Dandruff is a very common hair problem and it is a natural process of your scalp to shed dead skin layer. Mild flaking is absolutely normal but if you are experiencing severe flaking with itchiness and odor, there is a high possibility that you have fungal dandruff. Fungal dandruff is caused due to Malassezia which is an opportunistic fungus that resides on your scalp already. Under certain favorable conditions especially If the weather is humid, it can proliferate and cause fungal dandruff. Below are some super effective and my favorite fungal dandruff remedies that I highly recommend you try –
10 EFFECTIVE FUNGAL DANDRUFF REMEDIES
Ginger Mask
Ginger has amazing anti-material, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help inhibit dandruff causing fungus. Not only does it help fight fungal dandruff but it also boosts Scalp circulation and hair growth. To make a ginger mask, you need to mix together enough ginger powder and aloe vera gel to make a paste. Apply this on your scalp and let it sit for 2-3 hours before you use a shampoo. Use this mask at least once a week.
Fenugreek Water
Fenugreek is quite known for its hair growth boosting properties but did you also know that it has great antifungal effects as well? It helps fight fungal dandruff and keeps your scalp super healthy and clean. Simply soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight and cook it the next morning until water reduces to half. Strain and spray this fenugreek water on your scalp and hair and let it sit for 1 to 2 hours before you use a shampoo. Use this at least once a week.
Tea Tree Mask
Tea tree has antifungal benefits and it also helps detox the scalp and kill fungus from the core. To make a tea tree mask, simply blend equal quantities of fresh aloe vera gel and coconut oil and add in few drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply this on your scalp and hair and let it sit for one hour before you use a shampoo. Use this at least once a week.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel on its own has antifungal and antimicrobial benefits that helps inhibit fungal growth and fungal dandruff. It also is super hydrating and helps reduce frizz to a great extent. Makes your hair super shiny and smooth. You can extract fresh aloe vera gel and blend it to make a really smooth paste. Detailed article on how to make a aloe vera gel at home is right here >>>>
Apply this on your scalp and hair and let it sit for one hour before you use a shampoo. Use this at least once a week.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has great soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits that helps reduce scalp itchiness. It also has anti-fungal benefits that helps fight fungal dandruff. You can add few drops of peppermint essential oil to coconut oil and massage it on your scalp and hair. Use a shampoo after one hour. Use this at least once a week.
Hot Oil Treatment
Hot oil treatment not only helps fight fungal dandruff but it also helps boost circulation and hair growth. Mix together equal quantities of coconut oil and castor oil. Add in few drops of rosemary essential oil after you warm the oil in a microwave or on double boiler. Massage this hot oil on your scalp and hair for a few minutes and let it sit for one hour before you use a shampoo.
Cinnamon Serum
Cinnamon is quite known for its antimicrobial properties. It also has antifungal benefits and it helps boost scalp circulation as well. Simply add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to 2 to 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Massage this gel on your scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes before you use a shampoo. Use this once a week.
Neem Mask
There have been a lot of research studies on neem for its antifungal properties and this is a wonderful ingredient for fungal dandruff. You can make a paste of neem leaves with some water and massage it on your scalp directly. Alternatively, you can also mix together some neem powder and aloe vera gel to make a scalp mask and use it on your scalp one hour before using a shampoo. Use this at least once a week. Alternatively, you can also use commercial neem oil one hour before shampooing.
Hibiscus Mask
Hibiscus leaves and flowers both have been studied and proved to have antifungal properties and they are great ingredients for fungal dandruff. Simply blend together handful of fresh hibiscus flowers and leaves with some rose water until you get a paste. Apply this paste on your scalp and hair and massage for a few minutes. Use a shampoo after one hour. Do this at least once a week for best results.
Reetha Shampoo (Soapnut Shampoo)
Reetha or soap nuts are quite known for its natural cleansing properties thanks to the natural saponins that they contain. Did you know that it also helps fight fungal dandruff and keep your scalp clean? Simply boil handful of soap nuts and water until they become soft and mash them. Strain the juice/solution and use it as a shampoo once a week.
NOTE-
- Results are not instant, you need to keep using the remedy that suits you for a longer period for it to work.
- Patch test beforehand to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients used in these fungal dandruff remedies.
- Use organic ingredients for best results.
