Dandruff also known as flaking of the scalp is something we all face and is very normal. Even if mild flaking is normal, severe flaking with itchiness and pungent odor is definitely not normal and needs treatment. Dandruff can be due to 2 reasons, one being dry weather and second being fungal growth. Dandruff causing fungus is something we all have on our scalp but they are opportunistic and if they grow, can lead to severe itchiness and oily dandruff. One cannot get rid of dandruff completely because dead skin needs to go away and this is a natural process but you can definitely reduce its severity, keep it under control and fight dandruff causing fungus! Are you suffering from dandruff and itchy scalp? below are my top 10 dandruff remedies you need to try-
10 DANDRUFF REMEDIES
CURRY HAIR OIL
To make curry hair oil, you need to fry handful of fresh curry leaves in one cup of coconut oil until the curry leaves become dark and completely fried. You can let the oil cool down and keep the fried curry leaves infused. Transfer this in an easy to use bottle and use this curry hair oil as a pre-shampoo treatment.
ALOE MASK
To make aloe vera mask for dandruff, cut a fresh aloe vera leaf and let the yellow colored latex flow down. Cut the leaf from middle and scoop out the gel using a sharp spoon. Toss the gel in a blender and blend it until you get a lump-free thin mixture. You can choose to add in few drops of peppermint or rosemary oil. Apply this on your hair and scalp and let it sit for 2 to 3 hours or overnight and use shampoo to wash it off.
LEMON COCONUT OIL MASK
Lemon and coconut oil are great ingredients for dandruff. In a blender, add half cup of coconut oil and squeeze in 1 to 2 lemons. You can also add in few drops of lemon essential oil for added benefits. Blend this until it is well emulsified and apply this on your scalp and hair. Massage for a few minutes and tie a top knot. Use shampoo after 2-3 hours. You can also use this as an overnight treatment.
GINGER SCALP TREATMENT
For this remedy, you need one medium size fresh ginger root and one cup of water. Chop the ginger roughly and toss it into a blender along with water and blend until it is nicely combined. Use a muslin cloth to squeeze out all the ginger juice and using a cotton ball or cotton pad, apply this on your scalp. Use it as an overnight scalp treatment and use shampoo the next morning.
YOGURT MASK
In a bowl, add half cup of greek yogurt and add in some honey. This is great for dandruff that is caused by dry weather. Mix it nicely and apply on scalp and hair both. Let it sit for 2 to 3 hours and use a shampoo.
ROSEMARY MIST
To make your own rosemary leave on hair mist , you need handful of fresh rosemary leaves and 2 cups of water. In a saucepan, add water and handful rosemary leaves and let it simmer with a lid for 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer this after straining into a spray bottle and spread all over your hair and scalp after using a shampoo. Use it as a leave on hair and scalp mist.
PEPPERMINT SCALP TONIC
If you have fresh peppermint leaves, you can make a scalp tonic for dandruff. Add handful of fresh peppermint leaves along with half cup of water in a blender and blend it until you get a smooth paste. Add in some more water and strain out all the juice using a muslin cloth. Spry this on your scalp and hair after shampooing as a leave on treatment. Can also be used as a pre-shampoo hair mask. Peppermint not only helps fight dandruff but also relieves itching and gives a nice cooling sensation.
TEA TREE SHAMPOO
You can make your very own tea tree anti dandruff shampoo at home using just 2 ingredients! Add in few drops of tea tree essential oil to half cup of liquid castile soap. Use this as your regular shampoo. Tea tree has great anti fungal and anti microbial effect that helps fight dandruff.
HIBISCUS MASK
Grab 2 to 3 fresh hibiscus flowers and handful of hibiscus leaves as well. Wash it and toss the hibiscus flower petals and leaves into a blender with some water and blended until you get a sticky mixture. Add and some jojoba oil and blend it again. Apply this on your scalp and hair and leave it on for 2 to 3 hours before you use a shampoo.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSE
Apple cider vinegar not only helps fight dandruff and itching but also boosts hair growth. Make your very own apple cider vinegar rinse by mixing together 1/3 cup of organic mother apple cider vinegar and 2 cups of water. Spray this on your scalp and hair after shampooing and rinse it off with water after 5 minutes.
Note-
- Remedies do not show instant results, you need to stick to one routine for a longer period to see any effect.
- Always patch test beforehand to check whether you are allergic to the ingredient or not.
- Never use essential oils directly on your scalp and hair, always use it mixed with an ingredient or a carrier oil.
