Annoyed by those disgusting looking flakes on your pretty black dress?
I felt the same way too! The white flaky scalp and itching sensation that comes with dandruff is definitely not something you want. If you are suffering from dandruff, I have good news for you! Now, you can wear whatever color you want to with ‘elan’ because I have found the best solutions to treat dandruff, that too with ingredients lying right on your kitchen shelf.
In this article, I bring to you a list of top home remedies for dandruff that are effective and long-lasting. But, before we delve into those, let us look at the source and causes of dandruff.
How Do You Get Dandruff? What Is The Cause Of Dandruff?
Dandruff is caused when a fungus called Malassezia grows on your scalp. This results in shedding of the scalp skin. There are two types of dandruff – one occurs due to the dryness of the scalp, while the other occurs due to the excessive production of oil on the scalp. Some of the known causes of dandruff are:
- Improper and irregular brushing of hair
- Infrequent shampooing
- Improper diet
- Stress and certain illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis (1)
Dandruff can be easily combated with natural home solutions. Here are the top 38 remedies for dandruff:
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff Naturally
- Neem And Olive Oil
- Coconut And Honey Scalp Scrub
- Aspirin
- Baking Soda And Lemon
- Listerine Mouthwash
- Banana And Apple Cider Vinegar
- Yogurt
- Fuller’s Earth
- Orange Peel Pack
- Lemon Juice And Yogurt
- Baking Soda
- Coconut Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Tea Tree Oil
- Cedarwood Oil
- Fenugreek Seeds
- Egg Yolks
- Olive Oil
- Egg Oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Baby Oil
- Vinegar
- Lemon Juice (With Coconut Oil)
- Aloe Vera
- Apples
- Ginger
- Henna
- Basil Leaves
- Castor Oil
- Witch Hazel
- JojobaOil
- Neem Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Green Tea
- Fish Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Oregano Oil
Say Goodbye To Dandruff With These Remedies
1. Neem And Olive Oil
What You Need
- A few dried neem leaves
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
What You Need To Do
- Crush the neem leaves to a powder.
- Mix the powder and olive oil in a bowl.
- Apply the paste to your scalp.
- Leave it on for about an hour. Then, wash your hair with shampoo and apply conditioner.
Alternate Method
This method requires only neem leaves.
- Boil neem leaves for about half an hour. Make a paste and apply it to your scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash off with water.
When You Need To Do This
You can apply the paste on your scalp in the morning, before having a bath. Or, you could even use it at night, and shampoo your hair in the morning.
Why This Works
Neem leaves (especially their extracts) have excellent antifungal properties that can be used in the treatment of dandruff (2). They also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (3).
Caution
Your scalp might itch when you apply the paste. This sensation is normal, and there is no need to worry about it.
2. Coconut And Honey Scalp Scrub
What You Need
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 3 teaspoons yogurt
What You Need To Do
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl to get a paste of medium consistency. In case the paste is still runny, you can add a little more of yogurt or honey to thicken it.
- Apply the paste to your scalp and gently massage it. Rub it from the roots to the tips of your hair.
- Continue massaging for about 10 minutes.
- Leave it on for about 30-45 minutes, and then rinse it out using shampoo.
- Once done, pat your hair dry with a soft towel and apply a few drops of coconut oil to your hair and scalp.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before bath.
Why This Works
Coconut helps in preserving the hair’s natural proteins and is also known to eliminate dandruff (4). According to an Italian study, honey is a suitable ingredient for treating dandruff, owing to its antimicrobial properties (5).
Caution
Remember not to rinse your hair with shampoo more than twice. Doing it more than twice can strip your scalp of the moisture provided by the mask.
3. Aspirin
What You Need
2 aspirin tablets
What You Need To Do
- Crush the aspirin tablets and add the powder to a bowl.
- Mix a little amount of your regular shampoo with the powder.
- Shampoo as usual using this mixture. Leave the shampoo on your hair for two minutes, after which you can rinse with water.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while having a bath.
Why This Works
Aspirin contains salicylates that exfoliate the scalp and help treat dandruff (6).
4. Baking Soda And Lemon
What You Need
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- A bowl of apple cider vinegar
What You Need To Do
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply the paste to your scalp.
- Leave it as it is for about 10 minutes, or until the scalp starts to itch.
- Wash your hair with water.
- You can use apple cider vinegar as a conditioner.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking a bath.
Why This Works
Baking soda works by reducing the overactive fungi that are responsible for dandruff (7).
5. Listerine Mouthwash
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon Listerine mouthwash
- 9 tablespoons water
What You Need To Do
- Mix the mouthwash with water in a bowl.
- Wash your hair with regular shampoo. Then, rinse your hair with the mouthwash mixture.
- You can leave the mixture as it is and style your hair as you normally do.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking a bath.
Why This Works
Listerine mouthwash possesses antifungal properties that fight the dandruff-causing yeast and prevent its growth (8).
6. Banana And Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Need
- 1 whole banana
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
What You Need To Do
- Peel the banana and put it in a tumbler. To this, add the apple cider vinegar.
- Stir thoroughly till you get a smooth paste.
- Apply the mixture to your hair. Massage the mixture into your scalp and ensure it completely covers your hair.
- Leave it on for about 20 minutes, after which you can rinse your hair completely with water.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, every day for a week. Post that, you can follow this remedy once every week.
Why This Works
Bananas are excellent sources of B vitamins – the nutrients that improve circulation and keep your skin healthy. Apple cider vinegar is a known fungicide and germ killer, and it helps treat dandruff (9).
7. Yogurt
What You Need
1 cup plain yogurt
What You Need To Do
- Shampoo your hair and rinse.
- Apply the yogurt to your scalp and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse your hair, and wash again using a small amount of shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath.
Why This Works
The yeast within our bodies triggers inflammation. This results in the build-up of yeast on the skin. Boosting the friendly bacteria inside our digestive systems can reduce the yeast within our bodies. Yogurt is one of the best sources of friendly bacteria, and it prevents scaling of the scalp. Since it is a good source of probiotics, it could be one of the ideal remedies for dandruff (10).
Alternative Method
You can add two spoons of freshly ground black pepper to the yogurt. Pepper has antifungal properties (11).
Caution
Ensure that you use fresh yogurt and pepper. Otherwise, you might not get the desired results.
8. Fuller’s Earth
What You Need
- 1 cup Fuller’s earth
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Water
What You Need To Do
- Mix the Fuller’s earth with enough water till you get a smooth paste. Add the lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp.
- Leave it on for about 20 minutes, after which you can wash it off with water.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before you take a bath.
Why This Works
Fuller’s earth absorbs the oil, grease, and dirt – all of which cause dandruff. It also improves blood circulation to the scalp, thereby keeping it clean and dandruff-free (12).
9. Orange Peel Pack
What You Need
- A few dry orange peels
- 5-6 tablespoons lemon juice
What You Need To Do
- Put the orange peels and lemon juice into a food processor. Blend the ingredients till you get a smooth paste.
- Gently apply the paste to your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
- Post that, rinse it off with your usual shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while you have a bath. You can follow this remedy twice to thrice every week.
Why This Works
The orange peel has acidic properties that help reduce excess oil and condition the scalp (13). This eventually helps treat dandruff.
10. Lemon Juice And Yogurt
What You Need
- A bowl of curd
- A half-cut lemon
What You Need To Do
- Squeeze the lemon into the curd and mix well.
- Apply the mixture to your hair. You can use the lemon peel for this purpose.
- You can also massage your scalp with the inside of the lemon peel.
- Leave the mixture on for about 10 minutes. Wash your hair as usual with shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath. You can repeat this remedy three to four times a week.
Why This Works
As we know, lemon juice is rich in citric acid, which plays a major role in eliminating dandruff from the roots of the hair. It is also antimicrobial in nature (14).
Caution
Don’t forget to shampoo your hair after this remedy as curd has a tendency to leave a very undesirable odor.
11. Baking Soda
What You Need
1 tablespoon baking soda
What You Need To Do
- Wet your hair, and rub the baking soda into your hair and scalp.
- Leave it on for a minute, and then wash your hair thoroughly with water.
- You could also mix it with your shampoo and use it to wash your hair.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath. Do this twice a week.
Why This Works
The baking soda scrub is a mild exfoliant that helps remove dead skin. It reduces excess oil on the scalp (another reason for dandruff) (15). Though your hair might get dried initially, within two weeks, your scalp will start producing natural oils to combat the dryness. Baking soda is also known to reduce the overactive fungi that can cause dandruff.
Caution
Remember not to leave baking soda on your hair for a long time. Doing so might dry out your hair.
12. Coconut Oil
What You Need
Coconut oil
What You Need To Do
1. Simply wash your hair with shampoo and let your hair dry completely. Do not use a conditioner.
2. Apply the coconut oil directly to your scalp and leave it on for a few minutes.
3. Wash your hair thoroughly with water.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, after taking a bath. Try this remedy once a week till your dandruff is gone.
Why This Works
Coconut oil penetrates deep into the epidermis and works from within. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, which have regenerative properties that can help treat dandruff (16).
13. Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Need
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
What You Need To Do
- Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Wash your hair as usual, and then pour the vinegar-water mixture onto your hair and scrub it into your scalp.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then wash it off with water.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath. You can repeat the remedy daily for about a week.
Why This Works
The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH levels of your scalp, thereby hampering the growth of yeast (17).
Caution
Ensure the mixture doesn’t get into your eyes. Also, any unhealed scratch or scab might burn when you use this remedy. In that case, rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.
14. Tea Tree Oil
What You Need
A few drops of tea tree oil
What You Need To Do
- Take a little amount of shampoo in a cup, and add a few drops of tea tree oil to it.
- Mix well and rub the shampoo-oil mixture into your scalp.
- Rinse it out after five minutes.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while bathing. You can repeat this remedy once a day every day for about a week.
Why This Works
Different studies have supported the efficacy of tea tree oil shampoo in treating dandruff (18). Tea tree oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and a higher rate of dermal penetration, which makes it one of the best remedies for dandruff (19). Tea tree oil originates from an Australian tree and is known for its antifungal properties. In one study, participants who used five percent tea tree oil shampoo for four weeks saw a 41 percent reduction in dandruff, whereas those who used shampoo alone showed an 11 percent reduction (20). Tea tree oil has also been found to work as an antiseptic.
15. Cedarwood Oil
What You Need
- 7 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 10 drops cypress essential oil
- 10 drops juniper essential oil
- 50ml carrier oil
What You Need To Do
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl, and rub the mixture into your scalp.
- Leave it on for about an hour.
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and rinse with warm water.
- Mix the same quantities of the oils in two cups of water, and use this solution as a final rinse.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath.
Why This Works
Cedarwood oil has anti-seborrheic properties that treat dandruff and other inflammatory scalp conditions (21).
16. Fenugreek Seeds
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
- 2 cups hot water
What You Need To Do
- Crush the fenugreek seeds with a pestle.
- Take two cups of hot water and soak the seeds in the water overnight.
- Strain the mixture, and use the water to rinse your hair in the morning.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking a bath.
Why This Works
The presence of several vitamins and minerals makes fenugreek seeds one of the ideal home remedies for dandruff (22).
17. Egg Yolks
What You Need
1-2 egg yolks
What You Need To Do
- Mix the yolks of the eggs in a bowl.
- Ensure your hair is dry. Then, apply the yolk to the scalp.
- Once done, cover your hair with a plastic bag and keep it on for about an hour.
- Wash your hair thoroughly with a good shampoo. You might need to wash your hair twice to remove the odor.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath.
Why This Works
Biotin is one of those vitamins that can help treat dandruff (23). Egg yolks, being great sources of biotin, can be a great remedy in this case. They also condition your hair and make it healthier (24).
18. Olive Oil
What You Need
A few drops of olive oil
What You Need To Do
- Apply the olive oil to your scalp. Do this about 10 minutes before you wash your hair.
- Post that, you can wash your hair normally with shampoo.
You can also apply olive oil before going to bed. Wrap your head in a towel to absorb the extra oil. You can wash your hair as usual in the morning.
When You Need To This
In the morning before taking a bath, or in the night before going to bed.
Why This Works
There are two ways in which olive oil can cure dandruff. One, olive oil moisturizes the dry areas of the scalp and prevents them from flaking. A little amount of olive oil can help loosen those stubborn dandruff scales (25). They will eventually fall off your scalp, leaving it healthy and rejuvenated. Two, olive oil is easily absorbed into the thick and scaly areas of the scalp that cause continuous dandruff issues. Due to this, the scaly areas fall away as one large piece instead of separate flakes. This helps put an end to dandruff as the affected spot can finally heal (26).
Caution
Make sure you cover your head with a cotton wrap (to prevent your oily hair from attracting dust). Also, ensure the olive oil is just warm and not too hot.
19. Egg Oil
What You Need
A few drops of egg oil (Eyova)
What You Need To Do
- Massage the egg oil into your scalp and leave it on overnight.
- In the morning, shampoo as usual using a mild herbal shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the night before going to bed. Do this twice or thrice a week for about 12 weeks.
Why This Works
Egg oil is rich in long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen the hair follicles. The oil also contains cholesterol that can eliminate dandruff.
Caution
Shampoo your hair only once. Repeated shampooing can wash out the natural hair lipids, making it dry and weak.
20. Garlic
What You Need
- A few garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon honey
What You Need To Do
- Crush the garlic cloves and mix it with honey till you get a smooth paste.
- Massage this paste into your scalp and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Shampoo your hair as usual.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath.
Why This Works
Garlic has excellent antifungal properties that can eliminate the microbes that cause dandruff (27).
21. Salt
What You Need
2–3 tablespoons table salt
What You Need To Do
- Rub the salt onto your scalp (ensure your scalp is dry when you do this).
- Work the salt through your hair, giving your scalp a good massage.
- Do this for about 10 minutes, or until you have worked out the dry and flaky skin.
- Shampoo your hair as usual.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before you take a bath.
Why This Works
The abrasive nature of table salt plays a significant role in scrubbing off the dandruff flakes before you shampoo your hair.
22. Baby Oil
What You Need
Baby oil
What You Need To Do
1. Massage your scalp with the baby oil.
2. Cover your hair with a towel and leave it on overnight.
3. In the morning, wash your hair with a good anti-dandruff shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the night, before going to bed.
Why This Works
Baby oil doesn’t contain fats that can be consumed by the fungi and hence, helps in the elimination of dandruff.
23. Vinegar
What You Need
- 2 cups vinegar
- 1 cup water
What You Need To Do
- Boil two cups of vinegar and let it cool. Mix one-eighth of it with a cup of water.
- Use this mixture to massage your scalp.
- Shampoo your hair.
- You can also add one tablespoon of vinegar in the last mug of water while washing your hair.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before shampooing your hair.
Why This Works
Vinegar is capable of killing scalp fungus and bacteria. It also helps in treating dry skin and reducing dandruff not caused by a fungus (28). The acid content in vinegar reduces the itchiness of the scalp and drastically brings down flaking.
Caution
Ensure the vinegar doesn’t get into your eyes as it is acidic and might irritate your eyes.
24. Lemon Juice (With Coconut Oil)
What You Need
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 5 teaspoons coconut oil
What You Need To Do
1. Mix one part lemon juice with five parts coconut oil.
2. Apply the mixture gently to your scalp and leave it on for about half an hour.
3. Wash using a mild shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath.
Why This Works
One cause of dandruff is the imbalance in the pH levels of the scalp. The acidity of lemon juice helps in balancing the pH levels of the scalp, thereby keeping dandruff at bay. Coconut oil contains conditioning agents and antibacterial properties, and these can make your hair stronger.
Caution
If you have minor cuts or wounds on your scalp, refrain from trying this remedy. Lemon juice is acidic in nature and can aggravate them. Also, make it a point to use only fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice can have artificial ingredients that might not give you the desired results (or cause harm).
25. Aloe Vera
What You Need
A small amount of aloe vera gel
What You Need To Do
1. Collect the aloe vera gel that is directly obtained from the plant and apply it on your scalp.
2. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then rinse using a mild shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath. Do this regularly for best results.
Why This Works
Aloe vera has natural antibacterial and fungicidal properties. It also has proteolytic enzyme characteristics, which means it can break down proteins, including dead skin cells. This quality of aloe vera makes it act as an exfoliant and removes the dead skin so that it doesn’t appear later as dandruff (29).
26. Apples
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons apple juice
- 2 tablespoons water
What You Need To Do
1. Add two tablespoons of apple juice to an equal amount of water and apply the mixture to your scalp.
2. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash your scalp with a mild shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, while taking a bath.
Why This Works
Unripe apples contain procyanidin B-2, a natural compound that has been found to promote hair growth (30). Since untreated dandruff ultimately leads to hair fall, apples do play a role in keeping your hair healthy.
Caution
Ensure you don’t add too much of water to the apple juice. This can reduce the concentration of the juice, and you might not get the desired results.
27. Ginger
What You Need
- A small amount of ginger
- 4 ounces sesame oil
What You Need To Do
1. Peel the ginger and grate it. Squeeze it in a cheesecloth to get the oil.
2. Mix the ginger oil and sesame oil.
3. Massage your scalp gently with the mixture.
4. Leave it on for some time, and then wash it with a mild shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
You can try this in the morning while taking a bath.
Why This Works
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can also stimulate hair growth. The active components of ginger, like volatile oils, help prevent dandruff (31).
28. Henna
What You Need
- 1 teaspoon henna
- 1 teaspoon amla powder
- 1 teaspoon tea powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hair oil (preferably coconut oil)
What You Need To Do
1. Mix all the ingredients in a cup till you get a paste.
2. Apply the paste thoroughly to the scalp and leave it on for a few minutes.
3. Wash with a mild shampoo.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning while taking a bath.
Why This Works
The dried leaves of henna are extensively used in treating many hair conditions, including dandruff. The active constituents of henna like tannic and gallic acids, lawsone, and mucilage play a major role in its dyeing effect (32).
Henna has the ability to bind to the keratin in the hair, which creates a protective layer and relieves scalp irritation. It also reduces oiliness of the scalp and acts as a conditioner. This property of henna helps reduce dandruff (33).
29. Basil Leaves
What You Need
- A few basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons amla powder
- 2 teaspoons water
What You Need To Do
1. Mix all the ingredients till you get a smooth paste.
2. Apply the paste meticulously to your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
3. Rinse your hair with fresh water.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning before taking a bath.
Why This Works
Basil leaves are one of the many natural ingredients that can cure dandruff. Known for their extensive antibacterial and antifungal properties, they help treat dandruff and also improve the strength of the scalp (34).
30. Castor Oil
What You Need
3-4 tablespoons castor oil
What You Need To Do
1. Lightly warm up the oil and apply it on your scalp and hair.
2. Massage your scalp for a couple of minutes so that the oil gets absorbed easily.
3. Leave it on overnight and rinse your hair as usual in the morning.
When You Need To Do This
Before going to bed.
Why This Works
Ricinoleic acid and ricin present in castor oil possess antimicrobial properties that treat scalp infections such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Castor oil is also a humectant and keeps both the scalp and the hair moisturized (35, 36). You can get rid of dandruff and also get silky, shiny hair with this remedy.
Caution
If you have a sensitive scalp, dilute castor oil with equal parts of coconut oil or olive oil before applying.
31. Witch Hazel
What You Need
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 1/2 cup water
- Spray bottle
What You Need To Do
1. Pour the water and witch hazel liquid into the spray bottle.
2. Shake the bottle well and spritz this solution on your hair and scalp.
3. Massage your scalp with your fingertips for a minute or two.
4. Rinse and condition your hair as usual after 15 minutes.
5. For oily scalp, apply witch hazel with a cotton ball on your scalp along with the spray for better dandruff control.
When You Need To Do This
Any time of the day, before washing your hair.
Why This Works
Witch hazel is an astringent and antibacterial agent. These properties help in bringing the dandruff fungus growth under control. It is also anti-inflammatory in nature and will help in relieving itching (37).
32. Jojoba Oil
What You Need
- 2-3 tablespoons jojoba oil
- Shower cap
What You Need To Do
1. Take some oil in between your fingers and rub them together to warm it up.
2. Apply it to your scalp and massage for a few minutes.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair as usual.
When You Need To Do This
Do this before taking a bath.
Why This Works
Jojoba oil contains vitamin E that nourishes the dry, flaky skin on your scalp and keeps it hydrated (38). It also promotes hair growth (39).
33. Neem Oil
What You Need
- 1 teaspoon neem oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
What You Need To Do
1. Mix the oils and apply the mixture to your scalp.
2. Rinse your hair after 20 minutes.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning or evening, before washing your hair.
Why This Works
Neem contains a potent antimicrobial compound called nimonol that helps in treating dandruff (40).
34. Lavender Oil
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or almond oil or coconut oil
- 10-12 drops lavender essential oil
What You Need To Do
1. Mix the oils and apply the mixture to your scalp.
2. Leave it on for about 30 minutes and then rinse.
When You Need To Do This
Before taking a shower.
Why This Works
Lavender oil is antifungal in nature, and it also soothes and calms the skin (41).
Caution
Do a patch test before using this essential oil for dandruff treatment.
35. Green Tea
What You Need
- 2 green tea bags
- A cup of hot water
What You Need To Do
1. Steep the green tea for about 20 minutes and let the decoction cool down.
2. Apply this on your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse with water.
When You Need To Do This
In the morning, before taking a bath.
Why This Works
Green tea catechins have antifungal properties. Its polyphenols are antioxidants that can help restore the health of your scalp (42).
36. Fish Oil
What You Need
Fish oil supplements
What You Need To Do
Take 1-2 capsules in a day.
When You Need To Do This
Have the capsules once in the morning and once at night.
Why This Works
Fish oils supply the body with essential omega-3 fatty acids. These possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal a dry scalp and eliminate dandruff (43).
37. Rosemary Oil
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
- 4-5 drops rosemary essential oil
- Hot towel
What You Need To Do
1. Add the rosemary essential oil to a carrier oil of your choice. You can use olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil.
2. Apply this mixture on the scalp and wrap a hot towel around your head and hair.
3. Let the towel come down to room temperature. Then, take it off and rinse your hair.
When You Need To Do This
Do this in the evening so that you can relax while indulging in the hot towel treatment.
Why This Works
Rosemary oil is excellent for dry and flaky scalp and dandruff control. It enhances blood circulation to the scalp and also promotes hair growth (44).
Caution
Do a patch test before using this essential oil for dandruff treatment.
38. Oregano Oil
What You Need
- 3-4 drops oregano oil
- 1 tablespoon shampoo
What You Need To Do
1. For every tablespoon of shampoo, add 3-4 drops of oregano essential oil.
2. Rinse your hair and scalp with this.
When You Need To Do This
Do this while taking a bath. Repeat it every time you shampoo your hair until the dandruff goes away.
Why This Works
Being antifungal in nature, oregano oil will help in the elimination of the fungus that is causing dandruff (45).
Caution
Do a patch test before using this essential oil for dandruff treatment.
As already stated, dandruff is not an unsolvable problem. The simple and natural ingredients found in our homes are very effective in curing dandruff and stopping it from recurring. Some of the remedies might dry your hair. So, follow up with a good conditioner and make sure to keep the moisture locked in. Here are some more tips you should keep in mind when dealing with dandruff.
Tips To Prevent Dandruff
1. Use The Right Shampoo
Having a clean scalp and hair is important to prevent dandruff. There are many anti-dandruff shampoos that work wonders. It is best to choose something mild unless your case is severe. You need to prevent the accumulation of dead cells, and the best way to do this is to keep your hair and scalp immaculately clean.
2. Hair Brushing
Brushing out an oily, dandruff-affected scalp before a hair wash can also help reduce dandruff.
3. Adequate Rest
Lack of proper sleep and stress can increase the chances of dandruff.
4. Traveling
Ensure you always cover your hair while traveling. This will help reduce the risk of dandruff as your hair will not be exposed to the harsh, polluted environment.
5. Swimming
While swimming, make sure you oil your hair and wear a shower cap. This will help reduce the risk of chlorine in the water spoiling your hair.
6. Sunrays
Do not expose your hair to the harsh sun rays, especially because the harmful UVA and UVB rays can dry the hair out.
7. Chemicals
Make sure you use herbal products to remove dandruff as most products available in the market contain harmful parabens, sulfates, and silicones. Look out for ingredients such as ZPT and Pro-V Complex – these help reduce dandruff to a great extent.
8. Other Points To Remember
- Never share your combs and hair brushes. Clean them regularly and keep them in a neat and tidy place.
- Unhygienic living conditions, hormonal imbalances, and a few other factors, such as sharing combs and lack of hair maintenance, can also cause dandruff.
- If you see the first symptoms of dandruff, use a dandruff relief shampoo and conditioner immediately. Switch over to different shampoos to see what suits you best.
- Also, if you generally use a hair dryer to dry your hair, ensure you do it on a low setting. Applying too much heat directly to your scalp can damage the hair roots.
