10 Best Home Remedies to Remove Dandruff!
Dandruff is a pesky problem which can attack almost everyone! From adults to children, everyone can be a victim of this scalp disorder. If unbearable itching is one side of the issue, the embarrassing white scales falling all over your shoulder is another! Before you slather your scalp with harsh chemical products, we recommend you to try these safe home Remedies for Dandruff!
Along with that, we shall also guide you on why your scalp is prone to dandruff and what triggers this problem, along with types and stages. Gaining an understanding of this can lower the chances of flaking in the future. So, if you are keen on attaining a squeaky clean, flake-free scalp, read along with us!
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a scalp condition in which scaly patches appear on the upper layer of skin. It is caused by a type of fungus called Malassezia and involves noticeable symptoms like white flakes, itching and inflammation (1). Along with the scalp, if this problem impacts other areas of the body like eyebrows, chest or eyelids, it is called the Seborrheic Dermatitis.
What Causes of Dandruff?
It is a misconception to state that dandruff is caused due to poor hygiene. Instead, it is caused to numerous factors like lifestyle, diet, products and medical conditions. Here are the main culprits behind this flakey problem:
icrobial Factors:
1. Yeast Infections: One of the main reasons for dandruff is a type of fungus called Malassezia. They thrive on the sebum of our scalps and break it down to Oleic acids. If you have a sensitivity to this by-product ie., Oleic acid, the cell growth doubles up to remove the irritant. This leads to dead flakes on the scalp, called Dandruff (2)
2. Bacterial Invasions: Recent studies show that bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the greatest contributors to dandruff than fungus. The imbalance in the levels of the organism causes white flakes on the scalp (3).
Other Factors:
3. Scalp conditions: If your scalp either falls is either ‘too oily’ or the ‘too dry’ types, the likelihood of dandruff increases.
4. Irregular Shampooing: Not washing your hair regularly can leave your scalp clogged with unwanted impurities, dead cells and excess oils. This can form a perfect environment for the organisms to grow and multiply.
5. Stress: Stress is an in-direct contributor to Dandruff. Feelings of anxiety and nervousness can weaken your immune system and make it difficult for your body to fight the foreign invasions.
6. Sensitivity to Products: If your scalp is allergic to haircare products, there is a high likelihood of falling prey to dandruff. Also, product buildups on the scalp can clog pores, leading to scalp infections and flakes.
Types of Dandruff:
There are two major types of dandruff, each caused by a specific condition of the scalp. Learning about these will help you take the right course of action to treat your problem.
1. Dry Dandruff:
It is caused to the depletion of moisture levels on the scalp, which leads to greyish white flakes on the scalp. In this itchy condition, the scales keep falling all over the shoulder, whenever you scratch your head or brush your hair.
2. Oily Dandruff:
This dandruff is caused when the scalp produces excess sebum, which reacts with the yeast residing on the scalp skin. The result is a greasy, sticky and mild yellowish colored flakes which can form a layer on the scalp. To get quick relief from these symptoms, you must only use a product specially designed for the condition.
Is Dandruff Treatable?
Dandruff is not a dangerous problem and will not pose any significant health hazards. It is treatable if you take corrective measures at the right time. This includes,
10 Effective Home Remedies to Treat Dandruff:
There are many ways to treat dandruff, with natural methods being the safest option. These procedures are made with everyday ingredients to offer quick relief from itchiness. We recommend you to try these first, before moving on to harsh chemical products. Read along to learn about each of them in detail:
1. Lemon for Dandruff:
Along with that, we shall also guide you on why your scalp is prone to dandruff and what triggers this problem, along with types and stages. Gaining an understanding of this can lower the chances of flaking in the future. So, if you are keen on attaining a squeaky clean, flake-free scalp, read along with us!
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a scalp condition in which scaly patches appear on the upper layer of skin. It is caused by a type of fungus called Malassezia and involves noticeable symptoms like white flakes, itching and inflammation (1). Along with the scalp, if this problem impacts other areas of the body like eyebrows, chest or eyelids, it is called the Seborrheic Dermatitis.
What Causes of Dandruff?
It is a misconception to state that dandruff is caused due to poor hygiene. Instead, it is caused to numerous factors like lifestyle, diet, products and medical conditions. Here are the main culprits behind this flakey problem:
icrobial Factors:
1. Yeast Infections: One of the main reasons for dandruff is a type of fungus called Malassezia. They thrive on the sebum of our scalps and break it down to Oleic acids. If you have a sensitivity to this by-product ie., Oleic acid, the cell growth doubles up to remove the irritant. This leads to dead flakes on the scalp, called Dandruff (2)
2. Bacterial Invasions: Recent studies show that bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the greatest contributors to dandruff than fungus. The imbalance in the levels of the organism causes white flakes on the scalp (3).
Other Factors:
3. Scalp conditions: If your scalp either falls is either ‘too oily’ or the ‘too dry’ types, the likelihood of dandruff increases.
4. Irregular Shampooing: Not washing your hair regularly can leave your scalp clogged with unwanted impurities, dead cells and excess oils. This can form a perfect environment for the organisms to grow and multiply.
5. Stress: Stress is an in-direct contributor to Dandruff. Feelings of anxiety and nervousness can weaken your immune system and make it difficult for your body to fight the foreign invasions.
6. Sensitivity to Products: If your scalp is allergic to haircare products, there is a high likelihood of falling prey to dandruff. Also, product buildups on the scalp can clog pores, leading to scalp infections and flakes.
Types of Dandruff:
There are two major types of dandruff, each caused by a specific condition of the scalp. Learning about these will help you take the right course of action to treat your problem.
1. Dry Dandruff:
It is caused to the depletion of moisture levels on the scalp, which leads to greyish white flakes on the scalp. In this itchy condition, the scales keep falling all over the shoulder, whenever you scratch your head or brush your hair.
2. Oily Dandruff:
This dandruff is caused when the scalp produces excess sebum, which reacts with the yeast residing on the scalp skin. The result is a greasy, sticky and mild yellowish colored flakes which can form a layer on the scalp. To get quick relief from these symptoms, you must only use a product specially designed for the condition.
Is Dandruff Treatable?
Dandruff is not a dangerous problem and will not pose any significant health hazards. It is treatable if you take corrective measures at the right time. This includes,
- Identifying the symptoms of dandruff.
- Diagnosing the type of dandruff.
- Choosing the right shampoo, lotion or hair care product for your condition.
- Using home remedies to control the growth of yeast on the scalp.
10 Effective Home Remedies to Treat Dandruff:
There are many ways to treat dandruff, with natural methods being the safest option. These procedures are made with everyday ingredients to offer quick relief from itchiness. We recommend you to try these first, before moving on to harsh chemical products. Read along to learn about each of them in detail:
1. Lemon for Dandruff:
Lemon is one of the potent home remedies for dandruff. The citric acid in lemon helps the scalp skin to restore its pH level. This helps in controlling oil production on the scalp to inhibit the growth of yeast cells. Lemon is also a rich source of Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant to fight free radicals that cause oxidative damage and encourage the formation of healthy scalp skin. Adding coconut oil, which is a natural anti-fungal agent can increase the efficiency of lemon juice.
To Use Lemon for Dandruff,
You Will Need:
Lemon Juice – few drops
Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp
Preparation Time: 2 Minutes
How to Prepare and Use:
- Mix Lemon Juice with Coconut Oil.
- Apply it evenly on the affected areas.
- Massage well for 2-3 minutes.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Use a mild anti-dandruff shampoo to wash off the residue.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
How Often Should I Use: Twice or Thrice a week.
2. Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is an age-old anti-dandruff natural remedy known to many Indians. According to a study, a topical application of germinated fenugreek seeds was found to be very effective in bringing down the growth of Malassezia Furfur (4). These seeds also contain Lecithin, which is an essential fat that can hydrate your scalp and strengthen the hair follicles. The high amounts of amino acids present in Fenugreek can prevent dryness and hair fall due to dandruff.
To use Fenugreek for Dandruff,
You Will Need:
Soaked Fenugreek Seeds: ½ Cup
Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes (excluding overnight soak)
How to Prepare and Use:
- Grind the overnight soaked fenugreek seeds with little water.
- Add lemon juice and mix well.
- Section your scalp and apply it evenly on the affected areas.
- Leave it on for 45 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water, without leaving any traces of the product on your scalp.
How Often Should I Do This? Once a week.
3. Yoghurt:
Another commonly used home remedy for dandruff is Curd or Yoghurt. This dairy product is very effective in controlling the inflammation on the scalp and offer a soothing relief from itchiness. Although there is no solid evidence to prove that Curd cures Dandruff, experts believe that it could be the presence of Lactic acid which breaks down the dead cells and clarify your scalp skin. Curd can also smoothen your hair and nourish your follicles by preventing dryness.
Here’s how to use this natural remedy for Dandruff:
You Will Need:
- Curd – 1 cup
- Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp
Preparation Time: 2 Minutes
How to Prepare and Use:
- Mix curd and lemon juice to form a smooth paste.
- Apply it evenly on your scalp.
- Leave it for 20-25 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with a mild cleanser.
- Wash off with water.
How Often Should I Do This? Once a week.
NOTE: If you have a very dry scalp, avoid using lemon juice.
4. Baking Soda:
Baking Soda is often used as a cheaper alternative to medicated anti-dandruff formulas. It is a drying agent that can absorb excess sebum on the scalp to leave it squeaky clean. Baking Soda also has anti-septic properties to control infections caused by microbes (5). However, you also need to know the hazards of using this agent. Experts suggest that excessive use of Baking soda on hair can cause brittleness.
Here’s one way to use Baking Soda for Dandruff.
Things You Need:
Baking Soda – 2-3 tbsp
Lukewarm water – 1 Cup
Preparation Time: 2 Minutes
How to Prepare and Use?
- Mix baking soda with lukewarm water to form a smooth paste.
- Apply it all over the affected area on the scalp.
- Leave it for 5-10 minutes.
- Shampoo with a gentle hair cleanser, followed by a conditioner.
How Often Should I Do: Once or twice a month.
NOTE: Always do a patch test of the Baking soda mask before applying it to a larger area. If you experience irritation or burning sensation, avoid this remedy.
5. Multani Mitti:
Multani Mitti or Fuller’s Earth is a natural clay that has oil-absorbing properties. It can soak in excess sebum, dirt and impurities that increase your chances of dandruff. This agent can also offer a cooling sensation on the scalp to get immediate relief from itchiness and irritation. Multani Mitti is also known to improve blood circulation for better oxygen supply to your follicles and strengthen them from within.
To Use Multani Mitti for dandruff,
You Will Need:
- Multani Mitti – 1 Cup
- Lemon Juice – 3-4 tbsp
- Water – To Mix
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
How to Prepare and Use:
- Make a thin paste with Multani Mitti, Lemon juice and water.
- Apply it all over the scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash with a mild cleanser.
- Rinse with water.
How Often Should I Do This? Once or twice a week.
NOTE: If you have a dry scalp, replace lemon juice with aloe vera or olive oil.