Home Remedies for Dandruff

Did you know that about 50% of the adult population globally has Dandruff? Dandruff is a common skin disorder leading to white or grey flakes of skin appearing on the scalp and sometimes in the hair. They can be easily visible on darker clothing, making it embarrassing and frustrating for all those experiencing these flakes. Dandruff may also make you feel itchy and uneasy, impacting your self esteem and comfort.

Home remedies for Dandruff offer a natural and gentle method to treat this condition for a more sustainable and holistic lifestyle. Most people opt for these remedies as they are generally made with ingredients that are easily available and can be prepared at your own home.

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a scalp condition where grey or white flakes of skin shed from your scalp. If you notice flakes in your hair or on your shoulders after scratching your head, you might have Dandruff. This condition is not only about visible flakes but it might also include other symptoms like itchy scalp, redness, and irritation.
Dandruff is mainly caused by excess production of oil on the scalp, due to which skin cells accumulate and shed as flakes. This excess oil production could be triggered by many factors, including seborrheic dermatitis, a considerably more severe skin problem involving oily irritated skin.

What Causes Dandruff?

Knowing what are the causes of Dandruff can help deal with and protect against it. Both internal & external causes could lead to this scalp condition. Here are some common Dandruff causes:
Hormonal Imbalances: Your hair and skin tend to be majorly impacted by hormones. Increased levels of hormones, particularly androgens, can boost production of the scalp oils responsible for Dandruff.
Weather Conditions: The severity of Dandruff could be impacted by environmental factors. Cold and dry winters are related to worsened Dandruff symptoms, and humid climate can encourage more scalp oil production and flaking.
Poor Hair Care: Oils and skin cells might accumulate on the scalp and result in Dandruff due to infrequent shampooing. On the other hand, over-washing or harsh hair products can strip the natural oils from your scalp and trigger itching and flakes.
Skin Conditions: Individuals with eczema or psoriasis are more prone to Dandruff.
Diet: Your eating habits could also influence Dandruff. Deficiency in nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B and some fats could cause issues on the scalp.
Stress: Emotional stress doesn't immediately trigger Dandruff itself but may intensify the symptoms by weakening the immune system and creating scalp problems.

Home Remedies and Tips

Dandruff doesn't need costly treatments to manage as many useful remedies may be prepared easily at home. Listed here are Ayurvedic and home remedies for Dandruff:
Neem & Yogurt Hair Pack: Neem seeds are known for their antifungal properties, which are great for Dandruff. Take some neem leaves & boil them in water, steep them overnight and make it into a paste. Blend this paste with a couple of tablespoons of yogurt. Apply the mixture on your scalp, leave on for around 30 mins and rinse. When used on a regular basis, this pack might help reduce Dandruff.
Egg White and Lime Juice: This home made remedy is good for providing nutrition while treating Dandruff. Take the whites of 2 eggs and blend with juice of 1 lime. Apply the mixture to the hair and scalp, leave on for 30 minutes & rinse off with a gentle shampoo. The protein in the egg whites and the acid in the lime help cleanse the scalp and clear Dandruff.
Baking Soda Scrub: Baking soda exfoliates the dead skin cells and also removes oiliness. Wet your hair and massage a little baking soda vigorously into your scalp. Simply leave it on for a few minutes then rinse. This home remedy can help reduce the itchiness & flakiness of Dandruff.
Amla & Tulsi Paste: Both Tulsi and Amla are Ayurvedic ingredients used for health benefits, including Dandruff reduction. Make a paste of Amla powder and Tulsi leaves with some water. Apply this to your scalp and then leave on for around half an hour prior to cleaning it off with a gentle cleanser. This remedy reduces Dandruff and improves scalp health.
Fenugreek Seed Mask: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water and grind to a paste in the morning. Add one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to enhance its antifungal properties. Put on this mask on your scalp, leave for 30 mins and rinse with lukewarm water. This natural mask helps moisturise the scalp and eliminate Dandruff.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Apple cider vinegar balances the pH of the scalp and stops growth of fungus. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Pour the mixture on your scalp and let it sit for some minutes before rinsing away. This might reduce Dandruff flakes and soothe the scalp.
Tea Tree Oil Mixture: Tea tree oil is an antifungal and antibacterial agent used for Dandruff. Take a couple of drops of tea tree oil and a carrier oil like coconut oil and rub it onto your scalp. Leave it on for about 30 minutes and rinse with mild shampoo. Regular use of this mixture can help maintain a healthy scalp without flakes.
Garlic and Honey Anti-Dandruff Treatment: Garlic possesses antimicrobial qualities and can be useful for treating Dandruff. A couple of cloves of garlic may be crushed and mixed with honey to neutralise the strong odour. Apply this mixture to the scalp, allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes then wash away. This cure is best for serious Dandruff cases.

Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations

Making some adjustments to your everyday diet and routine could help control Dandruff. Here are some practical lifestyle changes for Dandruff to minimise flakiness and improve scalp health:
Keep Hydrated: A well-hydrated body is essential for better skin and scalp health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dry scalp.
Minimise Stress: Stress could trigger and intensify Dandruff. Add stress reducing activities like yoga, regular exercise or meditation to your schedule to keep your mind and scalp in good condition.
Regular Hair Washing: Washing your hair regularly (but not excessively) eliminates dead skin cells and excess oil. Find a balance which keeps your scalp cleansed but not dry.
Stay away from Harsh Chemicals: Most hair care products contain strong chemical substances which irritate the scalp and can worsen Dandruff. Opt for gentle, sulfate free shampoos and conditioners that have natural Ayurvedic ingredients to fight Dandruff.

Diet for Dandruff

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fats regulate oil production and hydration, which are essential for skin health. Add vegetables such as salmon, flaxseeds and walnuts into your diet.
Probiotics: Adding probiotic rich food in your diet like yogurt, can help balance the bacteria on your scalp and manage fungal development.
Zinc: Zinc helps in better skin health and can help manage Dandruff. Pumpkin seeds & lentils are foods rich in zinc.
Vitamin B: Vitamin B is essential for healthy skin. Include sufficient whole foods, meat, dairy and eggs to your diet.
Avoid Excessive Sugar & Yeast: Foods with excessive yeast & sugar might trigger Dandruff in some individuals by promoting yeast growth. So, it is important to cut back on such foods.