50 Natural ways to treat dandruff

Many people struggle with dandruff and they are willing to do just about anything to get rid of it. A large majority of the individuals suffer from these scalp conditions at some point in their lives. Dandruff is dead skin cells and they appear as white flakes on the scalp. In some cases, the flakes can be yellow in color too. These flakes are noticeable and can be very embarrassing and annoying. Sometimes the flakes combine with the oily secretions and stick to the scalp. This is commonly referred to as sticky dandruff. Dandruff causes itching, affects the health of your scalp and can lead to hair fall too.

What is dandruff? As mentioned earlier, dandruff is dead skin cells shedding from your scalp. It is caused by tiny yeast like fungus known as Malassezia globosa that grows on your scalp. Dandruff can either occur due to the dryness of the scalp or due to the production of too much oil on the scalp. Not washing your hair regularly can cause the buildup of oil and skin cells, leading to the development of dandruff. People with certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may also appear to have dandruff. Although dandruff is not a serious or contagious condition, it can be quite embarrassing and sometimes hard to treat.

How to get rid of dandruff naturally?

Although several products are available in the market for the treatment of dandruff, all of them may not be as effective as they claim to be. Fortunately there are many natural remedies for eliminating this condition. The biggest advantage of using these remedies is that they are safe for the hair and scalp in addition to being inexpensive. Following are some of the remedies that you can try to get rid of dandruff:

1.      Olive oil

Regular use of olive oil has been found to be a great remedy for dandruff. Heat some olive oil and apply it on the scalp. Leave it on the scalp overnight and wash it off. Make sure that you don’t keep the oil on for more than 10 hours or else you will be left with oily scalp.

2.      Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is another effective cure for dandruff. Just apply a few drops of this oil on the scalp and massage it thoroughly. It stimulates hair roots and increases blood flow to ensure hair follicle is healthy. It also has good moisturizing property which helps keep away amount of dandruff and dry skin.

3.      Castor oil

Castor oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it an excellent remedy for dandruff. It also contains several essential nutrients such as Vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids and amino acids that helps in moisturizing the dry skin. Combining castor oil with olive oil provides excellent results. Warm this mixture and massage it on to the scalp. Cover your head with a warm towel for about 15 minutes, after which wash off with your regular shampoo.

4.      Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a popular remedy for eliminating dandruff. It moisturizes the scalp and hair and also improves the shine and luster of the hair. Heat some coconut oil and gently massage it on to the scalp. Wrap a hot towel around your hair and keep it on for about 10 minutes. This allows the oil to be absorbed by the scalp and hair. Leave it on overnight and wash off the next morning. A combination of coconut oil and lemon juice is one of the best remedies for dandruff. Lemon juice has antifungal properties and hence applying it on the scalp can eliminate dandruff.

5.      Vinegar

Vinegar is rich in the mineral potassium which is effective in removing dead skin cells or dandruff flakes. It also helps in improving blood circulation. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar as a final rinse.

6.      Neem leaves

Neem leaves have been used for a long time as a home remedy for treating dandruff. These leaves possess antibacterial and antifungal properties which is effective against dandruff. Boil a few neem leaves and then drain the water. Use this water to rinse your hair after washing your hair with shampoo.

7.      Aloe vera

Aloe Vera gel is popular for the various benefits that it offers to your skin and hair. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of this plant help in reducing dandruff and also in getting rid of other infections. For eliminating dandruff, massage pure aloe vera gel on to the scalp.

8.      Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds is effective in not only removing dandruff but also in making your hair smooth and shiny. Take about 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak it overnight. Grind the seeds into a fine paste and mix together some yogurt. Thoroughly massage this mixture on your scalp and hair. Leave it on until it dries and wash it off.

Alternately, two tbsp of fenugreek seeds should be allowed to be soaked overnight. One can grind them to make a paste and this can be mixed with one tbsp of honey. This paste can be applied to scalp and left for 15-30 minutes before washing them off. Regular use will help reduce intensity of dandruff.

9.      Eggs

Applying eggs on your scalp is another remedy to get rid of dandruff. Beat together a few eggs and massage it on to the scalp. Leave it on for about 2 hours and then wash it off. This remedy helps in eliminating dandruff as well as in adding luster to your hair.

10. Apple juice

Apple juice works wonders for your scalp and hair. It helps balance the pH of the scalp, eliminates dandruff and itchy scalp and also makes your hair soft, shiny and more manageable. For removing dandruff, massage your hair and scalp with apple juice. You can also use apple juice as a final rinse after you wash your hair.

11. Green gram

Applying a paste made by mixing green gram powder and yogurt on the scalp is also effective against dandruff.

12. Yogurt and lemon

Mix together 5 teaspoons of lemon juice and one cup of yogurt and massage this mixture on the scalp for a few minutes. Wash it off after half an hour. This treatment can be carried out for 2 or 3 days and you will find that the dandruff has reduced significantly.

13. Hibiscus leaves

Another remedy that works well for getting rid of dandruff is the application of a paste of hibiscus leaves on the scalp. After massaging this paste, leave it on the scalp for about 30 minutes and then wash it off. In India, Hibiscus Leaf Paste along with honey is used to treat dandruff.

14. Baking soda

Baking soda plays an important role in many natural home remedies, including the removal of dandruff. It works by mildly exfoliating the skin and getting rid of the dead skin cells. It also functions as a fungicide, helping to kill off the fungus that is responsible for causing dandruff. Baking soda is found to be very helpful in removing the itchy flakes that are stuck on your scalp. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water and use this mixture to wash your hair.

15. Aspirin

Aspirin can be used as an effective remedy for dandruff. It contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient used in several anti-dandruff shampoos. Salicylic acid has anti-microbial and fungicidal properties that help in fighting off the dandruff causing fungus. Make a fine powder out of aspirin and add it to your regular shampoo. Wash your hair with this shampoo and leave it in your hair for about a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

16. Salt

It is a less known fact that salt can help in getting rid of dandruff. The abrasive crystals found in salt exfoliate the skin, helping to eliminate the excess oil and dead skin cells. Rubbing salt on your scalp not only removes dandruff but also helps reduce the itching. Massage 2 or 3 tablespoons of salt into your scalp for a few minutes and shampoo your hair.

17. Mouthwash

Using an alcohol based mouth wash to rinse your after shampooing can help in removing dandruff. Mouthwash has antifungal properties that help in destroying the fungus responsible for causing dandruff.

18. Ginger

Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties and contains active elements like volatile oils that are very beneficial in preventing the occurrence of dandruff. Grate a small piece of ginger and mix it with some sesame oil. Strain this mixture and massage the resulting oil onto the scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes and wash with your regular shampoo.

19. Henna

Henna is not only useful for coloring your hair is also a good remedy for dandruff. It binds to the keratin in the hair and removes excess oil from the scalp, which makes it useful in reducing dandruff. Mix together a teaspoon of henna, tea powder, amla, hair oil, and lemon juice in a cup. Apply this combination to the scalp and after some time wash off with a mild shampoo.

20. Amla

Indian Gooseberry or Amla is helpful in preventing various skin conditions and promotes hair growth. Dandruff is also result of combination of physical and mental stress; amla works on wellness of body and prevents dandruff. Amla oil made by heating amla powder with some base oil like coconut oil can help prevent dandruff.

21. Balsum of Peru essential Oil

This essential oil can be mixed with water and used to wash hair and scalp. It helps cleanse scalp and prevent development of dandruff.

22. Licorice Root

Licorice root or Mulethi as relaxing agent helps relax scalp pores and allows absorb nutrients. It reduces skin irritations that may cause flaking and ideal for eliminating dandruff.

23. Vodka

Yes, Vodka can not only be drunk but it acts as good skin cleanser. With its astringent effect, it cleanses skin pores, eliminate toxins from scalp and help treat dandruff.

24. Brazil Nut

Brazil nuts are rich in selenium. Scientific study shows that good selenium content in food helps reduce hair loss, excessive dry scalp and dandruff.

25. Honey

Honey is one the powerful natural ingredient to treat skin conditions. It has antifungal properties which is helpful for treating dandruff. With natural moisturizing effect, it reduces skin dryness and treat dandruff. It is good base for other anti-dandruff food stuffs.

26. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil along with honey is good recipe for dandruff treatment. Mix equal quantities of honey and joboba oil and apply to scalp.

27. Onion Juice

Onion juice along with honey is excellent in treating hair loss and dandruff. Mix equal quantities of onion juice and honey and apply to your hair and scalp before bath.

28. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has been used by many for treating scalp problems. You may apply lenon juice directly or along with coconut oil or honey. Leave it for 15-20 minute and wash your scalp. Regular use will eliminate dandruff.

29. Manuka Essential Oil

Manuka essential oil helps moisturize kin, provide oil to scalp and prevent degeneration of scalp. Thus it prevents all three reasons which causes dandruff. It is good alternative to costly anti-dandruff shampoo and fight scalp infections.

30. Oregano oil

Oregano oil is one of the many natural remedy for dandruff. Just add few drops of oregano oil to your regular shampoo to treat dandruff. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties it not only treats dandruff but also prevents other scalp disorders like psoriasis and eczema.

31. Black gram

Vigna mungo or black gram is traditionally used for hair growth and prevent hair damage. Home made hair pack made from black gram and fenugreek seeds powder is ued in getting rid of dandruff. Alternately paste of black gram and green gram is also used as remedy for removing dandruff.

32. Galangal

Galangal with its anti-microbial properties is effective in treating dandruff. Applying galangal oil alogn with olive oil or sesame oil to scalp can help getting rid of dandruff.

33. Basil

This wonder herb has multifold effects on body. Basil is good in preventing scalp infections including dandruff, psoriasis. Tulsi oil – made from heating tulsi leaves powder in coconut oil can be massaged to scalp to improve blood circulation and reduce itching. Tri-leaf power pack for dandruff – Tulsi, Neem and Hibiscus leaf powder, along with lemon juice or honey is end to dandruff.

34. Brahmi

Brahmi is one of the popular herb in Ayurveda to treat hair and scalp conditions. Brahmi and yogurt is a powerful combination that helps strengthen hair and eliminate itchy dandruff.

35. Ajwain

Ajwain seed oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory property which are useful for treating scalp conditions like dandruff. Ajwain water can be used as homemade shampoo for washing hair and treating dandruff and lice.

36. Arnica

Arnica is long used in promoting hair growth and treating scalp conditions. Arnica extract is often used as an ingredient in various shampoo. Arnica oil moisturizes scalp, stimulates hair roots and prevents dandruff.

37. Limonia

This fruit, has been cultivated in India and long used for its curative properties. You can use this traditional formula for getting rid of dandruff – Heat the peel of Limonia fruit in coconut oil and massage this oil thoroughly on to your scalp regularly.

38. Wheatgrass

Yes, wheatgrass works wonders for your hair and scalp. Combining wheatgrass with your shampoo and applying it on your hair is a great remedy for mending damaged hair and also for treating dandruff, and itchy scalp.

39. Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds tea is considered good for hair and scalp care. To make Fennel seed tea, do crush about 3 tsp of fennel seed and boil in 2 cups of water. Allow to boil for 15-20 minutes. Use this tea to wash hair and scalp. This is an excellent remedy to prevent hair fall and also to get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp.

40. Argan oil

Argan oil offers essential nutrients which stimulates hair cells, works as moisturizer and prevents dry scalp. It is useful in reversing some ill effects of dandruff.

41. Okra

Yes to your disbelief, okra can be used as home remedy for hair and scalp problems. Boiling okra in water forms transparent mucilage which can be applied on your hair as a conditioner. It helps as natural moisturizer and get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp.

42. Watermelon seed oil

This non greasy oil has been used long to keep scalp healthy. Watermelon seed oil offers various omega fatty acids which keeps scalp healthy. As antimicrobial property it prevents scalp diseases and dandruff.

43. Sea buckthorn oil

Sea buckthorn oil is a scalp nourishing oil. It got its scientific name Hippophae – “shiny hair” and have been used traditional for horses with glittering hair. Betulinic acid is one component which is considered good for hair and scalp. Sea buckthorn leaf extract was found to be offering anti fungal properties for treating dermatitis and dandruff..

44. Coconut water benefits for hair

Applying coconut water to your hair and scalp can nourish your hair and scalp. It has good hydrating properties and strengthen roots. Its anti bacterial and anti microbial property prevents dandruff, itchy scalp and other kinds of infections.

45. Garlic

Garlic stimulates your hair follicle and increases blood circulation. It is great antifungal agent and prevents dandruff, itchy scalp, psoriosis and other scalp infections.

46. Water

Drinking adequate water is good simple way of keeping your skin hydrated and avoiding dry skin and dandruff.

47. Reetha or soap nuts

Reetha along with amla has been traditionally used in controlling scalp problems. Grind about 15 reetha and boil them in water for 15 minutes. Allow this remain overnight. Stain and mix the water with amla juice or powder to make home made anti-dandruff shampoo.

48. Arugula Oil

Arugula bear oil or Taramira oil or jamba oil helps in treating dandruff, lice and other scalp condition involving itching and inflammation. Massaging jamba oil to scalp regularly is good home remedy for dandruff.

49. Sunlight

Sunlight as we know helps body synthesize Vitamin D. Sunlight exposure also has good co-relation with dandruff problems. It is found that people exposed to adequate sunlight have little dandruff problem. Did you notice, in winters one has more dandruff; it is due to dry climate with less sunlight in winter.  Allow 15-30 minutes exposure of sunlight to your skin and hair.

50. Meditation

Mental stress is prime cause of dandruff in modern world. Dandruff is more of lifestyle disorder. Stress leads to reduction of body immunity and thereby promotes growth of scalp fungus which causes dandruff. You should try meditation as long term relief to not only dandruff but also various others lifestyle disorder.

In addition to all the above mentioned remedies, eating healthy food is also important to maintain proper health of your body and protecting against many skin conditions including dandruff. Green leafy vegetables, lean proteins and fish oils can keep your skin healthy and prevent the occurrence of dandruff. It may look as if you can never get rid of dandruff, but fortunately there are several ways to bring it under control. The good news is that it always does not have to involve expensive visits to the dermatologist or the use of dangerous chemicals. Make use of the natural remedies that are available in your home for a healthy and dandruff-free scalp.