The excessive secretion of sebum with dead skin cells is known as dandruff, and it may be accompanied by itching. Dandruff is not contagious or dangerous, but it is persistent and embarrassing with itching. It could occur due to the change in climate, hormonal imbalance, chemical products applied to the hair, improper diet, and poor hygiene, and it may get worse due to excessive stress, as it reduces the body’s ability to fight against the skin conditions.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Flakes:
Here are some preventive measures to avoid the flakes of dandruff.
- Always keep your hair and scalp clean and dry.
- Wash your hair and scalp twice or thrice a week, depending on how stubborn your dandruff is. Use a sulfate-free and paraben-free antidandruff shampoo to clean your scalp.
- You should not use heavy conditioner, hair serum, or hair oil on the scalp if you are having an oily scalp.
8 Home Remedies for Dandruff:
Here are some home remedies which can help you to get rid of dandruff.
- Raw Honey Mask:
Raw honey can reduce bacteria and the accumulation of microbes. Mix it with lukewarm water and apply it for 30 minutes before washing your hair.
- Avocado and Curd:
Prepare the paste of avocado and curd mixture, apply it on the scalp for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off.
- Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar balances the pH of the scalp. Mix apple cider vinegar with plain water, apply it on the scalp for an hour, and then wash it off.
- Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that cleanse Malassezia bacteria. Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and then apply the diluted oil on the scalp.
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has antifungal and antibacterial properties that prevent dandruff. So, you may use aloe vera to prevent or treat dandruff.
- Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, & Coconut Oil:
Massaging your scalp with warm oil mixture, which comprises coconut, jojoba, and olive oil, hydrates a dry scalp.
Note: Hair oiling should be done after hair wash on a clean and dry scalp.
- Lemon with Coconut Oil:
Lemon helps in maintaining the pH. Take a few drops of lemon, mix it with coconut oil, apply it on the scalp, and wash it off after 20 minutes.
- Camphor with Coconut Oil:
Camphor cools your scalp and helps to reduce itching. Mix a small amount of camphor in coconut oil, and apply it on the scalp daily at night.
The primary treatment for your dandruff is always present in your kitchen.
So, if you want to get rid of flakes and itching, follow all these home remedies twice weekly for a few months to experience a better result.
- Written by Dr. Jyoti Kumari, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah
