Home Remedies for Dandruff: Treatments That Actually Work Reviewed By Dermatologists

What Causes Dandruff?

One of the main causes of dandruff is the overgrowth of a type of naturally occurring scalp fungus called Malassezia. This fungus feeds off the scalp’s natural oils and causes flakiness. Other reasons for developing dandruff can be excessive dryness, reaction to certain hair products, known as contact dermatitis, stress, excess sebum (oil) production or skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Depending on the causes, its symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

There are several natural options for dandruff treatment at home. Let’s have a look at some of the most effective home remedies for dandruff:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is acidic in nature and can balance the scalp pH, reducing the fungal growth responsible for dandruff. A word of caution here is to use ACV in diluted form as otherwise it can potentially worsen scalp dryness and dandruff symptoms.

2. Baking Soda:

The gentle exfoliating properties of baking soda make it one of the most effective anti-dandruff home remedies. As per a study, baking soda was proven to have natural anti-fungal properties which helped individuals with dandruff without causing any adverse effects [1] . Before shampooing, apply it directly to wet hair and gently message it into the scalp and let it sit for 2 minutes before washing off.

3. Aloe Vera:

If you are wondering how to treat dandruff naturally, aloe vera might be your straightforward answer. It’s anti-inflammatory properties sooth the scalp and ease dandruff symptoms. Studies also suggest that it also has anti-fungal properties [2].

4. Tea Tree Oil:

Tea tree oil has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties which can be beneficial to treat dandruff. Dilute it with carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil to avoid skin irritation.

5. Coconut Oil:

Another one in the list of effective anti-dandruff home remedies is coconut oil. Known for its moisturising, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, coconut oil nourishes and hydrates the scalp. It improves the skin’s natural barrier and helps reduce dandruff symptoms.

6. Neem:

Neem oil can be used as a potent natural dandruff treatment owing to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Dilute it with coconut or olive oil, massage it into your scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes before shampooing.

7. Olive Oil:

As a moisturiser, olive oil can temporarily reduce flakiness and reduce itchiness. However, it may feed the fungus and worsen dandruff. It is important to get expert advice to treat the root cause and cure dandruff holistically.

8. Fenugreek:

If you happen to wonder in an Indian kitchen how to clear dandruff at home, reach out for the good old methi. Fenugreek or methi, one of the most common Indian spices, has anti-inflammatory, moisturising, and possible antifungal properties. You can prepare a simple hair mask using overnight soaked fenugreek seeds and bleeding them with curd. Apply this paste to your scalp and leave it for 30 minutes before washing.

9. Omega 3:

Omega-3 fatty acids help in moisturising, wound healing, and protecting the skin’s natural barrier. They can help reduce scalp irritation and symptoms of dandruff.

10. Yogurt:

Yogurt can act as a natural exfoliant as it contains lactic acid, helping in gently removing the dead skin build up and improving dandruff. The prebiotics present in it can further recover the scalp’s microbiome.

11. Green Tea:

Packed with antioxidants, green tea can heal the scalp. It’s anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties help in calming the scalp, reducing itching and regulating sebum production.

12. Lemon Juice:

If you have mild dandruff, lemon juice can be good natural dandruff treatment. Its benefits include balancing scalp’s pH, reducing excess oil production, mild exfoliation, and fighting off microbial scalp infections. However, be careful to patch test and use it in diluted form to avoid irritation and scalp dryness.

13. Coconut Oil with Lemon:

This combination can offer benefits like scalp moisturisation, anti-inflammation, anti-microbial function, and gentle exfoliation. It may not suit everyone, so ensure to perform a patch test before application.

14. Lemongrass Oil:

Adding lemongrass oil to your shampoo can be one of the beneficial home remedies to cure dandruff as it has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. A study also showed that hair tonics comprising 10% of lemongrass oil can significantly reduce dandruff [3].

Tips to prevent dandruff

The best way to prevent dandruff is by following a lifestyle that helps you maintain a healthy scalp. Here are some tips that can help you keep dandruff at bay:

• Stress management: Stress can compromise your immune system and aggravate dandruff symptoms. Practice yoga, go for a relaxing walk or include light exercise in your daily routine to de-stress and unwind.
• Massaging your scalp: Scalp massages can be a great way to relax yourself and boost blood supply to the scalp. This can help remove dead skin cells and enhance overall healing.
• Healthy diet: The importance of a well-balanced diet in maintaining healthy scalp environment cannot be overstated. Include in your diet, foods rich in omega-3s like flaxseeds, salmon and walnuts, zinc-containing items as well as vitamin C and A rich products for scalp nourishment.
• Brushing your hair: Gently brushing damp hair, at least twice a week, can help in removal of dead skin by eliminating deposited sebum and uniformly distributing natural oils on the scalp. Avoid vigorous and frequent brushing of hair as it may aggravate your symptoms and worsen the dandruff.

When to consult a dermatologist?

By now you know how to treat dandruff at home well. But what to do if these natural remedies for dandruff fail to give you the desired results? The simple answer is, turn to an expert! If you have a very itchy scalp that is red or swollen, chronic dandruff symptoms, and/or flaky and itchy patches on your face or body, immediately book a consultation with a certified dermatologist.

Why Choose Advanced Treatments Over Home Remedies?

While home remedies for dandruff might work for some, they often succeed in providing only temporary relief from the symptoms of dandruff. For a more personalised, targeted and comprehensive solution, choose specialised treatments that are clinically proven to treat dandruff effectively. Advanced treatments also provide a much safer option as compared to home remedies, that run the risk of causing skin irritation or adverse reactions under non-supervision.

Advanced treatments for dandruff at Oliva Clinics

At Oliva, our team of medically qualified and highly experienced dermatologists excel in providing the best anti-dandruff treatments, tailored to your specific needs. The advanced treatment available at Oliva clinics for dandruff includes:

• Anti Dandruff (Scalp Refine) Treatment: This cutting-edge procedure involves the application of a medically formulated serum directly to the target areas on the scalp. This rebalances the scalp’s natural microbiome and promotes healthy scalp environment, reducing flakiness, itching and inflammation.

Takeaway

Dandruff is a very common and usually harmless skin condition that causes the skin to flake from the scalp. Mild dandruff can often be cured by using home remedies and natural treatments; however, their effect can be short-lived. Additionally, they might not suit all skin types and lead to some unwanted reactions and end up worsening dandruff. To ensure safe and maximal treatment, you can explore scientifically tested anti-dandruff therapies. Book a consultation with one of our expert dermatologists at Oliva, and begin your journey towards a healthy, dandruff-free scalp today!!