Natural remedies for dandruff Natural remedies for dandruff

9 Effective Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff is a common skin condition where excess dead skin cells accumulate on the scalp. These dead skin cells start to shed off the scalp as dried flakes slowly. This, in turn, affects scalp health. Many available natural remedies for dandruff 1can be used to get rid of dandruff. 

What Causes Dandruff?

1. Dry Skin

Dry skin is the root cause of dandruff. If your skin is not moisturized enough, you will most likely get dandruff. It is also likely that the skin in the rest of your body is not moisturized well enough. This might lead to skin conditions other than dandruff, that can lead to itchy skin conditions. Moisturize your scalp as much as needed. One can moisturize their scalps by using moisturizing shampoo or other products based on aloe vera gel or even those with essential oils known to moisturize the scalp. 

2. Unclean Hair or Scalp

Accumulation of oil could also lead to dandruff. Our scalp naturally produces oil. Our scalp is exposed to dust and other pollutants that accumulate with the oil on the scalp. So oil production and pollutant exposure together cause dandruff. However, as mentioned earlier, one can get rid of dandruff naturally through many available natural remedies for dandruff. One could also use anti-dandruff shampoos that have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to eliminate dandruff.

More importantly, one needs to keep their scalp clean and hygienic to prevent dandruff from the scalp. Use your regular shampoo efficiently to get rid of dandruff.

3. Overactive Fungi

Malassezia is a fungus commonly present on the human scalp and is known to cause dandruff. It increases in the presence of oily scalp as it feeds on the same. During this process, it leaves oleic acid that can cause skin irritation in many. During this condition, the body also quickly generates new skin cells to eliminate the irritated scalp or irritated skin. This can easily be resolved by shampooing your hair regularly and preventing an oily scalp. Dandruff is also caused due to fungal and bacterial infections.

4. Sensitive to Hair Care Products

Many hair care products have substances that can irritate your skin. This also causes immense skin irritation that can lead to dandruff. It is always better to contact your dermatologist in severe cases for better skin health. Otherwise, always choose your products wisely. Firstly, discontinue the product for skin irritation, get medical help, and use a mild shampoo for a few days.

Symptoms of Dandruff

1. Itchy Scalp

An itchy scalp is caused due to multiple factors, dandruff being one among them. A person with dandruff will have extremely itchy skin that will not fade away until a person completely gets rid of dandruff. 

2. Flaky Skin

A person with dandruff also has flaky skin where the dead skin cells get shed off through it. These skin flakes fall on the eyebrows, face, and even shoulders. These flakes are white and could be very embarrassing for some. One can easily get rid of flaky skin through a simple hair wash. But they might keep coming again and again, so the individual must cure the problem from its root. This can be done by exploring the possible available natural remedies for dandruff. One can also use natural oils to treat dandruff.

3. Scaly Skin

This is caused due to extremely dry skin and might be observed in a few. While we know that dandruff is caused due to lack of moisture, people who generally have dry skin as their skin type can be more prone to having scaly skin. However, it should be noted that people with other skin types also have a risk of scaly skin, but those with dry skin have a higher risk.

Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff can easily be treated with natural remedies that have been followed for ages now. Let us explore the most effective natural remedies to get rid of dandruff.2

1. Curd

Curd is an excellent ingredient to treat dandruff. Curd is abundant in vitamins, minerals, and other anti-bacterial properties that help tackle dandruff. It is enriched with vitamins such as B and D and can potentially treat fungal infections due to its anti-fungal properties. Curd has been a part of many natural remedies for ages.

Benefits of Curd for Hair

Curd not only treats dandruff but is also known to treat damaged and oily hair3. It is widely used in anti-hair fall products as curd can help prevent hair loss. Curd is also a good moisturizing agent, which can be used as a natural conditioner for hair. It helps keep the hair smooth and free from frizz and even split ends. This amazing ingredient can do wonders to your hair on application.

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EME. Pixabay. Copyright 2022.

Natural Curd Remedies

There are multiple ways of using curd for hair. The simplest one of them all is the direct application of curd on the scalp.

a. Direct Application

Apply curd onto your scalp directly and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Gently rinse the curd off with the help of a mild shampoo. Some people cannot stand the smell of curd, but if you can put up with the smell for 20-30 minutes, then do not worry, as there are other natural remedies for dandruff that you can try.

b. Lemon Juice and Curd

Combine three tablespoons of curd with a few drops of lemon juice and apply this mixture to your scalp. Leave this mixture on your skin for 30 minutes and rinse it off with a mild shampoo. You can switch lemon juice to apple cider vinegar, as they have similar properties. This hair pack helps in hair growth and dandruff and conditions your hair. Hence, refrain from using a conditioner post this hair mask.

2. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are known to treat dandruff and are used extensively in most hair products. Fenugreek seeds, also known as Methi seeds, treat hair thinning or baldness and help prevent hair fall. Fenugreek seeds can also give you strong and shiny hair if mixed with the right ingredients.

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IngoNeumann. Pixabay. Copyright 2022.

a. Fenugreek Paste

Fenugreek seeds can be directly applied to your hair in the following manner. Take around six tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak them overnight in water. The next day, make a paste of these seeds using the blender. This paste can now be directly applied to your scalp. Massage the paste well onto your scalp and the roots. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash it off with warm water.

b. Curd and Fenugreek Seed

To the above-prepared paste, you could also add curd. Take fenugreek seed paste and curd in a 3:1 ratio. Massage gently on your roots and scalp and leave it for about one hour. Wash this hair pack off with lukewarm water and see the magic of this amazing ingredient. This hair mask can treat scalp infections and moisturize the scalp by treating dandruff by cleansing the scalp. Use this twice every month regularly to see a visible difference.

c. Lemon Juice and Fenugreek Seeds

In the 3:1 ratio, take some fenugreek seed paste and lemon juice and mix them well to make a hair mask. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it for about 45 minutes. Wash this hair mask off with cold water. This mask will help treat dandruff by cleansing the scalp, and it will also help trigger hair growth. Hence, a hair mask will not only treat dandruff but also has the added benefits of hair strength and thickness. Use them once every 15 days to get maximum benefits.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for its healing properties and has been used in many remedies and products for ages. This excellent ingredient can also be used to treat dandruff due to its anti-fungal ad anti-bacterial properties. This ingredient is enriched with vitamins A, E, and C and magnesium and zinc, adding benefits to your hair.

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difotolife. Pixabay. Copyright 2022

a. Direct Application

Aloe vera gel can be directly applied to your scalp and roots. Let them sit on your hair for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing them off with warm water. This ingredient will not only cleanse your hair but also moisturize it. One can get aloe vera gel from any nearby store, or if you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can take the gel directly from the plant too.

b. Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera

Add two tablespoons of coconut oil to 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and blend them well. Apply this mixture to your hair and leave it for one hour before rinsing it off with warm water. Coconut oil is known to moisturize your skin and hence will help you get rid of the dry scalp that can potentially cause dandruff.

Coconut oil also helps in hair growth as it nourishes your skin by penetrating the cuticle of your hair. It can also help you get stronger, thicker, and shinier hair. Hence mixing aloe with coconut oil will give great benefits to your hair.

4. Neem Juice

Neem juice is known to treat dandruff and has been used as an active ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos. This does not get as messy as curd or fenugreek seeds. It is easy to apply and is loaded with immense benefits.

Neem is known to condition your hair, giving you smooth, frizz-free hair. It is also known to treat head lice, minimize hair greying, and promote hair growth. Above all, it has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help cure dandruff.

a. Direct Application

Take a few neem leaves and blend them into a paste with the help of some water. Apply this paste to your scalp for ten to fifteen minutes and wash it off with a mild shampoo. This amazing ingredient can also be combined with other effective ingredients to enhance its benefits.

b. Neem and Honey

Take the required amount of neem leaf paste and add around one tablespoon of honey to it. Apply this hair mask, leave it on the scalp for about 20 to 25 minutes, and rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Honey is known to promote wound healing and will help treat irritated skin due to itchiness and dryness caused by dandruff. It also has the potential to promote hair growth. It further helps prevent hair loss4 as it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It also helps achieve shiny hair while it also helps reduce hair breakage.

Use this amazing ingredient combo to get rid of dandruff and simultaneously nourish your hair for healthy and strong hair.

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has amazing healing properties. It is anti-fungal and anti-septic in nature. It is an antibiotic, too. This is an amazing ingredient. It helps clear the scalp by cleaning the pores. It removes the buildup of chemical products and dead skin cells.

Tea tree oil can be too harsh for people with sensitive skin, so it is always advised to do a patch test before using this product. Not everyone can use tea tree oil, so be careful before application. This is one of the most effective natural remedies for dandruff. One only needs to use it appropriately.

a. Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Oil

Add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil to 4-5 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply this to your scalp and leave it for one hour. Wash this off with lukewarm water. Use this once every week to avail amazing benefits of these power-packed ingredients.

6. Olive Oil

Another effective ingredient used in most natural remedies for dandruff is olive oil. Olive oil is known to reduce dandruff, moisturize the skin, reduce hair breakage, and is also known to increase hair growth. You will find olive oil in many hair care products designed to treat dandruff.

hair care
stevepb. Pixabay. Copyright 2022.

a. Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

Take olive oil and lemon juice in a 2:1 ratio. Apply this mixture to your hair and gently massage your scalp for 15 minutes. Leave this mixture on your hair for another 30 minutes and wash it off with warm water.

7. Garlic

Garlic is used to treat many health conditions and is also used in most natural remedies for dandruff. It has great anti-fungal properties that help tackle dandruff. Garlic may have a pungent smell that most people do not like. You can add a few drops of honey or ginger paste in these cases to eliminate the smell.

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Gadini. Pixabay. Copyright 2022.

a. Direct Application

Take a few cloves of garlic and blend them with the help of water to make an applicable paste. Apply this to your scalp and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash this off with your regular shampoo. Use a shampoo with a good fragrance to cover the smell, or just add honey to your paste to minimize the pungent smell.

8. Banana

Banana is used in most natural remedies for dandruff. This also helps boost the strength of your hair follicles, and it also helps moisturize your scalp. When used with the right ingredients, one can always avail of the benefits of bananas.5

hair care
Ancelin. Pixabay. Copyright 2022.

a. Banana Hair Mask

To make this mask, take one ripe banana, half a tablespoon of coconut oil, honey, and olive oil each, and one full egg into it. Mix the ingredients to make a good paste and apply it to your scalp. Let this mixture sit for 20 minutes before you wash it off with mild shampoo. This nourishes and makes your hair soft, in addition to treating dandruff.

9. Baking Soda

One can effectively use baking soda to get rid of dandruff. It can potentially exfoliate the scalp by removing the excess oil or sebum. It also has anti-fungal properties that can treat dandruff.

Natural Remedies for Dandruff
Monfocus. Pixabay. Copyright 2022.

a. Direct Application

Take a small amount of baking soda and rub it gently on a wet or damp scalp. Do not do it for more than 2 minutes. Wash your hair off with mild shampoo and condition your hair. Do this once a week to avail its benefits.

There are many natural remedies for dandruff, but one must choose what works for them carefully by analyzing their skin type, allergies, and other medical histories. In case of severe dandruff, it is always best to take the help of your dermatologist, who will prescribe the necessary anti-dandruff shampoo or provide you with other topical medications to treat the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is Dandruff and Why Does It Occur?

Dandruff is a common scalp problem characterized by the appearance of flakes of dead skin in your hair and on your shoulders. It is frequently caused by a yeast overgrowth on the scalp, although it can also be caused by dry skin, particular hair products, or skin disorders such as eczema.

2. Is Changing My Diet Going to Help My Dandruff?

Yes, modifying your diet can help you get rid of dandruff. A well-balanced diet high in vitamins and minerals, particularly zinc and B vitamins, helps support healthy skin and prevent dandruff. Drinking enough of water and avoiding processed and sugary foods are also important.

3. When Should I Consult a Dermatologist About My Dandruff?

If your dandruff is severe, chronic, or accompanied by additional symptoms such as itching, redness, or inflammation, you should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. To help relieve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medicated shampoos or topical lotions.

  1. Kumar, Saneesh. “Analysis on the natural remedies to cure dandruff/skin disease-causing fungus-Malassezia furfur.” Adv Bio Tech 12.07 (2013): 01-05. ↩︎
  2. Zoya, Mistry, More Bhikhu, and Shah Gaurav. “Anti-dandruff activity of synthetic and herbal shampoos on dandruff causing isolate: Malassezia.” Int J Appl Res 2 (2016): 80-5. ↩︎
  3. Lanjewar, Ameya, et al. “Review on Hair Problem and its Solution.” Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics 10.3-s (2020): 322-329. ↩︎
  4. Price, Vera H. “Treatment of hair loss.” New England Journal of Medicine 341.13 (1999): 964-973. ↩︎
  5. Singh, Balwinder, et al. “Bioactive compounds in banana and their associated health benefits–A review.” Food chemistry 206 (2016): 1-11. ↩︎

Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology

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R Shishma Jeevitha

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