Get healthy scalp and get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp with these easy solutions. Itchy and dry scalp, coupled with flakes of dandruff on your clothes is bound ...
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Get healthy scalp and get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp with these easy solutions.
Itchy and dry scalp, coupled with flakes of dandruff on your clothes is bound to freak anyone out. We are no stranger to the embarrassment and discomfort that the shedding of these flakes can cause. Add the seasonal change that aggravates the case of dandruff, and you are living your worst hair nightmare.
Dandruff is a very common hair concern that can start with a few flakes on your scalp and itching. But severe cases of dandruff can lead to scabbing and bleeding. The best thing you can do to take care of your scalp health is to address it as soon as you start seeing the first signs of dandruff.
Let’s understand a little bit more about dandruff and effective home remedies for dandruff that can treat them.
Unfortunately, it isn’t just one thing that causes dandruff. Dandruff can be caused by various factors like stress, weather change, contact dermatitis from reaction hair products, growth yeast like fungus (that feeds on the scalp), and dry skin.
Luckily, there are some easy ways to treat your scalp with home remedies for dandruff, with most items that can be found in your kitchen or at your local Kirana store:
Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties and is used in various skincare and hair care products. It’s an essential oil that you can get easily at a local store.
How to use:
Mix 5-10 drops of tea tree oil with 5 tablespoons of coconut oil and apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave it for 30 minutes and follow your hair wash routine.
Aloe vera not only has antifungal and antibacterial properties but is also known for soothing inflamed and irritated scalp. The easiest way to use aloe vera is in a gel form.
How to use:
The best option is to get fresh aloe stems, scoop out the aloe flesh, and pulp it into a gel. Apply this to your scalp, let it sit for 30 minutes, and wash off using a gentle shampoo. In case you are unable to find fresh aloe, buy pure aloe gel from your local chemist and follow the simple steps.
A local superhero from your garden, Neem is packed with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. They work great for your skin and hair and can be used in different ways to treat your scalp – all you need are a few stems of leaves.
How to use:
Neem leaf hair pack: Soak 30-40 Neem leaves overnight in boiling water and let them rest overnight. Take the soaked leaves and blitz them into a thick paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and hair, allow it to sit for half an hour on the head, and give your hair scalp a thorough wash.
Neem Water: Because we are all about minimizing waste, you can use the neem-infused water to rinse your hair and scalp two to three times a week.
Fenugreek or Methi seeds can be easily found in your kitchen and can work miracles for you if you are struggling with dandruff issues. Methi seeds are not only loaded with protein to nourish and strengthen your hair but also have antibacterial and antifungal properties helpful in eliminating dandruff.
How to use:
Soak 3-5 tablespoons of Methi seeds overnight in water, grind them into a thick paste, and mix it with curd. Apply this nutritional and curative mixture to your scalp and hair and let it sit for half an hour. Wash it off with a mild shampoo and follow with a conditioner.
Papaya contains enzymes that prevent and control the excess build-up of oil on your scalp. Since we know excess sebum or oil on your scalp can promote dandruff, papaya can work wonders in naturally balancing oil levels in your scalp.
How to use:
Blend 6-8 one-inch pieces of papaya into a paste, mix it with one tablespoon of honey, and apply as a mask to your scalp. Honey mixed with the papaya helps deliver moisture and nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex to maintain healthy balanced hair. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and rinse with a gentle shampoo.
Get some Apple cider vinegar from your local Kirana as it is not just for cooking. It can balance the pH level of your scalp and prevent fungal growth thanks to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective solution to reduce dandruff.
How to use:
Create a solution with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one cup of water. Use this solution after your regular hair care routine as the last rinse for your scalp. Do not wash it away with anything else.
Increasing Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet can be an excellent way to reduce inflammation, strengthening your immune system as well as improving your skin and hair health. Walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, salmon and other fishes are some incredible sources of Omega 3 and incorporating this in your diet can be a total gamechanger – you start to experience healthy skin and happy scalp.
We all know the importance of a healthy gut and how it can influence all aspects of your health, including your skin and hair. Probiotics promote the growth of the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut that enhances the body’s immune functions to help fight fungal infections. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, buttermilk, peas, and kefir to get the full benefits of probiotics.
Our scalp and hair can experience product build up like pollutants, hair waxes, hair sprays, etc over time, especially if you are not in the habit of giving your scalp and hair a deep cleanse regularly. This build-up of products can cause irritation and inflammation leading to scalp issues like dandruff. You can use a scrub that is specially made for your scalp or bicarbonate of soda to exfoliate your scrub thoroughly.
How to use:
Create a thick paste of a homemade exfoliant by mixing 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of water. Apply this to your scalp by sectioning your hair. Wait two to three minutes before washing it off and following through your regular hair care routine.
Like most things in life, stress can adversely affect many aspects of your health and well-being. Stress is known to trigger inflammation and skin and hair issues. Actively reducing stress and leading a mindful balanced life help with boosting your immune system and ability to fight the fungal infection causing dandruff.
These remedies are not one size fits all and may need to be modified depending on your unique situation. If you have a severe case of dandruff and scalp issues, it is advisable to book a consultation with a trichologist and get a customized treatment.
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