Dandruff is perhaps the most common haircare issue that has affected almost everyone at some point in time. Hair dandruff is often accompanied by constant itching, flaking, and inflammation, which makes your scalp highly irritable. There are several reasons for dandruff, but the primary cause is the presence of the fungus Malassezia globosa on the scalp. This fungus is usually harmless, but the by-product it releases on processing the sebum (oleic acid), is what triggers dandruff.
The good news is that dandruff is easily treatable. You don’t need to follow elaborate haircare rituals to remove dandruff; some incredible dandruff home remedies have proven to get rid of the flakes and give you clean, healthy hair. Let’s dive right into it!
Home remedies for treating dandruff
- Use curd
Using curd for treating hair dandruffhas proven quite helpful. This is because curd contains lactic acid that helps reduce dandruff, and the protein content in curd strengthens your hair from the roots. Getting rid of flakes was never this easy! Curd contains friendly bacteria, which prevents flaking of the scalp. Apply a layer of fresh curd on your scalp and hair, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and let your hair air dry.
- Try aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is one of the most soothing skin and hair care ingredients ever. It’s a natural coolant and reduces your scalp’s itchiness and irritation. It even possesses several antifungal properties that treat dandruff and even clears dead skin cells from your scalp, encouraging the regeneration of fresh cells. Apply aloe vera gel to your scalp and leave it on for about half an hour. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.
- Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV has been hailed for its cleansing properties. It works as an excellent natural hair cleanser and unclogs pores and hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth. The acidic nature of ACV removes dead skin cells on the scalp, restores the pH balance of your scalp, and prevents the growth of fungus, which makes it one of the most effective dandruff home remedies. Mix two tablespoons of ACV in a cup of cold water and rinse your hair with it after shampooing. Leave it on for two minutes before washing it off completely.
- Try neem
Neem possesses antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that can treat dandruff and itchiness. Ground a few neem leaves and apply the thick paste to your hair and scalp. Or, you can even boil these neem leaves, let them cool, and then rinse your hair and scalp with this neem water.
- Use an anti-dandruff shampoo
The best way to deal with dandruff and the itching that ensues is to use hair products designed to eliminate the problem at the core. Anti-dandruff shampoos are formulated with special ingredients that fight dandruff while giving you great hair. You can check out Head & Shoulders Anti-dandruff shampoos that are created with zinc pyrithione that fights actively against dandruff and leaves your hair flake-free. Pair it up with Head & Shoulders Anti-dandruff conditioner as it enhances the dandruff-fighting power of your shampoo.
Follow these incredible dandruff home remedies as they pave the way to a healthy scalp and clean and flake-free hair.