What is dandruff?
The appearance of fine, dry, flaky white skin on our hair and scalp is “Dandruff” and we are no strangers to it. Dandruff, which is also known as DERMATITIS or SEBORRHEA is a very common skin condition experienced by almost everyone. It can be accompanied by red/ pink skin spots which indicates inflammation or in troubled cases, itching or burning sensation of the scalp may also be experienced.
What causes dandruff?
It is our most common misconception that dandruff can only be caused due to dry skin/scalp. YOU ARE WRONG THERE! Yes, there are many conditions which triggers dandruff and it can be dealt accordingly when the exact cause is known. Some of them are as follows.
- Dandruff is basically caused by a fungus called ‘Malassezia’.
- Dandruff can be invited by maintaining a poor hair/skin hygiene.
- Dandruff is caused due to dry skin which can be worsened by scratching.
- It can also be triggered depending upon the weather conditions which can be extreme dry/ extreme humid.
- Dandruff can also be worsened by sensitivity to certain hair products or their ingredients.
- It can also be caused due to pollution/ infrequent hair wash.
All the above reasons accounts for the presence of dandruff and to get rid off it, one might need to deal accordingly.
Apart from the hair products/shampoos that claim to make your hair dandruff-free, you can also give a go for DIY/home remedies that can make your hair stronger and healthier along with cleansing.
Home Remedies to remove Dandruff:
1.Yoghurt:
Yoghurt acts as a great cleansing and smoothening agent for hair.
Apply some yoghurt and cover your hair for about 20 minutes and then rinse with water. Follow this step with cleansing using a mild shampoo.
You can go for this DIY remedy twice a week.
2. Lemon:
Since lemon is acidic in nature, it helps to break down the fungus which causes dandruff and also gives you relieve from oily hair.
Squeeze a lemon or two and applying directly on your scalp helps to fight the dandruff from the first wash. Keep it for about 20 minutes and rinse off with water and shampoo as you do.
A little itchy sensation is common with the lemon and can be neglected.
CAUTION: Do not apply on broken skin.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is also a great hit to deal with dandruff.
You can directly rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar and shampoo after 10 minutes or else you can dilute it with equal proportion of distilled water and spray on you hair , leave it on for about an hour and then shampoo.
This remedy works wonders and gives you shinier hair too!!!
4. Henna:
Henna is known for its bleaching properties. It is also used widely in Asian households for smoothening, strengthening and also dyeing hair naturally.
Apart from giving natural colour to the hair, henna can also be used to treat dandruff .
Make sure you get hands on organic henna and make it a paste by adding required amount of water. Check the consistency of the henna paste so that it won’t drip off from your hair.
Now apply it carefully using a brush or with hands( wearing gloves can help to refrain from any stains).
Wash off nicely after 45 minutes to one hour.
Since henna also possesses cooling properties, people with sinusitis may avoid this remedy/ shorten the application time to 20-30 minutes.
5. Neem Oil:
Neem (Azadirachta Indica) is well known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Since old ages, neem leaves have been used to treat various skin infections/allergies. It is very useful to treat dandruff by following simple remedy.
Boil some fresh neem leaves in distilled water till the water turns to pale green colour. Rinse your hair and wash off scalp with this neem water nicely before shampooing. This remedy is as effective as simple as it is!
You can also opt for neem oil and apply it to leave overnight before shampooing.
All these remedies are great and good to go anytime. Even though DIY remedies are safe enough, make sure you are not allergic to any of the above mentioned elements/ingredients. If you are not sure , you can reduce the application timing.