Effective Dandruff Treatment at Home: Natural Remedies & Tips

Are those itchy white flakes falling from your hair impacting your confidence? Well, dandruff can bother people, leading to embarrassment in public. But it isn’t contagious or serious and can be treated. Dandruff, medically known as seborrhoea, weakens the scalp due to poor hair brushing, dry skin, and stress, impacting about 50% of the population.

Dandruff is usually a result of seborrheic dermatitis, dry skin, Parkinson’s disease, the growth of the fungus Malassezia yeast, or sensitivity to certain hair products and chemicals. There are different types of dandruff, such as dry scalp, oily scalp, mixed, or Malassezia-associated dandruff, each with distinct characteristics that require tailored treatment. Many over-the-counter products are available to treat dandruff, but here are some simple remedies you can try at home.

Home Remedies To Treat Dandruff 

Certain readily available ingredients in our homes act as convenient and cost-effective remedies for curing dandruff and have been passed down through generations.

1. Lemon & Coconut Oil

Coconut oil keeps the hair nourished and, when mixed with lemon juice, can cure dandruff. These are easily available and effective home remedies for getting rid of the tiny irritating flakes. Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or as per the length of your hair and mix it with the lemon juice. Apply the mixture of coconut oil and lemon to your entire scalp, and massage your hair gently until it is absorbed. Allow this mixture to rest on scalp for 20 minutes and rinse with a shampoo that suits you. This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of dandruff.

Use this remedy for a minimum twice a week to get the desired results. Ensure to use a gentle shampoo and ensure your scalp remain moisturised. 

2. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds, popularly referred to as methi seeds, are a preventive cure for dandruff. Make a paste using overnight-soaked fenugreek seeds. Add lemon juice to the paste, mix it well, and apply to your hair and scalp. Leave for 30 minutes before washing it off with a shampoo.

3. Curd

Curd is known to treat dandruff effectively when applied to the scalp. Let it completely dry for an hour before rinsing it off with shampoo. People who are intolerant to the smell of curd can find its application difficult and feel messy.

4. Neem Juice

Crush some neem leaves to make a thick paste, and apply this to your hair, allowing it to dry for around 10 minutes. When dried, wash it with some water. Neem is often used as an ingredient in shampoos as it is a good cure for dandruff. It can be incorporated into your routine as it doesn't make the hair messy and is a natural way to eliminate dandruff.

5. Orange Peel

Orange peel is a good remedy for curing dandruff. Take the orange peel, squeeze some lemon juice into it, grind until it turns into a fine paste, and then apply it to hair. Allow it to dry for 30 minutes before washing it off with a shampoo of your choice. You can do this thrice a week for the best results. Orange peel is rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and dietary fibers that are good for the body, making it a good remedy for dandruff. 

6. Vinegar

The medicinal properties of vinegar can kill fungus, helping one get rid of dandruff easily. It can also cure various skin-related issues, such as acne and itchiness in the scalp. Boil 2 cups of vinegar. Once boiled, keep it aside to cool, and take 1 cup of water. Mix a one-eighth cup of water with the cooled vinegar and apply it to your scalp. Rinse it away with a shampoo of your choice. This will reduce dryness and itchiness of the scalp.

7. Egg Yolk

Egg Yolks contain biotin, a major vitamin that treats dandruff and acts as a conditioner for hair, making it healthier. Apply the yolk to your hair and cover it with a plastic bag for an hour before washing it with shampoo. You should clean it more than once to get rid of its odor. 

8. Garlic

Garlic is considered to be very strong due to its antifungal properties, which can eliminate dangerous microbes responsible for dandruff. Make a thick paste with a few garlic cloves and one tablespoon of honey, and apply it to your scalp, allowing it to dry for 15 minutes. Rinse off with water and shampoo.

9. Baking Soda

Baking soda can exfoliate the dead skin cells and reduce scaling and itchiness. It is a quick, readily available, and convenient substance with antifungal properties that can benefit dandruff treatment. In a study, it was observed to hinder fungal growth in 79% of the samples after 7 days. Prepare a thick paste using 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and some water. Wet your hair, apply the paste, and let it sit for 5-10 mins before rinsing it off.

10. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties protects against dandruff. Take some aloe vera gel, apply it to your scalp, and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off. For best results, do this 2-3 times a week. 

Dandruff can be treated through home remedies if the condition is not severe. In case of severity, it is suggested to consult a healthcare professional and seek treatment for this condition. Minimizing stress levels and avoiding processed food, sugary beverages, and refined carbs such as crackers, pasta, and white bread can prevent fungal infections and aid in dandruff treatment. Avoid chemicals and styling products as they might damage your hair quality and scalp.

Take the necessary tests to diagnose the reason for the recurring occurrence of dandruff. You can get tested by Redcliffe Labs to determine if you are allergic to any particular product causing dandruff and make modifications or take medications as suggested by your doctor.