DANDRUFF & ITS REMEDIES TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR

Dandruff and its causes

Dandruff is the flakes of scalp skin. Sometimes, they are less, but other times they may appear as snowfall that may make us conscious in public. But what causes it?

Well, there are lots of skin conditions that can cause dandruff. They include generalised skin conditions such as:

1. Psoriasis

It is a condition of scaling and redness of the skin.

2. Eczema

It is a condition of dryness and sometimes inflamed skin called seborrheic dermatitis that can also affect our face, chest, armpits, and groin, causing greasy thickening, and redness of the skin.

Otherwise, dandruff is often due to fungus infection. It is the most common problem and occurs mainly during winter. According to Ayurveda, dandruff occurs because of water imbalance.

How to reduce dandruff?

Several treatments can cure dandruff, ranging from medicated shampoos and corticosteroids to natural remedies such as tea tree oil and baking soda. Though over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are accessible, natural remedies against dandruff are frequently just as effective as these medicines.

Here are 5 simple home remedies for dandruff:

1. Neem leaves

Neem is called "Serva roga nirvana" in Ayurveda. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Neem detoxifies the scalp and reduces itching and irritation of the skull.

We can use Neem leaves against dandruff as follows:

• Wash our hair with water boiled with neem leaves or apply neem leaves mixed with curd.

• Apply one of the above mixtures and allow it to remain for 15-20 minutes.

• Again wash our hair with warm water.

2. Methi or fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds have antibacterial and antifungal properties that aid in removing fungi that cause dandruff on our scalp. The seeds are high in protein, vitamin C, iron, potassium, nicotinic acid, and lecithin (fatty acid), helping against hair fall and dandruff. It also improves the structure of hair, resulting in hydrated and lustrous hair.

We can use methi seeds against dandruff as follows:

• Soak methi seeds overnight and grind them to make a paste.

• Mix this paste with curd.

• Add one teaspoon of Triphala powder.

• Apply this mask to the scalp and leave it for 1 hour. Later, wash it with some mild shampoo.

3. Coconut oil with lemon juice

We can see wonderful results using this mixture regularly once a week. The hydrating property of coconut oil reduces the dryness on our scalp, thus combating the itchy skull. Simultaneously, vitamin C, citric acid, and zinc in lemon juice reduce dandruff due to their antifungal and antioxidant properties.

We can use coconut oil against dandruff as follows:

• Take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and warm it up.

• Add 1 tablespoon of lemon to it.

• Apply this oil to the scalp properly.

• We can use this oil in the evening and leave it overnight or apply it 2 hours before hair wash.

4. Aloe vera

It is a succulent frequently used in skin care products. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties may help prevent dandruff. This is also one of the most popular remedies that Ayurveda can offer.

We can use aloe vera against dandruff as follows:

• Take about 1 cup of aloe vera gel and add 2 tbsp castor oil.

• Apply this to the scalp and leave it overnight or 2 hours before the hair wash.

• Repeat this process once a week. The itchiness of the scalp goes away due to the soothing effect of aloe vera.

5. Amla

It is the ultimate solution, especially when we combine it with tulsi leaves. It has vitamin C, and its antibacterial properties help remove dandruff. When we use amla powder for dandruff, it reduces both oil build-up and microorganisms causing dandruff, which can perhaps restore the health of our scalp.

We can use Amla against dandruff as follows:

• Mix 2 tbsp of amla powder and 2 spoons of ground tulsi leaves.

• Add water to make a hair mask.

• Apply it to the scalp and keep it for half an hour.

• Wash it with a mild shampoo.

One last tip:

We can always apply oils like bringraj, neem, and fenugreek to cure dandruff. Just apply warm oil to the scalp skin and wash it with a shampoo leaving for a couple of hours. We can choose any one of these home remedies for dandruff, but we should be consistent to see the expected results.

What if home remedies don't work?

If these remedies for dandruff do not provide long-term relief, visit a dermatologist to see if additional treatment may be required. Prescription dandruff shampoos may have the potency to overcome the problem. 

Home remedies for dandruff are frequently effective when used collectively with topical medicines or shampoos to treat dandruff. However, there are always some concerns. Though these remedies are normally safe, their effectiveness depends on our use.

Sometimes it may well be worth trying an antifungal shampoo. A dermatologist can advise something like ketoconazole shampoo to be applied twice a week for a couple of weeks and then once a fortnight alternatively.

Other shampoos like zinc coal-tar salicylic acid or selenium sulfide will often help with dandruff. We can get some of them OTC from the pharmacy. But if in doubt, consult a skin-care specialist to understand the correct way to use it.

Conclusion

These simple but powerful home remedies for dandruff may help reduce the flakiness and dryness of the scalp. Several topical drugs and antifungal shampoos may also be helpful.

However, following these home remedies regularly with dietary changes can significantly help reduce dandruff, minimising the need for topical drugs. Visit Wellness Forever to find a fascinating array of brands from the categories of healthcare and cosmetics.