Permanent Solution For Dandruff At Home

Dandruff is a skin condition that presents with white flaking and scaling of the skin of the scalp that often becomes noticeable when flakes appear on clothing. While typically not accompanied by significant discomfort, more severe forms, known as seborrheic dermatitis, may cause scalp redness and greasiness. The exact cause of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, but they are believed to be partially linked to the presence of a yeast organism called Malassezia, which thrives in oily environments. Given their persistent nature, finding a permanent solution for dandruff is a common concern.

What is the Main Cause of Dandruff

Our skin is home to numerous microbes, including Malassezia yeasts, which thrive in the sebum-secreting follicles of our scalp, nourishing themselves on our skin’s proteins and oils. As our scalp is one of the oiliest parts of our body, it becomes a prime environment for the proliferation of Malassezia, leading to the formation of dandruff. Sebum, consisting of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, serves as a feast for these yeasts. While Malassezia consume the saturated fats, leaving behind the unsaturated ones, the irregularly shaped unsaturated fats penetrate the skin, disrupting its barrier and causing inflammation, resulting in the itching sensation associated with dandruff. Additionally, the body responds defensively by accelerating the multiplication of skin cells to repair the damaged barrier, resulting in the formation of large, greasy clumps around hair follicles that are eventually shed as visible flakes, thus perpetuating the cycle of dandruff.

Dandruff Home Remedies

Neem leaves

Neem has properties like antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic. It detoxifies the scalp and reduces itching and irritation of the skull. All you have to do is wash your hair with water which is boiled with neem leaves. Add neem leaves with curd and apply that on the scalp. Allow it to remain for 15-20 minutes and then wash your hair with warm water.

Apple Cider Vinegar For Dandruff

Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH level of the scalp, which can reduce the growth of yeast that contributes to dandruff. It also has antimicrobial properties that can combat fungal infections. To use it, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. After shampooing, apply the mixture to your scalp and let it sit for five to ten minutes, then rinse your scalp thoroughly.

Aloe Vera For Dandruff

This is one of the most popular remedies. Take about one cup of aloe vera gel and add 2 tablespoons of castor oil. Apply this to your scalp and leave it overnight or for 2 hours before washing your hair. Repeat this process once a week. The itchiness of the scalp goes away due to the soothing effect of aloe vera.

Lemon For Dandruff

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which helps balance the pH level of the scalp and reduces dandruff-causing yeast. It also acts as a natural astringent, controlling oil production. Dilute freshly squeezed lemon juice with water and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for five to ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Avoid using this remedy if you have any scalp cuts or open wounds.

Camphor

Camphor has anti-fungal properties that can help fight dandruff. It has a cooling sensation when applied topically. This cooling effect can provide relief from itchiness and scalp irritation, which are common symptoms of dandruff. To use, mix a few drops of camphor oil with coconut oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it out.

Amla

Amla is the ultimate solution, especially when you combine it with tulsi leaves. It has vitamin C and antibacterial properties which will really help in removing dandruff. Mix 2 tablespoons 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 out with a mild shampoo.

Rosemary Infused Rinse

Rosemary contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and cineole, which have antimicrobial properties. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help combat the growth of fungi or yeast on the scalp, including the ones that cause dandruff. An excessive production of sebum, which is nothing but natural scalp oil, can contribute to dandruff. By balancing the oil production, Rosemary may help reduce the occurrence of dandruff.

For a Rosemary-infused rinse, prepare a rosemary infusion by steeping fresh or dried rosemary leaves in hot water for about 30 minutes. After shampooing, rinse your hair with the cooled Rosemary infusion.

Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds contain mucilage, which moisturizes the scalp and reduces dryness and flakiness associated with dandruff. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe an irritated scalp and alleviate itching and inflammation. Fenugreek seeds possess anti-fungal properties that may help control the overgrowth of fungi or yeast on the scalp, which can contribute to dandruff.

To use, soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and grind them into a paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it out.

Best Hair Oil For Dandruff

BHRINGRAJ, The Eclipta Alba Bhringraj is grown all over the world in tropical or subtropical regions. Bhringraj oil is the oil extracted from the Bhringraj plant.

Benefits of Bhringraj oil:

• PREVENTS HAIR FALL: It really stops hair fall. Bhringraj oil is high in nutrients and supplies all the needed nutrition to your hair and scalp. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, which helps prevent split ends, hair breakage, and hair loss.
• TREATS DANDRUFF AND DRY SCALP: Bhringraj has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help prevent dandruff. It penetrates deep into the skin and hydrates your dry scalp.
• PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH AND TREATS BALDNESS: Bhringraj oil improves blood flow to the roots by increasing vasodilation. This process enlarges blood vessels and stimulates hair growth by activating hair follicles. The nutrients in the oil strengthen hair follicles, preventing baldness by facilitating new hair growth. Bhringraj also contains vitamin E, which fights against free radicals, a major reason for halting hair growth.
• TREATS SCALP INFECTION: Bhringraj, because of its antibacterial properties, helps treat scalp infections, including follicle infections, tinea infections, bacterial infections, and more. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin problems.

To prepare at home: Take some Bhringraj leaves or readily available Bhringraj powder and mix either of these with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or sesame oil, and heat the mixture. Once the oil is boiled well and shows the green color, add a few fenugreek seeds, then turn off the heat. Allow it to cool, strain the oil, and fill it into a bottle.

Now, how do you apply this oil? Heat the oil for 30 seconds to help it penetrate nicely. Gently massage the oil in a circular motion for 15 minutes. You can leave it on your hair for 30 minutes or overnight. After that, wash it off with a mild shampoo.

Types of Dandruff and Its Causes

Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss

How do you deal with it? Well, a lot of times, itching, when you’re dealing with the microbial issue again—fungus, Demodex bacteria. These can be managed by ensuring your nutritional levels are optimal. Your scalp serves as the last line of defense for your immune system when dealing with certain issues.

There are only a handful of things that really play a role in how your scalp is going to be managing your hair growth and scalp condition. One of which is vitamin D3, another is zinc, and then another is actually ferritin and iron. So, you want to make sure that you’ve covered the bases and you’ve gotten some blood tests to ensure that your optimal levels are actually present in those particular key nutrients. Optimizing your nutritional levels can alleviate itching and inflammation, ultimately reducing hair loss about 70 percent of the time.

When dealing with inflammatory scalp conditions, you really need to manage what you’re doing to your scalp. Proper management of inflammatory scalp conditions requires careful scalp care. You really shouldn’t be putting any oils on your scalp like jojoba oil. Sometimes, people are using peanut oil. These things are problematic and they will actually encourage the growth of bacteria and fungus. So, you need to make sure that obviously, that is not being done.

Hair Care Routine

• Avoid using excessive hair styling products as they can contribute to the buildup of oils and dead skin cells.
• Avoid sharing combs, brushes, or towels to prevent the spread of dandruff-causing fungi.
• Massage your scalp regularly to improve blood circulation and prevent dryness.
• Maintain a healthy balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Ensure you consume foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, B vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Manage stress levels and engage in stress-reducing activities like exercise and meditation.
• Avoid hot water and excessive heat styling. Hot water can strip your scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and dandruff.
• Don’t scratch your scalp as scratching can further irritate your scalp and worsen dandruff.

FAQs

Q: Why Dandruff Occurs?

Dandruff occurs due to the combination of factors, including the presence of Malassezia yeast on the scalp, sebaceous gland function and overproduction, and the body’s immune response to the presence of Malassezia yeast.

Q: Which Shampoo is Best for Dandruff?

The best shampoo for dandruff may vary depending on the severity of the condition of dandruff. Always consult with a dermatologist to determine the most suitable option for your specific needs. Here is a List of some best shampoos for dandruff.

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

1. Contains ketoconazole 1% which helps relieve flaking, scaling, and itching caused by dandruff.
2. Safe for color-treated, chemically processed, and gray hair.
3. Use twice weekly for 6-8 weeks for best results.

Neutrogena T/Sal 3% Salicylic Acid Shampoo

1. Contains salicylic acid which exfoliates the scalp, removing dead cells and buildup of dandruff.
2. Fragrance-free and odorless.
3. Use once or twice weekly for a couple of months to avoid scalp dryness

Scalpe Expert Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

1. Contains ketoconazole 2% and zinc pyrithione (ZPTO) to prevent fungal and bacterial growth on the scalp.
2. Effective for treating dandruff-related issues.
3. Lather and leave on for 4-5 minutes before rinsing.

Derma Co Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

1. Contains climbazole and piroctone olamine to inhibit the growth of Malassezia on the scalp.
2. Promotes scalp skin renewal process and reduces hair fall.
3. Free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, and other allergens.

Selsun Blue Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

1. Contains 2.5% selenium sulfide which controls excess shedding and irritation by eliminating excess scalp fungus.
2. Treats mild to severe dandruff and other fungal infections.
3. Use twice weekly for 6-8 weeks, leaving on the scalp for 3-5 minutes.

Q: How to Remove Dandruff Quickly?

1. You can follow these steps to remove dandruff quickly:
2. Use anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or salicylic acid.
3. Gently massage scalp while shampooing to loosen flakes and improve blood circulation.
4. Leave shampoo on scalp for a few minutes before rinsing to work effectively against dandruff-causing fungus.
5. Rinse your scalp thoroughly after shampooing to remove all traces of shampoo and loosened flakes.
6. Moisturize your scalp with a moisturizing conditioner or a natural oil to hydrate the scalp and prevent dryness.
7. Avoid using hair styling products that can irritate the scalp or contribute to the buildup of oils and dead skin cells.
8. Manage your stress levels because stress can exacerbate dandruff.
9. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support scalp health.

Q: Which Oil is Best For Dandruff?

Tea tree oil is generally known to be the best oil for dandruff because it has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it effective in fighting the fungus that contributes to dandruff. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm the scalp.

Q: Why do I have Dandruff all of a sudden?

Due to various factors or overall health conditions dandruff can occur suddenly.

1. Seasonal Changes
2. Stress
3. Changes in Hair Care Routine
4. Dietary Factors
5. Fungal Infection
6. Skin Conditions
7. Hormonal Changes
8. Underlying Health Conditions