Although everyone’s skin flakes off as skin cells die, dandruff is characterized by unusually large flakes that can be caused by a number of triggers. In addition to the embarrassing effects of dandruff, it can also cause irritation and redness. Although there are a number of treatments for dandruff, there unfortunately is no cure.
For many reasons people often choose to avoid traditional Western drugs and instead opt for home remedies for dandruff. Fortunately, there are a number of great treatments that many people will already have in their home. Let’s take a look at some of the more effective natural remedies for dandruff.
The Best Natural Remedies for Dandruff
- Black pepper – Black pepper has long been used in India to treat dandruff due to the combination of zinc and selenium found in it, which are effective at fighting dandruff flakes. Rather than apply solely black pepper to the scalp, mix two teaspoons with a cup of yogurt and stir. Next, rub the blend into the affected area of your scalp and leave in for an hour or two. Following this, wash it out with a mild shampoo. This is not only an effective treatment for dandruff but also acts as a great natural conditioner.
- Raw egg – Although many of you won’t like the idea of applying raw eggs to your scalp, it is an effective treatment against dandruff that has been used for centuries by Indian, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. Simply beat two eggs and apply it to your scalp for one hour. Following this, cleanse your hair and scalp with a mild shampoo. As with the black pepper and yogurt, this is also an effective natural conditioner.
- Lemon juice with sandalwood or garlic – Another effective remedy for dandruff is lemon juice mixed with either sandalwood or garlic (both of which have antimicrobial properties). Mix one part lemon juice to two parts garlic and apply as a paste to the affected area of your scalp. The lemon juice will serve as an effective remedy against existing flakes while the garlic or sandalwood will prevent against bacteria that can aid in flake growth. Leave this treatment in for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse with a mild shampoo.
- Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is one of those home remedies that are used for many ailments, including dandruff. Due to its high potassium content, it is an effective cure against the dry and itchy scalp associated with dandruff. It also aids in getting rid of the dead skin cells already located on your scalp. Simply apply the apple cider vinegar to your scalp and massage for five minutes. Next, rinse your hair with water, and, if you wish, a mild shampoo.
- Olive oil – Olive oil is perhaps the best home remedy for dandruff due to its natural moisturizing and clarifying properties. In order to utilize olive oil against dandruff, slightly heat it to a lukewarm temperature and massage into the affected area of your scalp. Leave the olive oil in overnight and rinse it out with a mild shampoo in the morning.
- Neem – Neem is a tree that contains effective anti-fungal properties. Neem leaves or neem oil can be applied to the scalp as an effective treatment of not only dandruff but also lice and other scalp infections. Apply neem to the affected areas of your scalp and rinse an hour or two later.
Conclusion
Dandruff sufferers know how inconvenient and embarrassing dandruff can be. Luckily, there are a number of great remedies for dandruff that can act quickly and effectively. As with many home remedies, not all of the above will work for you, but by experimenting with a couple of them you’ll be well on your way to having a dandruff-free scalp in no time.
