The main causes cited behind dandruff include oily skin, dry skin, malassezia globasa, and sensitive scalp.  Photo Credit: istockphoto
Lifestyle

Easy Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Dandruff And Itchy Scalp

Dandruff and itchy scalp can take place when the scalp starts shedding extra skin or gets irritated that can cause flakes, redness, and itching.

Renu Baliyan

Individuals often try several methods ranging from medicated shampoos, chemicals treatments, and other remedies to find a reliable solution to the problem. However, you can now heave a sigh of relief as you will find useful solutions to cure dandruff right inside your kitchen and garden.

Dandruff and itchy scalp can take place when the scalp starts shedding extra skin or gets irritated that can cause flakes, redness, and itching. Regular presence of white flakes on the shoulders and behind the back can also make your feel embarrassed and uncomfortable.

Individuals often try several methods ranging from medicated shampoos, chemicals treatments, and other remedies to find a reliable solution to the problem. However, you can now heave a sigh of relief as you will find useful solutions to cure dandruff right inside your kitchen and garden.

Causes Of Dandruff

Excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp leads to dandruff. Small amount of shedding can be overlooked as it is normal but when the process picks up pace, it leads to dandruff.  The main causes cited behind dandruff include oily skin, dry skin, malassezia globasa, and sensitive scalp.

  • Malassezia globasa is a fungus that resides on the scalp of many individuals and it may cause excess skin cell growth for some.

  • Oily skin is yet another common cause that can lead to dandruff often associated with greasy and red skin covered with white flakes.

  • Individuals suffering from excessively dry skin can also face dandruff woes.

  • Individuals with sensitive scalp can face redness or flakiness due to some shampoos or styling products, according to Fortis Healthcare.

Powerful Home Remedies For Dandruff

Coconut Oil: The oil is highly moisturizing that can fight excessive dryness and flakiness linked with dandruff. It is anti-fungal that can help in restoring scalp health. Massage warm coconut oil into the scalp, leave for one hour or overnight and wash thoroughly.

Tea-Tree Oil: It is yet another powerful remedy that can tackle dandruff effectively as it is anti-septic, anti-fungal, and inti-inflammatory in nature. It can effectively ward off Malassezia fungus that leads to dandruff. Make sure that you do not apply the oil directly to the scalp as it is very strong. You need to add 5 to 10 drops of the oil to your shampoo bottle and shake properly. Wash your hair with this shampoo to cure dandruff. 

Aloe Vera: It is a useful cure for dandruff and itchy scalp. It possesses anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that can bring down inflammation and prevent flaking. You can apply aloe vera gel directly from the plant to your scalp. Leave it on your scalp for at least 30 minutes prior to rinsing and shampooing. Regular application will boost hair health.

Apple Cider Vinegar:  It is one of the most potent remedies for curing dandruff. It can balance the pH of the scalp thus making it difficult for the yeast to grow. It can also function as a natural cleanser that can eliminate product buildup that may clog the pores.  Mix equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water. After shampooing the tresses, apply the mixture to your scalp, gently massage the scalp, and allow it to remain in the scalp for 15 minutes prior to rinsing. It will lead stronger hair as dandruff can decrease hair health and make them prone to fall.

Neem:  It is a highly beneficial remedy for dandruff as it offers anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It has been used for decades as a traditional home remedy for dandruff treatment.  You can boil some neem leaves in plain water, allow the water to cool, strain, and use the liquid as a final rinse after shampooing the tresses.  

As dandruff leads to poor hair health, you can try a beneficial hair oil recipe to control hair hair fall.  

Dietitian Shweta J Panchal shared a powerful hair oil recipe to cure hair fall. Heat coconut oil in a pan, add 2 amla, few cloves, some fenugreek seeds. Heat all the ingredients on sim flame for few minutes. Let it cool and strain the oil. Use this DIY oil to control hair fall and improve scalp health. She said, “this DIY oil not only reduces hair fall but also nourishes your hair, making it thicker, shinier, and stronger.” You may use it twice a week and see the difference, she concluded.

Meanwhile, if you are trying to get rid of dandruff, you can use rosemary oil and pumpkin seed oil.

If dandruff is troubling you and making your hair weaker, you can rely on pumpkin seed oil as it can effectively moisturize and soothe the scalp. Presence of zinc and magnesium can nourish hair follicles, strengthen tresses, and prevent breakage. These seeds are a vital source of antioxidants and nutrients that can enhance scalp health. The presence of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help in moisturising the scalp, reduce dryness, inflammation, and flakiness. Regular application of pumpkin seed oil can enhance blood circulation to the scalp thus leading to healthier hair growth.

People often apply rosemary oil to control premature graying and dandruff as it helps with dry and itchy scalp. The oil helps in offering benefits to nerve tissue by enhancing nerve growth factor. It can boost hair growth and skin health. The capacity to cure nerve endings can stimulate nerves in scalp area and helps in restoring hair growth.

Rosemary oil helps in enhancing hair growth as it contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps in boosting the blood circulation in the scalp that is essential for hair growth. It has the potential to boost nerve growth and supports healing of wounds.    

FAQs

What are the main causes of dandruff according to the article?

Dandruff is primarily caused by excessive shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp. Key factors include oily skin, dry skin, the fungus Malassezia globosa, and a sensitive scalp prone to irritation from shampoos or styling products.

How do tea-tree oil and coconut oil differ in treating dandruff?

Tea-tree oil is anti-septic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, effective against the Malassezia fungus causing dandruff. It should be diluted in shampoo before use. Coconut oil is highly moisturizing and antifungal, helping combat dryness and flakiness. It is applied warm, massaged into the scalp, and washed off after an hour or overnight.

Can I use neem rinse regularly for dandruff treatment?

Yes, neem has long been used as a traditional antifungal and antibacterial remedy for dandruff. Boiling neem leaves in water, cooling, and using the strained liquid as a final rinse after shampooing can help reduce dandruff and improve scalp health with regular use.

What is the benefit of the DIY hair oil recipe shared by Dietitian Shweta J Panchal?

The DIY oil recipe using coconut oil, amla, cloves, and fenugreek seeds helps control hair fall caused by dandruff while nourishing hair to make it thicker, shinier, and stronger. Applying this oil twice weekly improves scalp health and reduces hair loss.

How do pumpkin seed and rosemary oils contribute to scalp and hair health?

Pumpkin seed oil moisturizes the scalp and nourishes hair follicles with zinc, magnesium, and fatty acids, reducing dryness and breakage. Rosemary oil offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits, improving scalp blood circulation, stimulating nerves, and promoting hair growth.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.

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