The Sunday Mail
These simple dandruff home remedies will help you know how to control or get rid of dandruff.
Shampoo more often
This can help reduce the oils on your scalp.
Do not oil hair and keep it on for long
India-based dermatologist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj says, “It’s a pure myth that oiling is good for hair with dandruff.”
“In fact”, she affirms, “applying oil will lead to more dandruff as oil is like food for Malazzesia, which leads to dandruff.” Applying oil to a dry, itchy scalp may sound like heaven but may only exacerbate your dandruff condition, especially when you let it sit on your scalp for longer periods of time.
Green tea
Combine green tea, peppermint essential oil and white vinegar and massage it on your scalp for five minutes. Then rinse it off with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Green tea and peppermint essential oil have antioxidants and anti-microbial properties which can promote a healthy scalp and also condition your hair so it is not as dry or irritated.
Apple cider vinegar
Dilute the vinegar with equal parts of water. Use this mixture as a substitute for your shampoo. Apple cider vinegar can kill the fungus that may cause dandruff. It provides relief from itchiness and can help subside the dandruff.
Have a coconut oil massage
Combine five to 10 drops of tea tree oil with five tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp at night and then rinse it off in the morning, or, if you are pressed for time, just leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off. Coconut oil also fights against fungi, which can help eliminate the dandruff. Tea tree oil will help bring the shine back to your hair.
Lemon juice
Massage two tablespoons of lemon juice onto your scalp and let it sit for a minute. Then mix one teaspoon of lemon juice and one cup of water. Rinse your hair with the mixture. Repeat this right before your daily shower for the best results.
Use baking soda
Wet your hair and sprinkle one tablespoon of baking soda along your scalp. Leave it on for a minute and wash it off. You can also shampoo after to thoroughly rinse it off. Baking soda fights against overactive fungi and can help exfoliate the skin on your scalp without irritating it. Baking soda also soaks up excess oil.
Garlic
The pungent smell of the occasional garlic clove may make it a ‘no-no’ for some but its medicinal value is definitely something that cannot be overlooked. Garlic is immensely beneficial as an anti-fungal natural product and the benefits of raw or crushed garlic (avoid cooked garlic for treating medical conditions) have mesmerised man for centuries. Pound a clove or two of garlic and after mixing with water, use it on your scalp to see quick results. The smell? You could always mix in a little honey and ginger!
Neem
All of us are aware of the role that neem extract plays in almost all skin medications because of its antibacterial and anti fungal qualities. Since dandruff can mostly be attributed to fungal colonisation of scalp, it is only right to turn to this age-old remedy for skin ailments. However, it is recommended to use a very diluted version of neem (neem boiled in water) for the scalp as concentrated versions may only irritate the skin further.
Aloe Vera
Not only is aloe vera cooling but also mildly exfoliates the skin and has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is best to directly extract some from the aloe vera plant – it is transparent and has a thick consistency. It can be applied in the scalp and then washed off with a medicated anti-dandruff or mild shampoo. – Wires
