Dandruff can emerge at any age, but it is more common in those between the ages of 20 and 30. A dry scalp, hair loss, and a lack of self-confidence are all common side effects of such an uncomfortable condition.
In today’s post, we gathered some effective natural ways to get rid of dandruff.
1. Tea tree oil
Even as little as a 5% presence of tea tree oil in your shampoo can significantly improve the condition of your scalp. When it comes to dandruff, tea tree oil can be a lifesaver since it provides immediate effects thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How to use:
- One way is to simply add 8-10 drops of tea tree oil in a 200-ml bottle of shampoo. Wash your hair the way you normally would, but allow the shampoo to sit on your scalp for a bit to let it absorb the benefits of tea tree oil. Then, rinse thoroughly.
- Another way of using it could be in your daily oil – we’d suggest something natural like almond oil or coconut oil. A three-quarter of the regular oil would require 15 drops of the tea tree oil. Put the mixture in your hair, massage it into your scalp, keep it overnight, and wash it the next morning.
2. Apple cider vinegar
The antifungal properties of unfiltered and completely organic apple cider vinegar can be used to treat itchy and dry skin that causes dandruff. The acid content present in apple cider vinegar changes the pH of the scalp, making it harder for yeast to grow.
How to use:
- Mix apple cider vinegar with water in equal proportion.
- After washing your hair, apply the mixture to it while it’s wet.
- The mixture should be massaged into the scalp and then left for 15 minutes before you rinse it off.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is often referred to by some people as a “blessing for hair” since there is not a single hair-related problem that can’t be cured by it. Coconut oil has antifungal properties that help it cure dandruff. It also contains lauric, caprylic, and capric acid, allowing it to nourish damaged hair.
How to use:
- Warm up a significant amount of coconut oil (as per the length of your hair) in a bowl.
- Rub the oil into your scalp and hair for 5 minutes.
- Leave it overnight.
- In the morning, wash it off with your usual shampoo.
4. Raw honey
Honey offers a lot of surprising benefits when it’s used in its raw form. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it holds the moisture of the hair that prevents it from dying. Apart from that, it infuses the hair with several vitamins like vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and B-complex. Along with that, it provides several essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc. Raw honey is also very effective against dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
How to use:
- Wet your hair.
- Dilute the honey (90% of honey and 10% of water.)
- Rub it into your scalp for 3-5 minutes and then let it sit on your scalp for a few hours.
- Rinse it off with water.
5. Baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate, or commonly known as baking soda, has been proven to be useful on 40 dermatophytes, 18 yeasts, and 12 mold-related infections on various parts of the body. Baking soda is also an excellent exfoliator so applying it to the scalp will remove dead skin cells. Now, as baking soda is also basic/alkaline in nature, it also helps balance the pH of the scalp.
Baking soda has several benefits on the skin as its a powerful substance.
How to use:
- Add good-quality baking soda to your regular shampoo and use it as you normally would.
- You can also use the combination of apple cider vinegar and baking soda together. Just make a mixture, apply it to your scalp, and rinse it off.
- Make a mixture of baking soda and rose oil, apply it to your scalp, keep it on for 2-3 minutes, and then rinse it off with cool water.
- DO NOT use baking soda directly on the skin – always use it indirectly.
6. Neem leaf extracts
Neem, also known as Azadirachta indica, has been considered as the ultimate antibacterial, antifungal, and natural purifier in India for hundreds of years. Neem extracts are powerful enough to remove all kinds of unwanted pathogens and dermophytes from the human body.
How to use:
- Boil some neem leaves in water for several minutes.
- Wash your hair from the extract while slowly massaging your scalp with your fingers.
- Do not use concentrated neem extract on your scalp as it might irritate the scalp.
7. Lemon
Lemon is the best known, most common, and most accessible cure for dandruff. It balances the pH of the scalp and cures itching in the process. Lemon also helps get rid of excess grease and oil from the scalp which reduces the spreading of the yeast that causes dandruff.
How to use:
- Apply lemon juice to the scalp.
- Keep it on for 35-40 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water.
- You can also use the lemon-honey, lemon-water combination.
Dandruff can occur to anyone at any time. If you’ve ever experienced it, what did you do to make it go away? Share your stories with us in the comments!