What is the first thing that comes to your mind with the term “Dandruff”? I am sure it is the white powder like thing that makes you irritated all the time when you comb your hair. In today’s post read about effective natural remedies for dandruff that you can try at home.
What is Dandruff ?
Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. As skin cells die, a small amount of flaking is normal.Some people however, experience an unusually large amount of flaking accompanied by redness and irritation. Oil from the scalp causes the skin cells to clump together and appear as white flakes.
Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the post-pubertal age and of any sex and race.
Types of Dandruff
Your scalp is generally the extension of your skin. So for any disorder effecting the scalp must be treated according to your skin type.
- Dry Dandruff
People with dry skin gets dry dandruff. If the dandruff is flaky and powdery that keeps falling on your shoulder while combing or when you shake your head then, you have dry dandruff.
- Oily Dandruff
People with oily skin tends to have oily dandruff. When you run your nails through the scalp and if you see a sticky white substance in between your nails then you have oily dandruff.
Factors which causes Dandruff:
Here we look at all possible factors which cause Dandruff
- Climate
During winter season, dandruff grows more compared to any other seasons. Hence, additional care for hair is required during this time.
- Not Brushing Hair Properly
Combing or brushing the hair regularly reduces the risk of dandruff, because it aids in the normal shedding of skin.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis, this condition is caused by a fungus Malassezia, that normally lives on the scalp and feeds on the oils that the hair follicles secrete.People with Seborrheic dermatitis have irritated, oily skin and they are more likely to have dandruff.
It affects many areas of the skin, including the backs of the ears, eyebrows and the sides of the nose.This condition produces extra skin cells. As these extra skin cells die and fall off, they mix with the oil from the hair and scalp, forming dandruff.
- Hair Care Products
Certain hair care products can trigger a red, itchy and scaling scalp. Frequent shampooing may cause dandruff, as it can irritate the scalp as well as make it dry. For some people not shampooing enough can cause building up of oil, dead skin cells and so leads to dandruff.
- Skin Conditions
People with skin disorders tend to get dandruff more frequently than others. Any fungal infection (yeast) also causes dandruff.
- Medical Conditions
Adults with Parkinson’s disease and some other neurological illnesses are more prone to dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis. Patients who are recovering from a heart attack or a stroke and those with a weak immune system may be more prone to dandruff. Psoriasis is a disorder which causes itchiness of skin any where in the body which also results in formation of dandruff in the scalp.
- Diet
Deficiency of Zinc, B vitamins and certain fats may increase dandruff.
- Stress
Stress causes hair loss, dandruff and also many other health issues .
- Age
Dandruff is rare before puberty, peaks in the teens and declines with age thereafter.
- Hormonal Imbalance
Ladies gets dandruff issue mainly because of the hormonal imbalance. Because more men have dandruff, some researchers think male hormones may play a role.
Side Effects of Dandruff:
Following are the side effects caused by Dandruff
- Itching
Dandruff causes terrible amount of itching in the head. Itching at times can be very embarrassing.If the nature of your skin is dry, you need to be very conscious about keeping you scalp safe against dandruff. Proper moisturisation of scalp will help reducing dandruff.
- Hair Fall
Dandruff is generally called as cosmetic disease. It’s not serious nor contagious and it won’t lead to any other health issues but, if left untreated can cause hair loss.
- Acne
Dandruff can cause severe damage to your skin by bringing forth acne and pimples. Most of these are skin infections. Dandruff are dry skin flakes which can clog the pores on the face and body leading to pimples. If you are a person with pimple prone skin, dandruff can worsen the problem. However, the pimples appear more during teenage years.
- Eye Infection
Dandruff flakes can fall into your eyes or eye lids causing eye infections.
- Irritation for Asthma Patients
Dandruff flakes might enter the respiratory track and worsen the asthmatic condition.
Natural Remedies for Dandruff That You Can Try At Home
Dandruff can be completely removed by using ingredients that are available at home
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in Vitamin b5 and essential Proteins for hair. It is one of the best natural remedies for dandruff that you can try at home very easily. Yogurt has anti bacterial properties that reduces irritation and itchiness that provide instant relief and also helps in reducing dandruff by clearing and tightening the scalp pores.
How To Apply
Apply yogurt to scalp as well as through out the hair. If possible give a good massage,leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse it off with any mild shampoo or luke warm water. Do this once in a week.
Precaution
Never apply cold yogurt to scalp, as it may lead to cold or fever.
2.Lemon
Lemon’s acidity helps balance the pH of your scalp, which helps in keeping dandruff at bay. It contains citric acid that helps to fight dandruff from the roots of the hair follicles. It also has antimicrobial properties that will get rid of the fungus which causes dandruff. Hair fall also can be brought under control by using lemon.This is effective for Oily dandruff.
How To Apply
- Squeeze lime and apply it to the scalp directly. Leave it for about 20 minutes. Rinse it off with luke warm water.
- Mix squeezed lime with few drops of Almond oil and apply to the scalp. Rinse it off after 20 minutes using any mild shampoo.
- Mix squeezed lime with egg white apply it evenly to scalp and hair. Rinse it off after 20 minutes using any mild shampoo.
3.Apple Cider Vinegar( ACV )
ACV is a great anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial aid. It’s a perfect tool to treat dandruff and excess bacteria in the scalp. It also acts against yeast-like fungus that make dandruff reoccur. Since Apple Cider Vinegar doesn’t contain harsh chemicals and specifically targets the cause of dandruff, many victims of dandruff find quick and effective relief for their daily hygiene.
With the help of Apple Cider Vinegar you can see positive results within few days to a week of use, depending on how severe your symptoms are and how effectively you are using it. For the best results, you should use an undiluted version of Apple Cider Vinegar, try to use organic ACV. This is ideal for oily Dandruff.
How To Apply
- Apple Cider Vinegar and Water
Mix equal quantity of ACV and water into a bowl. Pour the mix to a spray bottle.Make partitions of hair and spray it evenly on the scalp. Leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse it off using Luke warm water.
- Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Mix 1/2 cup of ACV and 1/2 cup of warm water. Add 3 tsp honey to it. Pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it all over the scalp and hair. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse it off using luke warm water.
4. Neem
Using Neem for dandruff is very effective and can be easily grown at home too. The properties possessed by the Neem leaves are used to treat multiple skin and hair issues. It contains blood purifying as well as anti microbial elements. It is known to be a very effective anti fungal, anti viral and anti inflammatory agent.
How To Apply
- Neem Oil
Neem can be used in the form of oil.This oil can be easily made at home by adding few neem leaves to coconut oil and bringing it to a boil. Finally adding few drops of lemon into it. Rub this oil gently on your scalp, leave it overnight and then wash off in the morning.This can be used against dry dandruff.
- Neem Hair Mask
Grind a hand full of Neem leaves along with 2 tbsp curd or 1 tbsp honey. Apply it all over the scalp and hair. Leave it for about 20 minutes and then Rinse it off.
- Neem Water
This is the easiest way to use Neem. Add Neem leaves to water and boil it for few minutes. Let it cool,then strain it. After shampooing, apply this water all over scalp and hair. Rinse it off in luke warm water. This act as an excellent herbal conditioner.
5.Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti inflammatory properties that helps to treat scalp problems. When applied on scalp, it penetrates through the hair follicles, unclogs them and kills microorganisms that trigger dandruff, itchy scalp and irritation.
Tea tree oil moisturizes the hair and scalp effectively. Hence it is one of the best solutions for dry scalp to get rid of the dead skin cells and dirt on the scalp thereby, creating a favorable environment for healthy hair and scalp. It also removes the excess oil and other dirt particles to make your hair shiny and healthier. This gives best results against dry dandruff.
How To Apply
- Tea Tree Oil With Any Carrier Oil
To any carrier oil like coconut oil,olive oil or almond oil,add few drops of tea tree oil. Apply it all over the scalp. Leave it for about 30 minutes and rinse it off using any mild shampoo.
- Tea Tree Oil With Water
Add about 10 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of water. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray it all over the scalp and hair. Keep it for about 15 minutes and rinse it off using any mild shampoo.
- Tea Tree Oil With Shampoo
Add few drops of tea tree oil into the shampoo you use. Apply it to the hair and then rinse it off.
- Exfoliating Scrub
To 2 tbsp oats add few drops of tea tree oil and mix it with water. Give a good massage on scalp. Rinse it off after 20 minutes using any mild shampoo. It will remove all dead cells as well as dandruff.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is Anti inflammatory,Anti dandruff and Anti fungal. It relives itchiness of the scalp.Balances the pH of hair and removes dead skin cells on scalp. Helps to retain the moisture levels of hair.
How To Apply
- Plain Aloe Vera Gel
Peel off the skin of aloe vera stem to get a gel, blend it in a mixer and apply directly to the hair. After 15 to 20 minutes rinse it off.
- Aloe Vera, Yogurt and Honey Mask:
Mix 2 tbsp Aloe vera gel with 2 tbsp yogurt with 1 tbsp honey. Apply it over scalp and all over hair. Leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse it off.
- Exfoliating Scrub
Exfoliating your scalp is very much necessary for eradicating dandruff completely. Mix 2 Tbsp Aloe vera gel with 2 tspn brown sugar,give a good massage on the scalp. It will remove all dandruff as well as dead cells.
Also Read:http://mommyslifestyle.com/aloe-vera-hair/
7.Orange Peel
Orange peel is loaded with Vitamin C. Citrus properties of orange help in nourishing your hair and also treats dandruff. The dried orange peel powder can be used for anti dandruff therapies. The acidic properties present in the dried orange peel powder helps soak all the excess oil present on the scalp.
How To Apply
- Mix 3 tbsp orange peel powder and 2 tbsp curd. Apply it all over scalp and hair.Leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse it off using any mild shampoo.
- Mix 2 tbsp orange peel powder and 2 tbsp olive oil. Apply it to the scalp .Keep it for 20 minutes. Rinse it off using any mild shampoo.
Caution: Orange peel powder has no side effects, but adding it in excess quantities can dry your hair, so include olive oil in this hair mask for added benefits. This is an excellent home remedy for oily dandruff.
8.Henna
Henna powder is a natural remedy for treating dandruff. It helps in rejuvenating hair growth by treating dandruff issues. This works well for oily dandruff.
How To Apply
Mix 3 tbsp henna powder, 1 egg white, 1 tbsp amla powder, few drops of lime, 1 tbsp curd. Add cold unsweetened black tea to it for consistency. Leave the mix for around 10 hours.
Apply it all over scalp and hair leave for around 20 minutes and then rinse it off.
Caution:
- Henna might change your hair color to brown. So, better follow oil treatment before applying henna as a hair mask. Olive oil or Coconut oil works well with Henna.
- People with dry dandruff must use henna carefully as it can make your scalp even drier.
9. Fenugreek
Fenugreek has anti fungal and antibacterial properties. It has got amino acids and proteins that helps in clearing away the dandruff flakes. Fenugreek contains lecithin that helps in stimulation of hair growth, makes it stronger, shinier and it also treats the dry scalp.
How To Apply
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind it nicely to a fine paste. Apply it all over scalp and hair keep it for 20 minutes and then rinse it off.
Also Read :http://mommyslifestyle.com/benefits-fenugreek/
10.Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil acts as a natural moisturizer that will add shine to your hair. It is an excellent remedy for treating dandruff due to the presence of Lauric acid, a natural disinfectant. It moisturizes the scalp and does not let bacteria thrive on the scalp.
How To Apply
Take few spoons of coconut oil.Make it warm and apply it on to the scalp.Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse it off using any mild shampoo.This works best on Dry Dandruff.
11.Olive Oil
Olive oil helps in rejuvenating your scalp and improves the volume of your hair. It acts against fungi and bacteria present in the scalp and also helps in enhancing blood circulation. It helps treat dandruff and has natural moisturizing properties. This also works well on Dry Dandruff.
How To Apply
- Take 2 tbsp of olive oil. Make it warm and then apply this all over the scalp. If possible give a good massage. After 20 minutes rinse it off using any mild shampoo.
- Any hair mask you prepare add 1 tbsp olive oil to make your hair soft and healthy.
Summary
Dandruff really isn’t about your hair, or how often you wash it. Instead, it’s about the skin on your scalp.The above mentioned natural remedies for dandruff that you can try at home gives amazing results.
Dandruff is not a big concern if treated well. If you are ready to opt a healthy lifestyle it is quite easier to eliminate all these small issues concerning hair.
You know any other effective home remedies for dandruff ? Do share with us
Good one. Useful