15 Home Remedies to Get Rid Of Dandruff Naturally

Are you tired of constantly brushing flakes off your shoulders? Dandruff can be a pesky problem, but the good news is that you don't need expensive treatments to tackle it. Dandruff treatment home remedies offer a natural and cost-effective way to manage this common scalp condition. From simple kitchen ingredients to essential oils, these solutions can help soothe an itchy scalp and reduce those annoying white flakes.

Let's explore the top 15 home remedies for dandruff treatment that you can easily try at home. Whether you're dealing with a dry scalp or oily buildup, these natural dandruff remedies can help you achieve a healthier, flake-free scalp. So, let's discover how to remove dandruff at home using simple, effective methods.

6 Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff can arise from various factors, and understanding the root causes is the most important step in effective natural dandruff treatment. Here are some of the most common reasons behind this pesky scalp condition:

• Seborrheic Dermatitis: One of the primary causes of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition characterised by an overproduction of sebum (oil) and the rapid shedding of dead skin cells. This condition can lead to yellow or white flakes on the scalp.
• Dry Scalp: Conversely, a dry scalp can also contribute to dandruff. When the scalp lacks moisture, it can become irritated and flaky, shedding dead skin cells.
• Fungal Overgrowth: Dandruff can also result from an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia. 
• Sensitivity to Hair Products: Certain hair care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, or styling products, can result in an allergic reaction or irritation in some individuals, leading to dandruff.
• Poor Hygiene: Infrequent shampooing or inadequate scalp cleansing can allow dead skin cells and oils to accumulate, creating an ideal environment for dandruff to thrive.
• Stress and Hormonal Imbalances: Stress and hormonal imbalances can derange the natural balance of the scalp, resulting in increased oil production or skin cell turnover, both of which can contribute to dandruff formation.

15 Home Remedies to Cure Dandruff

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Mix one tablespoon of ACV in a cup of water and use this concoction to rinse your hair after shampooing. The vinegar's acidity helps shed dead skin cells and maintain a healthy scalp pH, reducing fungal growth and dandruff.
2. Mehndi (Henna): Mehndi has nourishing properties that can soften your hair and alleviate dandruff. To prepare this pack, mix henna powder with water to form a paste, apply it to your scalp, and let it sit for an hour before rinsing.
3. Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice: Combine coconut oil's moisturising and antifungal properties with lemon juice's acidic nature. Massage the mixture into your scalp, leave it on for an hour, and then shampoo.
4. Fenugreek Seeds: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight, grind them into a smooth paste, and apply it to your scalp. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. The seeds have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that can help treat dandruff.
5. Curd (Yoghurt): Apply plain yoghurt to your scalp and let it dry for an hour before rinsing with a mild shampoo. The lactic acid in yoghurt helps remove dead skin cells and nourishes the scalp.
6. Tea Tree Oil: An essential oil with incredible potential, tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for dandruff caused by fungus overgrowth because of its antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Add a few drops to your shampoo or dilute it in coconut oil before applying it to your scalp.
7. Neem Juice: Neem has antifungal and antibacterial properties that effectively combat dandruff. Apply neem juice directly to your scalp, let it sit for an hour, and then shampoo.
8. Orange Peel: Grate an orange peel and mix it with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your scalp for at least 30 minutes, then rinse. The citric acid in orange peels can help eliminate dandruff.
9. Egg Yolk: Add a few lemon juice drops to the egg yolk and apply it to your scalp. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. The biotin and protein in egg yolks nourish the scalp and hair.
10. Green Tea: Brew green tea, let it cool, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. Green tea's antioxidants and antimicrobial properties can help alleviate dandruff.
11. Basil Leaves: Grind basil leaves into a paste and apply it to your scalp. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. Basil's antifungal and antibacterial properties can help combat dandruff.
12. Olive Oil: Massage lukewarm olive oil into your scalp and leave it on overnight. Shampoo in the morning. Olive oil's moisturising properties can help soothe a dry, flaky scalp.
13. Listerine Mouthwash: Dilute Listerine with water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. The antimicrobial agents in Listerine can help control dandruff-causing fungi.
14. Banana and Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix one mashed banana with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, let it sit on your scalp for 30 minutes, and then rinse. The combination of vitamin B and vinegar's acidity can help eliminate dandruff.
15. Garlic: Take a few garlic cloves, crush them in a bowl and mix them with water. Use this potion as a final rinse after shampooing. Garlic's antifungal properties can help combat dandruff-causing fungi.

How to Cure Dandruff Permanently?

Dandruff, a chronic scalp condition known as seborrheic dermatitis, can range from a minor irritant to a severe rash covering the entire scalp. The treatment options include:

• Over-the-counter Treatments: The first step in treatment is to try over-the-counter dandruff shampoos containing active ingredients like zinc, selenium, or ketoconazole. These shampoos should be left on the hair scalp for five minutes before rinsing for maximum benefit. Coal tar shampoo is another effective option, although it may discolour light-coloured hair.
• Natural Remedies: If over-the-counter treatments don't work, you can try natural remedies like tea tree oil, oil massage, and aloe vera for up to two weeks. Tea tree oil's antimicrobial properties help control Malassezia, while aloe vera and coconut oil have anti-inflammatory and antifungal characteristics that can soothe the scalp and reduce dandruff.
• Professional Treatment: If all these treatments fail to provide relief after two weeks, it's time to consult a doctor. They may prescribe a topical corticosteroid to calm the rash or a calcineurin inhibitor to suppress the immune response.
• Lifestyle Modifications:
  • In addition to medicinal management, lifestyle changes can help manage dandruff:
  • Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff symptoms.
  • Eat a Healthy Diet: Ensure adequate zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats intake.
  • Develop a Scalp Care Routine: Adjust shampooing frequency and use a gentle massaging technique to loosen flakes.
  • Get Some Sun Exposure: Limited sun exposure may help control dandruff, but wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • Limit Hair Styling Products: Excessive use of hair products can contribute to scalp buildup and dandruff.

You can permanently manage and potentially cure dandruff by combining medical treatments, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes. 

Conclusion

Tackling dandruff doesn't have to be a complex or expensive process. The natural dandruff cure we've explored offers effective and accessible solutions to this common scalp issue. From ACV rinses to coconut oil massages, these home remedies for dandruff provide various options to suit different hair types and preferences.

Remember, consistency is key when treating dandruff at home. While these natural treatments can yield impressive results, it's essential to be patient and persistent. If your dandruff persists despite trying these remedies, don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist. They can provide professional guidance and additional treatments to help you maintain a healthy, dandruff-free scalp.

FAQs

1. Can lemon remove dandruff?

Yes, lemon juice can be an effective home remedy for dandruff treatment. Thanks to its composition of citric acid, lemon helps treat dryness and dandruff by balancing the scalp's pH level. Additionally, lemon possesses antimicrobial properties that curb fungus growth on the scalp, a common cause of dandruff.

2. Can dandruff cause hair fall?

Dandruff does not directly cause hair loss. However, the two conditions may be linked in some cases. Severe dandruff can damage the scalp or hair follicles, leading to thinning or stunted hair growth. The itchiness associated with dandruff may also prompt excessive scratching, which can injure hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.

3. Which fruit is good for dandruff?

Several fruits can be beneficial for managing dandruff:

• Lemons: Rich in vitamin C, citric acid, and antioxidants, lemons help balance the scalp's pH, strengthen hair follicles, and eliminate excess oils contributing to dandruff.
• Citrus Fruits: Like lemons, other citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits, contain vitamin C and citric acid, which makes them effective in controlling dandruff.
• Bananas: Bananas contain ample amounts of biotin (vitamin B7), which can improve scalp health and reduce dandruff.
• Avocados: The healthy fats and vitamins in avocados nourish the scalp and hair, helping to alleviate dryness and dandruff.

4. Is dandruff bad in your hair?

Dandruff itself is not harmful, but it can be an unsightly and uncomfortable condition. While it is not contagious, severe or persistent dandruff may suggest an underlying scalp condition that requires medical attention. In some cases, untreated dandruff can also lead to hair loss or scalp infections. Therefore, it is essential to manage dandruff effectively to maintain a healthy scalp and hair.