One of the most common misconceptions about dandruff is that it is caused by dirty hair or an unhygienic lifestyle, and thus it is something that is cause for great embarrassment. This, however, is not true. Dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia globosa that resides on scalp, and causes flaking, itching, irritation etc. and it can happen to anyone.
While it is usually a mild condition, it should not be ignored. Dandruff causes a lot of irritation and discomfort, and if left untreated, it might escalate and cause inflammation of the scalp and various other symptoms that are difficult to treat. Dandruff should be treated as soon as possible using anti-dandruff remedies to prevent symptoms from getting severe.
You can also use home remedies to treat or curb dandruff, though I always suggest using an anti-dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders to effectively treat dandruff at home.
Some expert recommended home remedies are
- Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be effective on the fungus that causes dandruff and can fight against it, which could help curb dandruff. It is also effective in soothing sensitive and irritated skin and can be used to effectively remove dandruff at home.
- Argan Oil
Dandruff causes itching and dryness, which is the cause of flaking and dryness. Argan oil is hydrating and moisturizing and can help with scalp dryness. The moisturizing properties of Argan oil can reduce itching and irritation due to dryness, which can provide relief and soothe the scalp a little. Using and anti-dandruff and a scalp shampoo like Head and Shoulders Supreme Scalp Rejuvenation Shampoo & Conditioner For Dry Scalp contains Argan oil would help significantly reduce dandruff and itch and nourish your hair.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has hydrating and soothing properties and can help to soothe irritation or inflammation in a severe case of dandruff. It can also hydrate your scalp and tackle the problem of dryness that is caused by dandruff. Aloe Vera is known to contain anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and could be used as a home remedy for dandruff and itchy scalp. Head and Shoulders Supreme Scalp Soothing Shampoo & Conditioner for Itchy Scalp contains argan oil & aloe vera that helps soothe an itchy scalp along with dandruff protection.
- Neem
Neem has been known as a multi-tasking ayurvedic herb with anti-bacterial properties and has been used to fight infections for centuries. You can use a paste of neem and use it as a hair mask as a dandruff remedy, since the properties of neem can fight against dandruff causing fungus and prevents it from spreading further. It is also easily available making it a perfect dandruff treatment at home. Using a Neem Shampoo fights the dandruff-causing germ and prevents dandruff from coming back when used regularly.
- Lemon
Lemon contains Vitamin C which is essential for the health of your scalp and hair. It can help balance the pH of the scalp and help reduce dandruff. Lemon can reduce oiliness of hair that causes greasiness and build up. Head and Shoulders Lemon Fresh shampoo incorporates the goodness of lemon with expert dandruff treating formula. Regular use of anti-dandruff shampoo helps in reducing dandruff and treating scalp problems. The power of lemon along with anti-dandruff properties helps in effectively getting rid of dandruff.
- Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds, or methi seeds as they are known in Hindi, are known to be a good dandruff remedy and very good for hair as they promote a healthy scalp and faster hair growth. They also have anti-fungal properties that can fight against dandruff, and they also contain protein and vitamin C which can nourish your scalp and act as an easy dandruff solution at home.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a very popular home remedy for dandruff and itchy scalp as it is easily available and also contains cleansing properties that could clear out any residual scalp build up, that could aggravate your dandruff and itching. The simplest way to use apple cider vinegar is to mix it with equal parts water and leave it on your hair for 15 minutes. It’s a simple and effective dandruff home remedy.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are very important for healthy skin as they promote oil production and hydration and a deficiency could cause dry skin and scalp. They help keep your scalp hydrated and reduce dryness. Omega-3 Fatty acids are also helpful in reducing inflammation and reduce the symptoms of dandruff, and therefore are a good dandruff home remedy.
- A Healthy Diet
There is nothing that can be a more effective dandruff remedy than eating healthy and providing your scalp with all the nutrients it needs to be healthy and dandruff free. A healthy scalp is less likely to get dandruff and can be achieved by eating a lot of vitamins, minerals, proteins and by getting enough hydration.
- Managing Stress Levels
Stress can actually have a physiological impact on our body, and can affect the health of your scalp as well. Too much stress could mess up the balance of oils and nutrients in the scalp and could lead to dandruff. It’s therefore important to eat a lot of nutritious food and to try and manage stress better so it doesn’t affect our body, and is an important dandruff home remedy.
As with any home remedies to remove dandruff, it is difficult to say how a certain ingredient will affect different people. Some people may have more sensitive skin and could sometimes develop adverse reactions to these remedies. We would advise doing a patch test 48 hours before using any of these home remedies to get rid of dandruff, just as a precaution. Most of these ingredients however are mild enough and should not cause any lasting side effects.
Dandruff can be quite a perseverant condition that could be difficult to get rid of even after repeated attempts, and still it could come back. While these home remedies for dandruff vary in effectiveness and could definitely be worth a try, it’s always recommended to use a good shampoo for dandruff like Head and Shoulders to quickly and effectively get rid of dandruff. Using Head and Shoulders also prevents dandruff from recurring and is the easiest solution to dandruff, as the home remedies to treat dandruff could end up being quite a hassle.
Head and Shoulders contains ingredients that actively fight against the fungus that causes dandruff and flaking and can provide up to 100% dandruff protection. It also prevents dandruff from recurring and provides all around protection for your hair, and provides quick and effective relief and helps your hair become dandruff free.