Dandruff is a very common scalp condition which may affect your self confidence by causing acne, itching scalp, hair fall, oily hair. Dandruff can be caused due to various reasons ranging from as simple as dry scalp including psoriasis, eczema, due to grouwth of yeast-like fungus called malassezia or due to a scalp condition called seborrheic dermatitis.
Medicated shampoos are available in store which may contain zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole to kill bacteria and yeast; coal tar and selenium sulfide to slow down the cell growth of dandruff and to kill those cells; salicylic acid to loosen the dandruff flakes so that they can be easily washed away.
Skip the chemical shampoos and try these highly effective dandruff solutions at home to protect your hair and to get rid of dandruff.
Treatments for dandruff at home:-
1) Aspirin:-
Crush 2-3 Aspirin pills, add to your normal mild shampoo and mix well. Use this shampoo mixture to wash your scalp and hair frequently. Aspirin contains Salicyclic acid and it gently removes the dandruff without damaging your hair.
2)Tea Tree Oil:-
Research shows that tea-tree oil is highly effective in clearing off the dandruff. Tea-tree oil is used by many dandruff products. But instead of using the chemically strong shampoos, you can make your own tea-tree oil shampoo by adding a few drops to a normal mild shampoo. This way you can avoid the damage caused to hair and scalp due to the powerful chemicals present in dandruff shampoos.
3) Baking Soda:-
Your kitchen holds the key for itch free and dandruff free scalp and hair. Add little baking-soda to water and mix well. Pour this solution on scalp and hair. Leave for one minute and gently rinse the scalp by rubbing with your finger tips. Baking soda removes the fungus causing dandruff. You may feel your hair a little dry on using this remedy but it does not harm your hair. No need to use shampoo as it keeps the scalp squeaky clean. Apple cider vinegar solution may be followed as a conditioner to keep it soft and shining.
4) Apple Cider Vinegar:-
Apple Cider Vinegar swears to remove the dandruff and also to prevent the regrowth of dandruff cells as it’s acidic nature maintains the pH balance of the scalp. Make a solution of Apple cider vinegar by mixing in water in 1:4 ratio. Add a few drops of tea-tree oil or rosemary oil and mix well. Pour this solution onto the entire scalp and hair. Wrap a towel around the head and leave for 5-10 minutes. Gently wash the hair.
5) Mouth wash:-
Mouthwash has anti-fungal properties. After shampooing with your regular shampoo, rinse well and use mouthwash solution. Add a cap full of mouthwash to a cup of water and pour this solution over your scalp and hair. Leave for 5 minutes and rinse. Follow with a conditioner.
6) Lemon juice:-
The acids present in lemon juice have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and effectively cleans the scalp and clears off the dandruff. Make a solution of lemon juice by mixing with water in 1:1 ratio. Rub this solution on the scalp and leave for 10 minutes. Wash with a regular shampoo. This is an effective remedy for those having normal or oily scalp. If you have a dry scalp or psoriasis, avoid lemon.
7) Aloe Vera:-
Aloe Vera is a rich anti-bacterial source available. It is very easy to store extract and apply Aloe Vera gel. The gel inside the stem can be run in a blender to make a juice and can be stored in refrigerator. It can be applied to hair even while going out. It is just like water, easily dries out and you won’t feel it. Beside giving other benefits for your hair, it controls dandruff when applied to scalp. Apply all over the scalp and hair liberally, leave for 15 minutes and wash with a regular shampoo.
8) Green gram and Yogurt:-
Green gram flour mixed in yogurt is an excellent remedy to remove dandruff. Make a powder of 1/4 th cup of green gram by running in a mixer. Add equal amount of yogurt to it and mix well. Apply this paste all over the scalp and hair. Leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse with water. Use a mild shampoo.
9) Olive Oil:-
If you have a dry and itchy scalp condition and it is causing dandruff, then olive oil is the best remedy for you. Apply olive oil all over the scalp and leave over night. Rinse with a mild shampoo.
10) Eggs:-
Beat two eggs in a bowl. Apply this to scalp and hair. Leave for 15 minutes and wash using a mild shampoo. Eggs are a good remedy to treat scalp conditions and to control dandruff.
Tips:
- Always use a mild shampoo.
- Wash your head every alternate day.
- After washing, pour cold water over the head. This closes the pores tightly and reduces the clogging with dust mites and dirt.