6 Simple Yet Effective Home Remedies For Stubborn Dandruff

Are you tired of finding tiny white flakes on your clothes? Do you also feel the constant need to scratch your scalp? Are you annoyed with disgusting dandruff? Yes, you might be suffering from discomforting dandruff. And, you are not alone. Every other individual is found to be struggling with this nuisance as per the statistics.

Dandruff is a condition of the scalp which results due to the fungus known as Malassezia. The fungus feeds on the naturally occurring sebum (oily secretion) and dead skin cells on the scalp. Although the organism is a normal part of the scalp, it can grow excessively and cause the sebum to breakdown into certain fatty acids which irritates the scalp of many individuals. The result is excessive tiny flakes, all-consuming need to scratch the itchy scalp.

Try these simple home remedies that have the potential of tackling this annoying problem gradually yet effectively and keeping the flakiness under check.

Home Remedies for Dandruff:

• Tea Tree Oil: 

It is an essential oil that has excellent antimicrobial properties. It helps in reducing the excessive growth of fungus and bacteria on your scalp.

How to use: Add a few drops in your regular shampoo and wash your hair. You can also add a few drops in coconut oil and massage on your scalp, as its direct application can irritate your skin.

• Vinegar:

It helps in maintaining the pH of the scalp and kills the fungus and bacteria responsible for the itchiness and flakiness.

How to use: You can use white vinegar and water in equal quantities on your scalp 15-20 minutes before the head wash.

You can also use apple cider vinegar with the same quantity of water after shampooing, leave it for 5-10 minutes, and wash it off with water.

• Baking Soda:

It works as a gentle exfoliator. It helps in getting rid of the dead skin cells and reduces sebum production. It also has anti-fungal properties which can reduce the growth of fungus on the scalp.

How to use: You can rub the baking soda in the wet hair and scalp for a minute and wash thoroughly with water or you can add it in your shampoo as well.

• Neem:

All of us are aware of this time-old remedy and its benefits. It has been used in several skin diseases and even in medications of herbal origin. In addition to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, it also has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the associated itching and prevent the resulting inflammation.

How to use:

There are several ways in which Neem can use to derive its benefits:

• Neem hair mask: It can be prepared very easily by grinding some leaves in a mixer and adding a spoon of honey to it. You can leave this mixture for around 20-30 minutes on your hair and scalp and wash it off.

You can also add curd to this mixture which is also known for fighting dandruff and for a soothing effecting to your scalp.

• Neem hair oil: You can make it home by heating coconut oil and neem leaves and boil them together. Rub the oil gently on your scalp after adding a few drops of lemon to it, let it stand for a night, and wash it off the next morning

• Aloe Vera:

Its soothing effect on the skin and hair is known to all. It is rich in amino acids and antioxidants that can reduce your dandruff and associated inflammation.

It can help in relieving you of the constant itching with its cooling effect on your scalp.

How to use: You can simply extract the gel from the plant at your home or buy the organic gel available in the market.

• Fenugreek seeds:

Fenugreek seeds are rich in several nutrients including protein, iron, potassium, nicotinic acid, and Vitamin C. It can nourish your hair and help you in getting rid of dandruff with its antimicrobial properties.

How to use: You can soak a cup of fenugreek seeds overnight and form a paste by grinding them the next morning. Apply it on the hair and scalp, leave for 30 minutes, and wash it off by using your regular shampoo.

You can try these natural remedies which show an effect when used regularly over time.

If you continue to suffer despite using them and maintaining proper hair hygiene, you could be suffering from an underlying disease, such as Seborrheic Dermatitis or Psoriasis. So, you may need to consult your dermatologist to rule out such medical conditions that require systemic treatment.

Homeopathy is another gentle mode of treatment that can help address the underlying cause and control the excessive, abnormal multiplication of the cells.

Feel free to reach out to us for its effective treatment or in case of any queries.

You can visit our website www.askdrshah.com and leave a query for an expert opinion on your ailment.

• Written by Dr. Ritu C., Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah