Dandruff, a common scalp condition, can be bothersome and embarrassing, affecting people of all ages. While there are numerous over-the-counter treatments available, homemade remedies offer natural, cost-effective solutions for achieving dandruff-free, beautiful hair. Let’s explore nine effective homemade remedies to get rid of dandruff and promote healthier, more radiant hair.

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff, characterized by white flakes on the scalp and itching, is often caused by factors like dry skin, oily skin, fungal infections, or sensitivity to hair products (1). It can lead to self-consciousness and discomfort, impacting one’s confidence and overall well-being.

Homemade Remedies for Dandruff-Free Hair

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, effectively combats dandruff-causing fungi (2). Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and massage into the scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before shampooing.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

ACV restores the scalp’s pH balance, reduces itching, and eliminates dandruff-causing bacteria (3). Mix equal parts ACV and water, apply to the scalp, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera’s soothing properties calm scalp inflammation and reduce dandruff (4). Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Baking Soda

Baking soda exfoliates the scalp, removing dead skin cells and reducing dandruff. Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, massage onto a damp scalp, and rinse thoroughly after a few minutes.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice’s acidic nature helps balance the scalp’s pH, reducing dandruff and itchiness (5). Dilute lemon juice with water, apply it to the scalp and leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil’s moisturizing properties hydrate the scalp, preventing dryness and dandruff. Warm coconut oil and massage it into the scalp before bedtime. Wash it off the next morning for best results.

Neem Leaves

Neem leaves possess antifungal and antibacterial properties that combat dandruff-causing microbes (6). Boil neem leaves in water, let the solution cool, strain it, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing.

Fenugreek Seeds (Methi)

Fenugreek seeds contain proteins and amino acids that strengthen hair follicles and eliminate dandruff (7). Soak fenugreek seeds overnight, grind into a paste, apply to the scalp, and wash off after 30 minutes.

Yogurt

Yogurt’s probiotic properties restore the scalp’s natural balance, reducing dandruff and promoting healthy hair growth. Apply plain yogurt to the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with a mild shampoo.

Achieving dandruff-free, beautiful hair is possible with these simple yet effective homemade remedies. Incorporate these natural treatments into your hair care routine to soothe scalp irritation, eliminate flakes, and restore your hair’s natural shine and vitality. Say goodbye to dandruff and hello to healthier, more beautiful hair with these homemade remedies.

References:

1. Dandruff: the most commercially exploited skin disease
   
   Ranganathan S, Mukhopadhyay T. Dandruff: the most commercially exploited skin disease. Indian J Dermatol. 2010 Apr-Jun;55(2):130-4. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.62734. PMID: 20606879; PMCID: PMC2887514.




2. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo
   
   Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002 Dec;47(6):852-5. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2002.122734. PMID: 12451368.




3. The Efficacy of Apple Cider Vinegar at Different pH Values as an Antimicrobial Agent: An In Vitro Study
   
   Chandraseharan P, Sockalingam SNM, Shafiei Z, Zakaria ASI, Mahyuddin A, Rahman MA. The Efficacy of Apple Cider Vinegar at Different pH Values as an Antimicrobial Agent: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2023 Oct 1;24(10):779-786. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3581. PMID: 38152911.




4. Aloe vera: a short review
   
   Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: a short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53(4):163-6. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.44785. PMID: 19882025; PMCID: PMC2763764.




5. Quantification of the minimum amount of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar required for the growth inhibition of dandruff causing fungi Malassezia furfur
   
   Arun, Pv & Vineetha, Yaralagadda & Waheed, Maseera & Ravikanth, Koka. (2019). Quantification of the minimum amount of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar required for the growth inhibition of dandruff causing fungi Malassezia furfur. International Journal of Scientific Research in Biological Sciences. 6. 144-147. 10.26438/ijsrbs/v6i2.144147.




6. Rosemary and neem: an insight into their combined anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss efficacy
   
   Hashem MM, Attia D, Hashem YA, Hendy MS, AbdelBasset S, Adel F, Salama MM. Rosemary and neem: an insight into their combined anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss efficacy. Sci Rep. 2024 Apr 2;14(1):7780. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-57838-w. PMID: 38565924; PMCID: PMC10987638.




7. Fenugreek Leaf Extract and Its Gel Formulation Show Activity Against Malassezia furfur
   
   Kulkarni M, Hastak V, Jadhav V, Date AA. Fenugreek Leaf Extract and Its Gel Formulation Show Activity Against Malassezia furfur. Assay Drug Dev Technol. 2020 Jan;18(1):45-55. doi: 10.1089/adt.2019.918. Epub 2019 Sep 16. PMID: 31524496; PMCID: PMC6998042.

Source-Medindia