Top 10 Home Remedies For Dandruff

 Dandruff or Seborrheic dermatitis is a scalp irritation that results flaking, itching and redness of the scalp. The scaly white flakes are dead skin cells that shed off and damage the roots of the hair resulting into hair loss. People from the puberty age, especially male, and above are more likely to get dandruff because of their excessive sebum production. Although this condition is harmless, it can be annoying and embarrassing but home remedies for dandruff can be used to treat the situation.

Causes & Symptoms

Causes: Oily and irritated skin, fungal infection, sensitivity to some hair products, fungal infection. Age, gender, and underlying illnesses also contributes in developing dandruff.

Symptoms: Persisting white, oily and crusty flakes on scalp and shoulders, itching, irritation, dry scalp, hair loss.

Best 10 Home Remedies For Dandruff

Remedies on how to treat dandruff can be a little difficult because it is a recurring condition, but it can be controlled. People prone to it should observe and take preemptive measures to avoid flare ups. Using harsh shampoos can trigger reaction but there are home remedies for dandruff that can be used as alternative to hair care products.

1. Custard Apple

The leaves of this plant is beneficial in killing bacteria thriving on the roots of the hair to treat dandruff. It also alleviate redness and itching and prevents hair loss. It is called hair tonic because of its ability to promote hair growth.

•     Grind custard apple leaves to make a fine paste.
•     Apply paste on the scalp and leave it overnight.
•     Rinse off with water the following morning.
  

No known information is available on the possible contraindications of custard apple when placed on the scalp. However, obese people should refrain from eating this as it will lead to more weight gain.

2. Black Pepper and Curd

Black pepper has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property that helps to get rid of dandruff fast. Curds contain probiotics and acid that doubles the action of the pepper in expelling bacteria out of the scalp and cleaning it off from dandruff.

•     Combine 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper in a cup of curd.
•     Apply into the scalp and leave on for an hour.
•     Rinse but do not use shampoo until the following day.
  

Excessive amount of pepper can burn the scalp, use in moderation. This is not recommended for people allergic to pepper.

3. Lemon

The citric acid of lemon loosen off flakes from the hair follicles to get rid of dandruff. It alters the acidity of the scalp and maintains the pH to protect against bacteria and fungi growth. Lemon is proven safe and effective for any skin type.

•     Juice a lemon.
•     Using thin slices of lemon, apply the juice into the scalp and lightly massage.
•     Leave on for 30 minutes.
•     Rinse thoroughly with tap water.
  

There are no known contraindications in applying lemon to the scalp or hair.

4. Henna

This herb does not only condition and colors hair but one of the excellent home remedies for dandruff. It has antifungal properties that eliminates yeast and alleviate the redness and itchiness. It reduces oil and provides a protective layer on the scalp to reduce flare ups. Use this henna-egg-olive oil pack for deep conditioning and relief.

•     Mix together 3 tablespoon of henna powder with 2 tablespoon whipped egg white,
•     Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and just enough water to make a paste.Apply and gently massage on the roots of the air and scalp.Leave for 30 minutes,wash with tap water and mild shampoo.
  

Henna is not recommended for person with G6PD and allergic reaction to henna. Use gloves in applying mixture to avoid staining of hands.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Treating hair with apple cider vinegar targets the roots of the hair to alleviate flaking by getting rid of dead skin cells. The acetic acid content ACV regulates the pH level of the skin to disable growth of yeast. ACV is a simple but effective way to treat dandruff.

•     Mix equal parts of vinegar and warm water. The amount depends on amount of hair. (White vinegar can be used alternatively),wash hair and apply mixture into the scalp.
•     Gently massage for few minutes.
•     Rinse with tap water.
  

Apple cider vinegar is probably safe for most adults, and no known contraindications are known for its application on the scalp.

6. Aloe Vera and Lemon Juice

Aloe Vera provides deep moisturizing and soothing effect to itchy scalp by its antiseptic property. Combined with lemon, it doubles the antibacterial and antifungal ability that acts to kill and reduce the growth of microorganisms to prevent dandruff from coming back. Aloe helps in restoring hair damaged by this condition and they are effective home remedies for dandruff.

•     Scape aloe gel and apply into the scalp.
•     Cover the head with a warm and damp towel.
•     Leave for few minutes before rinsing with mild shampoo.
•     Repeat 3 times a week until the symptoms clear off.

Aloe vera may cause skin irritation in people allergic to it. Apply on a small portion of the skin to test before using.

7. Burdock Root

Burdock is both antifungal and antibacterial that kills bacteria and fungi to treat itchy scalp condition to make it healthy and enable hair growth. It cures the dryness of the scalp and subsequently cure dandruff. Taking burdock roots internally can also combat dandruff source from within the body.

•     Warm few tablespoons of burdock oil.
•     Gently apply into the scalp, doing circular massage,wrap head in shower cap or plastic and leave for one hour.
•     Rinse with mild shampoo, repeat procedure 2-3 times a week until flaking disappears.

Burdock is not recommended for people allergic to ragweed and related plants. It can cause skin irritation.

8. Multani-Mitti and Lemon Juice

Multani mitti, lemon juice and water. Also called Fuller’s Earth, this mud absorbs oil, dirt and impurities from the scalp. It also moisturize and reduces itching and removes bad sweaty smell off the head that is caused by the fungi. Multani mitti enables new hair growth and provides deep conditioning and treatment to damaged roots.

•     Make a thick paste with multani mitti, lemon juice and water.
•     Apply and let sit for 20 minutes.
•     Rinse off with water.

There is no enough information known on the contraindications of multani mitti. It is best to consult your doctor first if you suffer from certain medical conditions and taking some drugs.

9. Fenugreek Seeds

 This herb is an excellent home remedy of dandruff that is mostly used in promoting hair growth. It encourages the growth of healthy hair shaft and prevents breakage by getting rid of flakes in the scalp.

•     Soak fenugreek seed in water overnight.
•     Drain and mash the seeds into paste.
•     Apply into the scalp and leave for an hour.
•     Rinse off with a mild shampoo or water.
  

Fenugreek may cause severe hypersensitivity reactions to people with allergies when applied on the scalp. Those who are allergic to peanuts, soybeans and green peas should avoid the use of fenugreek.

10. Balloon Vine

Balloon vine is most essential not only in making vine but also in removing dandruff and fungi that inhabits the scalp. It helps soothe itchy scalp and actively prevents hair fall and enhance hair growth.

•     Soak some balloon vine leaves in water for 4 hours.
•     Crush the leaves in the water and use it to wash hair, scrubbing the leaves gently on the scalp.
  

Ballon vine should not be used during pregnancy.

Routine habit in applying these home remedies for dandruff will prevent microorganisms from thriving in the scalp which is the primary cause of recurring condition that in turn would produce naturally healthy scalp and hair. Dandruff is best treated along with patience.