Dandruff is a scalp disorder scientifically known as Seborrheic dermatitis. It refers to the clear visuals of shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Common though, it causes flakes of skin to appear and can even be seen with the naked eye. Dandruff is a non-inflammatory condition characterised by redness, itching and irritation normally seen in the post-pubertal age of either of the genders and ethnicity which leads to dryness and hair loss.

The word dandruff originates from the combination of two words, dander and hurf. “Dander” refers to skin scales on animal fur or bird feathers and the word “hurf”, originates from a 500-year-old English word for crust.

The exact cause of dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii is unknown till date. But most of the experts agree that it is not majorly caused by poor hygiene, a prevailing myth. There are several other causes of dandruff such as:

  • Exposure to sunlight
  • Over Shampooing
  • Frequent Combing
  • Exposure to Dust and Dirt
  • Use of Certain Cosmetic Products
  • Pathogenic Fungi

There are many ways of how to get rid of dandruff naturally, but first, let us look at the causes in some more detail:

Causes of Dandruff:

Exposure to Sunlight

Exposure to Sunlight is a proven remedy recommended normally for a number of skin problems by a lot of medical experts. Likewise, spending a reasonable time in the sunlight proves beneficial even in treating dandruff. But, the fact that too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer cannot be overlooked. Too much exposure to sunlight is one of the proven causes of dandruff and skin cancer in most people.

Over Shampooing

Cannot carry an oily scalp to the office? Not comfortable with taking a day’s gap in hair shampooing? A different hairdo each new day is the addiction and a style statement you wish to create?

Also Read: Common Hair Dyeing Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Look

Do you have Dandruff?

The third question somewhat sounds off sync to the previous ones, right?
Surely not, over-shampooing* is one of the prominent causes of dandruff which majority of the people are unaware about. It deprives your scalp of its natural oils, leaving your scalp dry and turning it into a flaky one, eventually. It must not be overlooked that the flakes on the scalp are nothing but what we term as dandruff.

Shampooing your hair on daily basis can be termed as over shampooing.

Exposure to Dust and Dirt:

Exposure to dirt and dust is a commonly known cause of dandruff. The accumulation of dirt, dust and dead skin cells amounts to a dirty scalp. And a dirty scalp has a higher affinity towards the microbes which causes dandruff scientifically. Microbes lead to the formation of yeast and growth of fungus thus causing dandruff.

Use of Certain Cosmetic Products

  • Application of sprays to straighten your hair and keeping it certain for long hours, oh that is beauty!
  • Application of a cream to curl your hair and looking trendy!
  • Some gel application to the hair gives a wet look to the hair, we love it all. But what about the post effects of the momentary beauty?

Dandruff. Yes, all this leads to dandruff. Applications of hair sprays, hair mousse, gel, wax etc. are the main causes of dandruff in the contemporary world.

These may enhance your looks for a while and make you look stunning but they curse you with a very unwanted pain like dandruff. These hair styling and hair care products build up on your scalp and flake off. They even cause sensitivity in your scalp causing it to become itchy.

Pathogenic Fungi

Pathogenic fungi are fungi that cause diseases in humans or other organisms and this is one of the causes of dandruff. Fungal overgrowth usually leads to dandruff. It is a sign that your body’s immune system needs support and your scalp needs support, support for preventing dandruff.

Although dandruff is rarely serious, it can prove to be embarrassing. It is embarrassing to spot those white marks on your attire and most of the times difficult to deal with. But, there is some good news your way. Do not worry; there exist a lot of pure and organic remedies to dandruff.

Dandruff can be controlled without much of hassle. It can be controlled and prevented through some very natural dandruff home remedies and natural treatments for dandruff.

HOW TO GET RID OF DANDRUFF & TREAT IT NATURALLY?

Here are a few ways:

  1. Lemon Application
  2. Cow’s urine, the most organic one
  3. Application of the left out water of Boiled rice
  4. Tea Tree Oil
  5. Using the Neem Extract
  6. Amla, an old proven remedy
  7. Yogurt, the kitchen help
  8. Sapindus Mukorossi
  9. Acacia Concinna (Shikakai), the herbal remedy
  10. Henna
  11. Poppy Seeds
  12. Massaging with Oil
  13. Regular Combing with Small Toothed Comb
  14. Rinse and Wash Regularly
  15. Eat a Healthy Diet
  16. Use Hair Packs

#1. Lemon Application

Lemon, as we all know consists of citric acid. It is a proven and tested home remedy for treating dandruff. How to get rid of dandruff naturally with lemon? Here’s how:

Take peels of around 3 to 4 lemons and boil them in water. Apply the solution once it cools down on the scalp and rinse it off. Repeat this activity at least twice a week and see the change. Lemon slices can also be directly massaged on the scalp to remove dandruff.

The acidity in pure freshly squeezed lemon juice can help break down the fungus, one of the prominent causes of dandruff. It does no harm to our hair and scalp, instead leaves you pure and fresh with its aroma.

#2. Cow’s Urine, The Most Organic One

Cow’s urine was found to be more stable and effective in inhibiting the fungus, along with boiled rice-water as a remedy to cure dandruff according to the comparative studies of Azyme Biosciences Report published in early 2013.

Ayurveda already has immense literature that states the effectiveness of cow’s urine.

Purified Cow’s urine extract is highly stable and capable in controlling the growth of Malassezia fungi and hence proven to be the most effective remedy to treat dandruff. It can be used as an effective anti-bacterial/ anti-fungal therapeutic, as stated in Ayurveda literature.

#3. Boiled Rice Water

Boiled rice water acts as an effective home remedy in treating the dandruff in a natural and organic way.

Keep the rice water after straining cooked rice. If kept overnight and applied on the scalp the next day, it will in removing the dandruff from hair.

When kept aside for a day, it permits the growth of Bacillus cereus in it. This principle is being exploited as a cure against the fungus, which is a prominent cause of dandruff. This is one of the oldest remedies for how to get rid of dandruff naturally.

#4. Tea Tree Oil

Some oils to the scalp can be helpful in keeping dandruff under control. Tea tree oil has been used medicinally for centuries now. The tea tree plant leaves are used as topical treatment for burns, cuts, bites, etc.

Add around 10 drops of the tea tree essential oil for every eight ounces of shampoo to your existing shampoo directly. Shake the shampoo bottle well for the tea tree oil to merge in proportionately and thoroughly.

Also, you can mix around 5-10 drops of tea tree oil in water and rinse your hair with it post shampooing.

The oil extracted from the tea tree plant leaves have fungicidal properties. It gives an overall soothing effect to the skin especially when it is sore or itchy. It is an antiseptic and anti fungal substance and a one of the hassle free ways of how to get rid of dandruff naturally.

Note – It must be not be ingested under any circumstance.

#5. Neem Extract

The application of the decoction of boiled neem leaves combined with tulsi on the scalp is an effective remedy to fight dandruff.

Boil a handful of neem leaves in four cups of water. Let the solution cool down for a while. Use this decoction to rinse your hair 2 to 3 times as per your comfort, in a week to get rid of dandruff.

Also Read: 20 Tips on How to Make Your Hair Shining and Silky

Neem leaves make a great, all-natural and easy home remedy for dandruff. It is not only a remedy for dandruff but itching, as well as fungal infection. Fungal infection is also one of the causes of dandruff. Neem is one of the oldest remedies of how to get rid of dandruff naturally and it is also one of the most effective.

#6. Amla

Amla powder when combined with some Basil (i.e. Tulsi) leaves as a paste proves to be an effective natural remedy for treating dandruff.

Grind 10 tulsi leaves with a little water and mix this paste into the amla and apply on scalp. Massage the scalp a little in circular motions with the finger tips gently. Leave on for about half an hour and then wash with water.

Tulsi and amla are popularly known for its miracle healing properties and aroma since decades. And the healing property works wanders in the case of the chronic disorder of dandruff as well.

#7. Yogurt

Giving a massage of yogurt to the scalp is helpful in treating dandruff. Curd works wonders for removing dandruff and also conditions the hair.

Apply it on the scalp as per your requirement. Keep it for about 15 minutes. Gently massage your scalp and wash it.
Yogurt is not only organic and the most pure hair conditioner, but an effective remedy for a dandruff free scalp. That’s how to get rid of dandruff naturally with yogurt.

#8. Sapindus Mukorossi

Sapindus Mukorossi i.e. Reetha is a great natural remedy for treating dandruff. It naturally helps in preventing dandruff and keeping your hair soft and strong. Reetha is the oldest cultivated medicinal plant used from the Vedic period for head bath.

Making a paste of reetha, a pinch of lemon juice and water and applying it on scalp for about two hours can prove beneficial as a natural remedy to treat dandruff.

Sapindus is prescribe for treatment of dandruff scientifically by a lot of practitioners. It not only acts as a remedy to dandruff but its other benefits include its ability to kill sperms (as a contraceptive), fight the common itch, treat chlorosis (a type of anaemia) and control the infection of Helicobacter pylori, a gut pathogen.

#9. Acacia Concinna (Shikakai)

Shikakai acts as a good cleanser, conditioner and an anti-dandruff treatment.

Apply the paste of Shikakai powder (approx. 3g) and drained water from cooked boiled rice (approx 100ml) on the scalp. Rinse your hair with the mixture to get a dandruff free scalp.

It is also using in preparation of many anti-dandruff shampoos. It acts as a powerful remedy in treating dandruff naturally.

#10. Henna

It is an Herbal treatment for the hair which has been following from the centuries.

1.5 Cup of Heena powder, when mixed with 1 tsp amla, 1 egg, 1.5 tsp coffee, a lemon, .5 cups curd and around 10 drops of oil makes the perfect natural and ayurvedic remedy for dandruff.

It has curative, as well as conditioning abilities. Such specially henna is using as the treatment for falling hair and dandruff.

#11. Poppy Seeds

If you have a dandruff problem, you can apply the mixture of a handful of soaked poppy seeds, a tbsp of hung curd and a teaspoon of crushed white pepper on the scalp and leave for half an hour and rinse it off properly. Regular use will help reduce recurrence of dandruff.

This is a very effective home remedy to treat dandruff.

As already stated, there are many remedy’s to combat the chronic disease of dandruff you are suffering from. Here are some add on tips for you to easily get rid of the itchiness and redness you are probably tire off. Now that you know how to treat dandruff naturally, you can also learn to get rid of the itchiness and oil.

#12. Massaging with Oil

Olive oil is an old folk remedy for dandruff. The oil moisturises dry areas that may be flaking off. An overnight olive oil soak is the best way to take care of severe dandruff issues. It allows the oil to really moisturise your scalp. It may leave your hair quite greasy.

Coconut oil can also be used to massage as it is also anti-fungal in nature, making it a perfect natural anti-dandruff treatment.

#13. Regular Combing with Small Toothed Comb

Those who do not comb their hair regularly may invite dandruff as the dead cells on the scalp are not remove. Thus, it is advisable to comb your hair your hair regularly as it stimulates blood circulation inside the scalp.

Also, remember never share your comb with anyone because dandruff is highly contagious.

#14. Rinse and Wash Regularly

Rinsing and washing your hair at regular intervals in either of the stated ways help as in preventing dandruff.

Also Read: 9 Best Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Dry Hair

#15. Eat a Healthy Diet

A well managed dandruff diet can prove to be beneficial in treating dandruff naturally and in the most organic way.

Limiting the sugar intake, having lots of vegetables and fruits, eating sufficient amounts of omega 3 rich foods like fish, walnuts, or flax oil will help in preventing dandruff.

#16. Use Hair Packs

Using the herbal hair packs from market, or some DIY packs like

  • Using a mix of lemon and yogurt with a bit of honey.
  • Use the mix of green tea in some peppermint oil and tea spoon of vinegar.
  • Blend of bananas, olive oil, honey, and a lemon as a creamy paste.
  • Mask of egg white and olive oil etc.

These are just some of the ways of how to treat dandruff naturally.

Do not forget to help yourself with the various DIY remedies and the organic remedies stated above if you have dandruff. Using the tips will help you get a dandruff free scalp.

Now that you know how to treat dandruff naturally, get rid of all those chemical filled products because they only ruin your hair further. These natural remedies to treat dandruff are easy and side-effect free. Not only will they help you get rid of dandruff, they will help improve the texture of your hair as well.

Share This: