deeply nourishes and strengthens the hair from roots to tips. Apart from this, it helps in darkening the hair color and prevents hair fall. The reason this oil is most recommended for dandruff is due to its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. They eliminate foreign bodies or pathogens in the scalp. In fact, experts recommend massaging the hair with coconut water on a daily basis. This helps in treating frizzy, unruly, and rough hair. It keeps the hair soft, shiny, and smooth. Due to its natural hydrating properties, it moisturizes and strengthens the hair roots.
Coconut water exhibits antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which assists in preventing dandruff, itchy scalp, infections, dryness, and other problems that deter hair growth. It has ketones, fats, proteins, and minerals like calcium electrolytes, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, all of which are well-known hair vitamins.
The Remedy Is Not Good If:
- You consume it. It is only for external application.
- You apply and step out in sunlight. It might darken the skin.
- You have severe scalp allergies. The remedy might worsen the condition.
6. Lemon
- Step 1: Take two tablespoons of lemon extracts and mix it with 8 ounces of water.
- Step 2: Water has been added for diluting the citric acid in lemon juice. Rub it into the scalp.
- Step 3: Then rinse your hair with clear water after 5 minutes.
Note: Lemon juice should be diluted before applying to hair.
How Does This Work?
Lemon juice contains citric acid that can eliminate the scalp and hair of fungus-causing dandruff. Lemon juice contains antioxidants known as bioflavonoids. It also contains several nutrients such as folate, riboflavin, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, Vitamins (A, C, B6, E) and potassium.
Lemon Is Not Good, If:
- You are light-skinned. Although there is no perfect evidence, lemon juice has been found to increase the chances of sunburn.
- You are allergic to lemon juice. In some cases, the citric acid has lightened the hair color. So take precaution. After applying the juice, look for the symptoms after a day.
- You have thin hair.
- You have dry hair.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
- Step 1: Take a quarter cup of vinegar, mix with twice the quantity of water.
- Step 2: Gently apply in the affected area of the scalp and massage.
- Step 3: Rinse your hair after a couple of minutes of application and repeat for 3 times in a week for best results.
How Does This Work?
Apple cider vinegar has malic acid and enzymes that can easily eliminate the germs and fungus, the main causes for scalp and dandruff problems.
Apple Cider Vinegar Is Not Good, If:
- You have open sores in dandruff. The side effects can include dry hair and burns in the scalp.
- Your skin is allergic to apple cider vinegar. Before using the mixture, apply two drops to the base of the hairline and check for allergies.
4. Mildly Boil Olive Oil & Apply
- Step 1: Take an ounce of olive oil and heat it, make sure it is just sufficiently warm.
- Step 2: Massage your scalp and leave it for 45 minutes. You can wrap your head in a warm towel for best results. Repeat the application for three times a week.
How Does This Work?
Olive oil, if applied can hydrate the dry scalp flakes and combine them into a large mass so that they can be eliminated when rinsed with water. The medicinal properties of the olive oil are due to monounsaturated fatty acids and powerful antioxidants. They coat the problematic layers (outer) of hair to give a shiny, silky appearance. The other benefits are its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that can be used to fight against head lice and dandruff.
Olive Oil Is Not Good, If:
- You are allergic to olive oil. You can experience respiratory allergies, eczema, skin rashes, and dermatitis.
3. Herbal Mix: Fenugreek + Indian Gooseberry + Yogurt
Ingredients Required:
- Fenugreek powder – 1 tablespoon
- Indian gooseberry powder (or amla powder) – 1 tablespoon
- Plain yogurt – 1 ½ tablespoon (optional)
Method of Preparation:
- Step 1: Mix all the ingredients mentioned above in a small bowl, either with yogurt or water.
- Step 2: Blend them in a way so that it forms a smooth paste.
- Step 3: Apply on your scalp.
- Step 4: Leave it for 1 hour.
- Step 5: Wash off with a mild shampoo.
- Step 6: Follow the remedy for few days until you get rid of dandruff.
Note: Fenugreek seeds can be applied even if you have a sensitive scalp.
How Does This Work?
Fenugreek seeds have proteins and nicotinic acid that helps in the stimulation of hair growth. It’s essential compounds help in improving and conditioning the hair texture naturally. Another active compound called ‘Lecithin’ in fenugreek seeds help by imparting luster to the hair and assist them to retain their natural color.
The presence of lactic acid and zinc helps promote shiny hair. Since dandruff is caused due to fungus, yogurt’s anti fungal properties keeps the problem at bay.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You consume it. It is only for topical application.
- You apply and step out in sunlight. It may darken your skin.
2. Organic Coconut Oil + Lemon Juice
- Step 1: Take half an ounce of coconut oil and add half the quantity of lemon juice in it.
- Step 2: Apply the mix on the scalp, gently massage for few minutes and wash the hair after 20 minutes.
Note: Repeat the process up to thrice a week.
How Does This Work?
Coconut oil is rich in proteins, capric acid, lauric acid, vitamins E, K. Coconut oil easily penetrates into the strands and surrounding areas such as scalp to give a hydrating, conditioning and moisturizing effect on the head. The main benefit of using the oil is it decreases flakiness, irritation, and dryness of the scalp. Since the oil has anti-fungal properties, it successfully eliminates the fungus responsible for dandruff. The health of hair is restored making it look lovely and beautiful.
Lemons have citric acid, vitamin C, and anti fungal properties to fight against the dandruff-causing fungi. It reduces itching and soothes irritation. The powerful antioxidants of lemon promote healthy scalp and hair. Also, the acidic properties of lemons help in balancing the pH level of your scalp.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You have low immunity. Do not apply coconut oil to the hair and go out in the cold without a cap. The dew might accumulate on the head, and you can suffer from cold.
- You have asthma. You can suffer from cold.
- You have thin and dry hair.
1. Neem Oil (or Leaves) + Coconut Oil + Curry Leaves
Ingredients Required:
- Neem powder – 1 teaspoon (or neem leaves – 5 to 10)
- Coconut oil – 2 tablespoons (depending on your hair length)
- Fresh curry leaves – 5 to 10
Method of Preparation:
- Step 1: Take all the above ingredients in a small pan (Let’s say Pan A).
- Step 2: Take another separate pan filled with water (Let’s say Pan B). Boil it.
- Step 3: Once boiled, take Pan B from the fire.
- Step 4: Follow the double boiler method. Place Pan A inside Pan B. Never heat the essential oils directly. All their essence evaporates.
- Step 5: Once the ingredients in Pan A warms, filter them and apply on your scalp.
- Step 6: Leave it for an hour or two before washing with a mild shampoo.
How Does This Work?
The reason Curry leaves are healthy for hair is due to the presence of proteins, beta-carotene, vitamin B, vitamin B6, vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. All these are known to be hair vitamins too. Hence, they help in stimulating better growth, prevent premature graying, repair the damaged roots, rejuvenate the hair follicles, reduce hair fall, and strengthen the shafts.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You are consuming it orally. It is only for topical application.
- You are applying it on your skin. It is only meant for your hair and scalp.
Apart from the remedies listed above, follow a healthy hair care regimen. Clean your hair regularly as there are greater chances for dandruff to thrive in oily hair. Shampoo your hair regularly without excessively drying them.
- When there is an imbalance of the diet and lifestyle, you can experience symptoms of trouble.
- Skin enriching supplements like zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and skin-critical vitamins like B and E are essential to maintaining healthy skin.
- Avoid consuming excessively sugary and yeasty food products. Dandruff is known to be caused by a fungus in these unhealthy foods.
- Stress is an apex contributor of many illnesses. If you do not manage your stress well, you will leave opportunity for dandruff to intensify.
When Does Dandruff Need Immediate Treatment?
Dandruff doesn’t cause you any serious troubles or complications but it needs care and treatment to stop dandruff effects from entering your forehead causing pimples and acne-bumps. They even spread to facial skin too causing more acne, so before that you need to treat dandruff.
You need immediate dandruff treatment when you have burning sensation in the scalp, redness, heavy itching, tenderness, swelling, white flakes falling over shoulders, forehead acne and sometimes bad-odor.
When To See A Doctor?
If you suffer from dandruff, and you have used home remedies as well as over-the-counter products for treatment, and you find no signs of improvement, then you need to see a dermatologist. This is to ensure if the condition is simply plain dandruff or something else. If you face bleeding in the scalp or loss of hair in regular intervals, then it is time to visit a doctor.
In the consultation with the dermatologist, you can be asked questions about the diet, hygiene or daily habits. Accordingly, you will be prescribed shampoos or medication as per the situation. Kindly check with the Doctor for the duration you may have to use this shampoo.
You must see the doctor within a week, if there is itchiness or have red spots on the scalp. The next condition you have to look for is the flaky skin around the eyebrows, behind the ears. This condition is known as seborrhoeic dermatitis. Kindly see the doctor, if other than dandruff, you find scaly skins around the face as this point to a condition known as psoriasis.
Natural Remedy vs. Pharmacy
In the case of extreme dandruff situation, it is better to use a prescribed medicated shampoo.
- There are a handful of active ingredients in the shampoo, if you find a particular type of shampoo is not working, then you can switch to another.
- If you are having dandruff caused by fungus infestation, you can take ketoconazole; an element found in the product called Nizoral.
- If you are using 1% ketoconazole, you will not need a prescription in the US; any greater than 1% will need to submit doctor’s prescription. However, in Canada up to 2% is relaxed for use.
The most favored anti-dandruff shampoos contain selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione (cytostatic agents).