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15 Kitchen Remedies To Treat Dandruff Completely

By Kumutha

That burning need to itch your scalp, or dust off that flaky dandruff from your clothes, every now and then, especially when you are in a formal dinner or a conference meet, can be embarrassing, isn't it?

And to add to it, dandruff almost never comes alone, as it triggers other skin issues like pimples or acne!

Yeast infection, dry scalp condition, lack of proper hygiene or poor diet can all make you prone to having dandruff. And the anti-dandruff shampoos that claim to clear dandruff in the first wash only do more damage than any good.

Also Read: This Common Ingredient Can Reduce Dandruff In A Week!

Active ingredients found in a shampoo are salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, resorcin, selenium and ketoconazole; ingredients that are pretty much harbinger of bad news. Here is why.

Zinc pyrithione is known to cause eye irritation, coal tar is toxic to the skin and marked as one of the most hazardous chemicals.

Salicylic acid, on the other hand, can result in dizziness or difficulty in breathing. Ketoconazole when applied topically can prompt rashes.

Also Read: 5 Ayurvedic Remedies To Cure Dandruff Completely

If all these are not reasons enough to ward you off the use of anti-dandruff shampoos, don't know what will.

Therefore, here are 15 easy, effective and safe kitchen remedies which will wipe that pesky flaky dandruff, right off! Have a look.

Coconut Oil & Lemon Juice

Coconut Oil & Lemon Juice

Coconut oil nourishes the hair and stimulates hair growth. Lemon juice removes dirt buildup and treats dandruff.

Method To Use
Heat coconut oil in a cup and add an equal amount of lemon juice. Using a cotton ball, apply the solution evenly through your hair. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it with a mild shampoo.

Baking Soda & Lemon Juice

Baking Soda & Lemon Juice

Baking soda is rich in antibacterial properties that combat dandruff, remove excess oil, while reducing inflammation.

Method To Use
Mix baking soda and lemon juice together. Wet your hair and apply the solution evenly through your scalp. Keep it on for five minutes before washing it.

Olive Oil

Olive Oil

Dandruff is primarily caused by excess scalp dryness, hence, olive oil can come in handy in nourishing your scalp and restoring its natural oil balance.

Method To Use
Heat some extra virgin olive oil and gently massage it on to your scalp. Wrap your head in a warm towel. And let it sit for 45 minutes, so your hair fully absorbs the nutrients in the oil. Rinse your hair with mild shampoo.

Curd

Curd

Rich in lactic acid, curd reduces itchiness, eases dandruff and strengthens your hair from the root. This is a perfect remedy to treat dandruff and other scalp-related issues.

Method To Use
Whisk curd into a smooth paste and apply it on to your hair. Put on a shower cap and let it remain for 30 minutes. Wash your hair thoroughly with a mild shampoo.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a strong source of acetic acid that prevents the growth of fungi and relieves itchiness, thereby treating the problem of dandruff and other scalp infections.

Method To Use
Mix equal quantity of apple cider vinegar with water. After shampooing, give your hair a last rinse with this solution. Massage your scalp for five minutes, before you wash off the excess with plain water.

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek Seeds

Protein and amino acid composition of fenugreek seeds promotes healthy hair growth, while warding off that pesky dandruff.

Method To Use
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them into a fine paste, the next morning. Apply the paste on to your scalp, leave it on for about 40 minutes and then wash it using a mild shampoo.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has fungicidal properties that remove dandruff buildup and also relieve itchiness on scalp.

Method To Use
Dilute tea tree oil with an equal quantity of water. Pour the solution in a spray bottle. After shampooing, spritz the solution to your scalp. Massage your scalp for 5 minutes and dab a paper towel on your scalp to remove the excess residue.

Egg Yolk

Egg Yolk

Whether you apply it topically or include it in your diet, egg yolk contains rich proteins that boost hair growth and also help treat the problem of dandruff.

Method To Use
Mix egg yolk in a bowl; using a brush, apply the yolk to your dry scalp. Leave it undisturbed for an hour, later wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Wash it until the egg residue is completely removed from your tresses.

Garlic

Garlic

Garlic is a highly concentrated source of allicin, which is a natural antifungal and anti-candida compound that can effectively kill the dandruff-causing bacteria.

Method To Use
Crush around 4 to 5 garlic cloves in a bowl and add a teaspoon of honey. Apply the mask on to your scalp and hair, and massage it thoroughly. Leave the mask for ten minutes and then rinse it clean.

Salt

Salt

Dandruff is basically the shedding of dead skin cells. Iodine and mineral content in salt can clear your scalp off the dandruff, without disrupting the scalp's natural oil balance.

Method To Use
Heat water in a pan. Add 2 tablespoons of sea salt to the water. Once the solution cools down to room temperature, rinse your hair with it and massage your scalp gently for about 5 minutes. Later, rinse your hair with a regular shampoo.

White Vinegar

White Vinegar

Acid present in the vinegar can work wonders in relieving itchy scalp and bring down flaky dandruff.

Method To Use
Apply pure vinegar to your scalp. Massage it for a few minutes. Wrap a hot towel to your hair and allow the solution to soak into your scalp. After an hour, wash your hair clean with a mild shampoo.

Ginger

Ginger

Ginger has natural antiseptic properties that help kill the fungi that causes dandruff.

Method To Use
Mix three tablespoons of ginger juice with an equal amount of olive oil. Gently massage the mixture on to your scalp. Let it sit on your hair for 20 minutes and then wash your hair as usual. Repeat this process thrice in a week for best results.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains pectin and polysaccharides that help kill bacteria and remove any fat deposits in the pores that clog hair follicles.

Method To Use
Mix 1/3rd cup of aloe vera juice, with ½ a teaspoon of lemon juice. Using a cotton ball, apply the solution to your scalp and massage gently. After 30 minutes, wash your hair with lukewarm water.

Basil

Basil

Basic contains antiseptic properties and the ability to neutralise toxins. It effectively removes the buildup of toxins in your hair, thereby treating inflammation and soothing your scalp.

Method To Use
Heat two tablespoons of basil oil with an equal quantity of olive oil. Massage your scalp with the mixture in a circular motion. It will boost circulation in the scalp, strengthening the hair follicles, while treating dandruff.

Henna

Henna

Packed with antibacterial properties, henna keeps the scalp healthy by treating any infection.

Method To Use
Make a paste of soaked henna, apply it on to your scalp. Let it sit for 14 minutes and once dry, wash it clean with your regular shampoo. Weekly henna treatment can bring about amazing results.

Story first published: Wednesday, August 3, 2016, 15:49 [IST]