Effective Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff
Everyone hates having an itchy scalp, and those white flakes depositing on their shoulders. Seborrheic dermatitis or more commonly known as dandruff is a serious skin condition that needs to be taken care of early to stop it from turning into a serious fungal infection. Having a dry scalp not just causes inconvenience or annoys a person, but it also spoils one’s style and comfort of being around others. Fortunately, there are various effective home remedies that help you to get rid of dandruff naturally.
Here are the most significant ways of treating dandruff at home:
Massaging scalp with coconut oil
Coconut oil, in true sense, is a nature’s blessing due to the benefits it provides. You have mild dandruff or feel itching on your scalp, regularly massaging your scalp regularly with coconut oil can give you good results within a month or two. This simple home remedy will give your itchy scalp a relief after every wash.
Applying Aloe-Vera to your hair
Another amazing natural solution for dandruff is Aloe Vera. It is a naturally occurring succulent which produces a jelly-like substance. Aloe Vera has excellent anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties. It is often used in cosmetics, treating burns and psoriasis. If you apply aloe vera gel on your hair, you will see improvement in your dandruff issue. All you need to do is coat your hair and scalp with it and leave it for 30 minutes to one hour, then wash and gently rinse your hair with normal water. Trust me, you will see great results.
Using tea-tree oil
Anti-microbial & anti-inflammatory are the two most crucial properties of tea-tree oil. This oil has been used for centuries for treating conditions ranging from acne to psoriasis. Using tea-tree oil diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil can significantly help you with controlling dandruff. This home-made remedy will give you effective results; also, you can use shampoos and conditioners with tea-tree for faster results.
Apple Cider Vinegar for hair
Apple Cider vinegar has already gained popularity across the world due to the enormous health benefits it offers. Besides aiding insulin regulation, metabolic regulation, and weight-loss Apple Cider vinegar is also beneficial for hair. Studies have shown that Apple Cider vinegar consists of certain properties that prevent fungal growth. It is known for destroying the Malassezia fungus. Applying this vinegar to your hair will not just eliminate the fungus but will also restore the pH balance of your scalp. All you need to do is add a few drops in the shampoo you use and apply gently before washing your hair.
Using baking soda as an exfoliant
Baking soda is an excellent gentle exfoliant that works wonders for your skincare and is an effective natural remedy for a lot of hair & skin-related issues. Baking soda fights against the overactive fungi while gently exfoliating the scalp without causing irritation. It works to clean the strands by dissolving dirt & natural oil residue, neutralizes the odor, and clarifies the scalp with no build-up giving it an overall detox. To use baking soda first, you need to wet your hair then gently rub one tablespoon of baking soda all over the scalp and leave it for one-two minutes then shampoo as regular. Finish you shampoo with an apple cider vinegar rinse to restore the pH balance of your hair & scalp; this will also add shine to your strands. However, baking soda should not be used as a daily shampoo, especially for people with or severely dry scalp. It is always better to use it as a weekly treatment.
Ending Note
Seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff issue in its early stages can be effectively treated with natural home remedies; however, if flaking or dry skin still persists, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for the right diagnosis and course of treatment.
A dermatologist will help you to find the cause of dandruff and will prescribe an effective prescription anti-dandruff shampoo and a few medications. Unlike the regular shampoo, prescription dandruff treatment shampoo has salicylic acid as the main active ingredient. Salicylic acid is extremely effective in treating an itchy or oily scalp as it helps to control excess oil build-up, which triggers dandruff.
Moreover, there are several other reasons such as weakened immune system, irritated dry scalp, over-shampooing or not shampooing enough, sensitivity to hair care products or other skin conditions like psoriasis & eczema that causes dandruff.