Home Remedies For Dandruff: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication

People often tend to forget about their scalp which is a part of their skin. The function of the scalp is similar to that of the rest of the skin.

Oil-like substance by the name of sebum is produced by the human skin. It is the sebum that leads to dandruff in the majority of the cases. A fungal species known by the name of Malassezia feeds on the sebum produced by the skin.

After feeding the sebum Malassezia excretes oleic acid which seeps into the pores which lead to the scalp shedding its skin. The skin which is shed is known as flakes.

People suffering from the problem of dandruff often take consultations from the dermatologist who prescribes shampoos and conditioners composed of various ingredients like selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione to help them eliminate dandruff. But before going to the dermatologist for the consultation there are various natural home remedies for dandruff which can be tried to counter the problem of dandruff. Some of the home remedies which can be easily tried at home to get relief from dandruff are given below.

1. Yogurt:

   applying yogurt to the scalp helps in eliminating dandruff as it has several properties which are present in some of the best anti-dandruff shampoos. For instance, yogurt has antimicrobial properties, provides a cooling effect that reduces itching, and it reduces the dryness of the scalp.

2. Neem:

   The benefits of the neem leaves are so many that one cannot. Antifungal property is one of the many benefits of neem which can help in the alleviation of dandruff. One of the best home remedies for treating the problem of dandruff using neem is heating coconut oil and neem leaves. After the oil cools down a little it should be gently massaged on the scalp and after some time, the scalp must be washed with clean water.

3. Fenugreek seeds:

   these seeds have been a part of Indian cuisine for ages but what one does not know is that fenugreek seeds are loaded with anti-fungal properties. To use fenugreek seeds for eliminating dandruff, a tablespoon of these seeds must be soaked in water for a few hours and then a paste of these seeds should be made. This paste must be applied to the scalp and allowed to work for 30 min. After 30 minutes the hair should be washed with lukewarm water to attain the desired result.

4. Lemons:

   the pathogen-fighting ability of lemon is due to the presence of ascorbic acid and antioxidants which are present in it. The pH of the scalp is balanced by applying lemon on it which helps in reducing flaky dandruff. Oil mixed with a few drops of lemon should be applied on the scalp and then washed off to see the magic of lemon on dandruff.

5. Aloe vera:

   if someone is looking for a natural treatment for dry scalp then aloe vera is the answer. Rubbing freshly extracted aloe vera gel on the scalp not only alleviates the problem of the dry scalp but its fungus killing ability provides relief in dandruff as well.

6. Sea salt:

   none would believe me if I said that using sea salt can eliminate the problem of dandruff. But the truth is it does. The sea salt absorbs all the excess oil on the scalp which is the main reason why fungus easily thrives on the scalp. For relief, the salt can be added to the shampoo or it can be gently massaged into the roots of the wet hair then washed.

7. Coconut oil:

   Massaging the scalp with pure and hot coconut oil is the best and the fastest way to remove dandruff as it destroys the sebum accumulated in the roots of the hair.

8. Egg yolk:

   it has been some time since egg yolk is being used for hair care. The two-component of an egg that helps in fighting dandruff are sulfur and lecithin. The scalp should be massaged with the yolk and after 20 to 30 minutes the hair should be washed.

9. Bhringraj oil:

   it is dense oil that penetrates the scalp and works on the pathogens causing dandruff. The oil should be massaged for 10 minutes and then washed off.

10. Rhassoul clay:

    applying rhassoul clay on the hair pulls all the impurities and sebum accumulation from the scalp. The clay should be applied for 30 minutes and then washed off.

11. Manuka honey:

    this honey is a strong antibacterial agent. The honey in pure form is applied to the head. After the honey sits on the scalp it starts its functioning. After 60 minutes the head is washed with lukewarm water.

12. Tea tree oil:

    this oil is one of the favorites among people looking for a natural remedy for dandruff. Topical application of the oil on the scalp two times a week is sufficient to see the positive effects.

13. Lemongrass oil:

    the presence of citral in the lemongrass boosts it of strong antifungal properties. It has an inhibitory effect on Malassezia which is responsible for dandruff. A few drops of this oil can be added to the shampoo before washing the hair.

14. Cedarwood oil:

    it is a rich source of antifungal agents and is very helpful in eliminating chronic dandruff.

15. Rosemary oil:

    owing to its antimicrobial properties it is one of the most potent weapons to fight and treat dandruff. It improves blood circulation which helps in fighting off pathogens. It is massaged onto the scalp and washed off after 20 minutes.

16. Peppermint oil:

    for ages this oil has been used for treating dandruff due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It must be diluted with water before applying to the scalp and then washed off after some time.

17. Thyme infusion:

    thyme leaves eliminate the accumulated sebum from the scalp. Dried thyme leaves are boiled in water and then the leaves are filtered off. Washing the hair with water infusion of thyme leaves effectively treats the condition of dandruff.

18. Basil leaves:

    these leaves are known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties. A paste of basil leaves with water should be massaged on the scalp and then washed off after 30 minutes to observe the positive effect.

19. Apple juice:

    a mixture of two tablespoons of apple juice with 2 tablespoons of water should be gently massaged on the scalp and after 15 minutes it must be washed off.

20. Diet:

    Taking a diet rich in zinc and vitamin b-6 helps in the reduction and treatment of dandruff.

21. Baking soda:

    the scalp of the head is exfoliated by making use of baking soda. Adding a little baking to the shampoo and washing it off helps in treating dandruff.

22. White vinegar:

    to treat the problem of dandruff white vinegar is one of the best solutions. It has great anti-fungal properties. Washing the kid's hair with water mixed with a few drops of white vinegar helps to treat dandruff.

23. Garlic:

    garlic has great anti-fungal properties. The cloves of garlic are grounded and mixed with water. The paste is applied to the scalp and washed off after 30 minutes.

24. Apple cider:

    applying the paste of apple cider mixed with water on the scalp and then washing it off with lukewarm water helps in treating the problem of dandruff in kids.

25. Mehndi:

    Using mehndi is another preferred home remedies for dandruff.

Summary: Dandruff can be treated with mehndi, garlic, Apple cider vinegar, baking soda, basil leaves, tea tree oil bhringraj oil, coconut oil.

There is no single cause of dandruff. Some of the conditions which give rise to the problem of dandruff are

• Seborrheic dermatitis: the condition of seborrheic dermatitis is one of the major cause of dandruff in the majority of the people. In this condition, the skin becomes greasy, red, and flaky white.
• Malassezia: it is a fungus which is present on the scalp of the majority of the people. The shedding of skin due to Malassezia leads to dandruff in people.
• Not washing the hair regularly: if someone does not wash his/her hair regularly then sebum gets accumulated on the scalp leading to the condition of dandruff.
• Dry skin: people that have dry skin suffer from the condition of dandruff as due to dry scalp the skin gets irritated and flakes off.
• Sensitivity to hair products: the hair products are made of various chemical ingredients which can cause irritation on the scalp of the head leading to a condition of dandruff.

One of the most common issues causing itching and irritation on the scalp of kids is dandruff. Some of the home remedies which can be used for treating dandruff in kids are

• Baking soda: the scalp of the head is exfoliated by making use of baking soda. Adding a little baking to the shampoo and washing it off helps in treating dandruff.
• White vinegar: to treat the problem of dandruff white vinegar is one of the best solutions. It has great anti-fungal properties. Washing the kid's hair with water mixed with few drops of white vinegar helps to treat dandruff.
• Garlic: garlic has great anti-fungal properties. The cloves of garlic are grounded and mixed with water. The paste is applied to the scalp and washed off after 30 minutes.
• Coconut oil: this oil does not moisturize the scalp but it also helps in treating dandruff as it has strong anti-fungal agents. Applying the coconut oil and then washing it off with a shampoo treats the problem of dandruff.
• Apple cider: applying the paste of apple cider mixed with water on the scalp and then washing it off with lukewarm water helps in treating the problem of dandruff in kids.

Home remedies for the treatment of dandruff do not have any side effects since they involve making use of products which occur naturally and do not have any harmful chemicals in them. However, the skin of every individual is different one home remedy that is effective in the treatment of dandruff in an individual may have some detrimental effect on some other individual. Therefore home remedy for the treatment of dandruff must be chosen carefully.

Summary: Despite being effective, certain home remedies have some side effects which vary from person to person, so choose your home remedy only if you are not allergic or sensitive to the particular substance. Do not use any home remedies in excess as it may be harmful to health.

Dandruff is a condition which goes away slowly. In some cases it may completely go away in a month provided the home treatment for the dandruff is done regularly. However, if the condition of dandruff is due to any skin disease then it would go away completely as soon as the skin condition gets treated.

Summary: The time of recovery from dandruff is usually about one month provided the home remedies are followed regularly.

The results of home remedies for the treatment of dandruff provide temporary relief from the condition. Although if the home remedies are done regularly then permanent relief from the condition of dandruff may be achieved.

Summary: Yes, if the home remedies are done regularly it will give permanent relief from dandruff.

Usually making use of home remedies for the treatment of dandruff does not require any expertise and training since most of the home remedies are known to the people either through the internet or some other medium. However, taking the opinion of dermatologists who are doctors and are trained to treat the condition of dandruff proves beneficial.

Summary: No, there is no need for training or expert assistance since these home remedies are easy to perform.

Dandruff is a common condition which has been a headache for the majority of the people. The presence of dandruff in the hair restricts a person from wearing black or dark colored clothes with the fear of flakes falling on the shoulders. The confidence level of an individual takes a huge dip due to dandruff. The home remedies given above are helpful in the treatment of dandruff in not only adults but also the kids. If the home remedies described above are done as advised, and proper care of hair is taken then permanent relief from the condition of dandruff is also possible.