Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Dandruff
Dandruff is a dermatological condition in which dead skin from your scalp wears off in the form of white flakes. It is a very common problem among adults and it is considered to be harmless. However, sometimes it can be embarrassing having white flakes all over and everywhere.
Although the pathophysiology of this disease is unknown, meaning the reason for the occurrence of dandruff is unknown. However, some research(1) has suggested that poor hair care, not shampooing or cleaning your hair may have a potential role behind developing dandruff.
It was also noticed in some people, a fungus called Malassezia can also be the reason for dandruff. It is to also be noted that having an oily scalp increases the risk of having dandruff.
As of now, there is no cure or medication for dandruff. However, it can still be controlled by home remedies and natural cures. There are several natural treatments for dandruff. They can eliminate your dandruff almost completely and effectively.
Table of Contents
How to Get Rid of Dandruff?
- Home Remedies
- Foods
- Herbs
- Essential Oils
- Supplements
- FAQs
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Dandruff
If you are having chronic dandruff and have not tried any home remedy yet then you should not waste any more time. Nothing can beat home remedies when it comes to treating dandruff. There are several home remedies which are famous for curing dandruff. Some of them are mentioned below:
1. Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice for Dandruff:
Coconut oil and lemon juice are both equally beneficial when it comes to your hair and scalp health.
How Does It Work?
Coconut oil and lemon juice are both equally beneficial when it comes to your hair and scalp health. Coconut oil not only nourishes your hair but also helps you to maintain a healthy scalp by ensuring hydration.
It prevents your scalp from drying out which is one of the major causes of dandruff. On the other hand, lemon juice inhibits the growth of any kind of fungus or bacteria on the scalp. At the same time, it also balances the pH of your scalp.
How to Use?
Take a slice of lemon and squeeze it. Mix this lemon juice with 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil and massage your scalp gently with it. Let it for 20 minutes before washing it off with shampoo.
How Much to Use?
Try using this remedy 2-3 times a week and it is to be noted that the results will only be visible after a few uses. This is one of the most effective remedies against dandruff.
2. Curd, Lemon Juice and Honey Mask:
Curd, lemon juice, and honey are three ingredients that can do magic for your hair and your dandruff related issues
How Does It Work?
Curd, lemon juice, and honey are three ingredients that can do magic for your hair and your dandruff related issues. Curd and lemon juice are loaded with antifungal properties which can prevent the fungus from spreading whereas honey nourishes your scalp and hair. Honey helps to restore the lost hydration and shine from your hair.
How to Use?
Take 4-5 tablespoons of curd in a bowl. Add 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey in it. Mix it well and apply this mask on your scalp as well as hair. Leave it for 30 minutes and rinse it using a shampoo.
How Much to Use?
You can try this remedy once or twice a week and that would be enough. If you are facing acute dandruff issues, use this regularly for 2-3 weeks and all your issues will be gone.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff:
This is solution is known to be a one-stop solution for several diseases. It is a known antifungal and an effective hair nourishing medium.
How Does It Work?
Apple cider vinegar has plenty of health benefits including its use as curing dandruff. Apple cider vinegar’s acidic nature makes it an effective antifungal. Additionally, it also helps maintain the pH balance of your scalp. All these qualities of apple cider vinegar hinder the growth of any kind of fungus and causing dandruff.
How to Use?
In order to use apple cider vinegar for your dandruff, all you need to do is mix it with some essential oil then apply the mixture on your scalp. This will provide you with the benefits of both apple cider vinegar as well as essential oils.
How Much to Use?
This remedy can be used 1-2 times a week. If you want a healthy scalp free from dead skin cells.
4. Neem:
Neem is a tree that is mostly found in the Tropical regions such as Asia. It is scientifically referred to as Azadirachta indica. It is used to cure several diseases as a home remedy.
How Does It Work?
Neem has been known and used as an antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal remedy since ages. When applied on your scalp, it can kill and eliminate any kind of impurities from your scalp. A healthy scalp means no dandruff and healthy growth of hair.
How to Use?
Take some neem leaves and grind them into a smooth paste. Apply this paste on your scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it with shampoo.
How Much to Use?
Using neem twice a week to cure your dandruff related problems. Additionally, neem can promote hair growth to a great extent by keeping your scalp in good health.
CURE 2: Foods for Dandruff
Foods are an important part of the treatment of any health issue. Proper food can supply you the nutrients to fight the disease internally. In consideration of dandruff, a proper diet could help you go a long way as it helps in boosting your immune system and helps your scalp regain its vigour and health. If you are wondering how and which those foods are, here are some which can give you all the answers:
1. Legumes:
A legume is a plant in the family Fabaceae. Legumes generally consist of alfalfa, clover, beans, peas, and peanuts to name a few. They are grown for human consumption, for livestock forage, and as soil-enhancing manure.
How Does It Work?
Legumes are naturally loaded with many essential nutrients. Legumes like chickpeas, beans and lentils are full of Vitamin B6, zinc, potassium, and iron. All of these help you to fight against dandruff and make your hair grow faster.
At the same time, legumes are a good source of protein which is the very foundation of your hair. Protein is known to promote the overall health and growth of your hair.
How to Use?
Legumes can easily be integrated into your meals and in the long run in your daily diet. You can use legumes like beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils in making curries or other dishes. Boiled beans and chickpeas can also very well be used in making healthy salads.
How Much to Use?
Try incorporating one serving of any legume in your regular diet. You can try a new one each day and this will ensure that having them doesn’t get monotonous. Also, you can try various recipes with legumes to keep your taste buds enticed.
2. Garlic:
This tropical root is not only a fragrant spice, but it also houses several medicinal benefits that could help you cure/keep several diseases at bay.
How Does It Work?
Allicin present in garlic is well known for its antifungal(2) properties. As garlic is rich in allicin, it can effectively work against dandruff. It prevents fungus causing dandruff from thriving on your scalp. It also improves the health of your scalp.
How to Use?
Garlic is something which has extensive uses in your kitchen. It gives your dishes a rich flavor and can be used in several dishes including curries, sauces, and soups. Be it meat, fish, chicken, or shrimp, garlic complements and accentuates the taste.
How Much to Use?
This depends on the requirements of your recipes. Just take required cloves of garlic and crush them before use. It is to be noted that the garlic needs to be crushed, as it helps in releasing allicin.
3. Banana:
This edible and delicious fruit, is botanically classified as a berry. It is produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. Bananas that are used for cooking are referred to as ‘plantains.’
How Does It Work?
Banana is indeed a superfood. It contains several nutrients like iron, potassium, zinc, Vitamin B6, A, E, and antioxidants. These vitamins along with zinc and iron play a vital role in protecting your scalp from any damage. Iron promotes blood circulation in the scalp to your hair follicles and it helps in getting rid of dandruff.
How to Use?
Bananas are a versatile fruit, you could have them in any way you’d like. They could be consumed for breakfast, you can add them to your milkshakes or smoothies. If you are having severe dandruff issues, it is recommended that you should consider eating at least a single banana on a daily basis.
How Much to Use?
Although banana is healthy fruit, however, it is also high in calories. Therefore, try to limit your daily banana intake from 1 to 2. Overeating of banana could also lead to unnecessary weight gain.
4. Sunflower Seeds:
Sunflower seeds are the fruit of the sunflower plant. Oh, yes it is! These seeds are generally classified into three types: linoleic, high oleic, and oilseeds. This classification is based on the unique levels of monounsaturated, saturated, and polyunsaturated fats.
How Does It Work?
Owing to its high zinc and Vitamin B6 content, sunflower seeds can be very helpful against dandruff. Both zinc and Vitamin B6 boosts sebum production in the scalp. Thereby, keeping your scalp protected from dandruff.
Sunflower seeds are also helpful in improving digestion. Thus, they are useful in preventing dandruff caused by indigestion. Additionally, vitamin E found in sunflower seeds can help your damaged hair gain its lost health.
How to Use?
A popular and simple way of eating sunflower seeds is as your snacks. They can be healthy snacks replacing the less healthier ones. They can also be used in making cakes, muffins, cookies, and various sliders. Additionally, you could also add them into your salads for that extra crunch.
How Much to Use?
If you consume sunflower seed as your mid-day or evening snack then a handful of them may serve your purpose. However, if you are using it in some other form in dishes, use it as per the requirement of their recipes.
CURE 3: Herbs for Dandruff
Herbs also play an important role in the natural treatment of any health disorder. Herbs contain many beneficial compounds which can heal any health condition effectively. Dandruff is also a health issue which can be cured using herbs. Some of those herbs are:
1. Mint:
Mentha (also known as mint is a genus of plants in the family Lamiaceae (mint family). It is estimated that there up to 13 to 18 species that exist. The exact distinction between species is still unclear as they look alike.
How Does It Work?
Mint is excellent for dandruff owing to its menthol content. Menthol cools down your scalp instantly and relieves all your stress. It is to be noted that stress is a leading cause behind dandruff on your head. Mint reduces the chance of developing dandruff on your scalp by reducing your stress.
How to Use?
Using mint is simple. All you need to do is boil some mint leaves in a bowl of water. Let it come to room temperature and wash your hair with this mint-infused water. You will feel instant relief immediately after one wash.
How Much to Use?
Repeat this remedy twice a week and you will witness the results. Along with dandruff, it will take all your stress and anxiety away.
2. Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is an annual plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. These are known to have leaves consisting of three small oblong leaflets. It is a semiarid crop that is cultivated worldwide and in several countries in the South and Central Asia, it’s leaves and seeds are used as ingredients in dishes.
How Does It Work?
Fenugreek is famous for its benefits in getting rid of dandruff. Fenugreek restores the required moisture on your scalp and stops dandruff from spreading. If you are facing dandruff related problems, fenugreek can serve your purpose.
How to Use?
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water and grind them in the morning to make a paste. Add a few drops of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice into it. Apply the mask on your scalp and hair. Wait for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Alternatively, you could also use fenugreek powder by mixing it with egg whites or simply apply fenugreek oil.
How Much to Use?
This remedy with fenugreek can be tried 1-2 times a week. Fenugreek shows some visible results in curing dandruff.
3. Comfrey:
Comfrey is a shrub that mostly grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. These shrubs are known to grow up to 5 feet and these are particularly famous for its long, slender leaves and their black-skinned roots.
How Does It Work?
Comfrey is known for treating several health conditions including dandruff. It contains a compound called allantoin. This compound has been proved to be effective in fighting dandruff.
How to Use?
There are many brands in the market who sell comfrey shampoos. You can use them to treat dandruff. Apart from that, you can add a few drops of comfrey oil with some regular shampoo and use them.
How Much to Use?
Use comfrey shampoo as per your regular shampooing schedule. Within a few weeks, you will be able to see the difference.
4. Licorice:
Liquorice or Licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a herbaceous perennial legume native to the Middle East, Southern Europe, and parts of Asia primarily in India.
How Does It Work?
A compound named glycyrrhizin can be found in high amounts in licorice. Presence of this compound makes licorice excellent in fighting dandruff. Oily scalp plays a major role in the growth and spreading of dandruff. Glycyrrhizin controls the oil secretion in your scalp. It also reduces the chances of developing oily scalp.
How to Use?
Licorice oil can be added in your regular shampoo and can be used for shampooing. You can also boil some licorice root in some water and wash your hair with that water.
How Much to Use?
Use licorice infused shampoo as per your choice and requirement. If you are thinking about using licorice water then it can be used twice a week.
CURE 4: Essential Oils for Dandruff
Natural treatment of any health issue is incomplete without essential oils. Essential oils are high in antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.These characteristics make it a natural choice against any and all diseases including dandruff.
1. Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree that is native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. This oil has been used as a traditional medicine by Aborigines for centuries, where they crushed the leaves and extracted the oil, this oil was then inhaled for treating coughs and colds.
How Does It Work?
Tree tea oil is best known for its beneficial effects on hair related problems especially dandruff. The antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil are known to kill the fungus and bacteria which thereby prevents the spread of dandruff in your scalp.
How to use?
Depending on the concentration of the tea tree oil you are using, you can dilute it with some coconut oil or olive oil, massage your scalp with that mixture. You can let it rest overnight. This will help you with all kind of hair issues including dandruff.
How Much to Use?
Try to use tea tree oil at least twice or thrice a week if you are facing some serious dandruff related issues. Also, it is to be noted that you check the concentration of the tea tree oil that you are using and to always use it after mixing it with a carrier oil.
Also Read: Amazing Benefits and Uses of Tea Tree Oil
2. Lavender Oil:
This oil is used extensively to treat a lot of conditions and is now an integral part of aromatherapy. It is also used in massages, sauna, and alternative clinics as it has proven potential to be a relaxant on the body.
How Does It Work?
High in antioxidants, lavender oil is famous as stress relieving oil. Its antioxidants make your scalp healthy enough to fight dandruff and cooling effects makes your scalp relieve all the stress.
How to Use?
You can use lavender oil just like any other regular oil by applying it generously on your scalp. Alternatively, you can mix 3-4 drops lavender oil with some carrier oil and then apply it on your scalp, let that rest for 15-30 minutes and then wash it off.
How Much to Use?
Lavender oil can be used twice or thrice a week. Regular use of lavender oil can definitely help in reducing dandruff to a significant level.
3. Chamomile Oil:
Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of chamomile plant, which is a very popular flowering plant. Chamomile oil is primarily extracted from the Roman chamomile which is scientifically referred to as Anthemis nobilis.
The health benefits of chamomile essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antispasmodic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antidepressant, antineuralgic, and many more.
How Does It Work?
Famous for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile oil is perfect against dandruff. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the redness and itchiness caused by dandruff. At the same time, it soothes the scalp and promotes good sleep. This may prove helpful in reducing dandruff from your scalp.
How to Use?
Applying chamomile oil on your scalp by mixing it with other essential oils like lavender oil or rosemary multiplies the benefits of the oil. However, you can also mix it with carrier oils like olive oil which enhances the benefits of the remedy. It is advised that you let the solution rest for at least 20 minutes on your hair after applying it. Once done, you could rinse it off using some mild shampoo.
How Much to Use?
Take 3-4 drops of chamomile oil to mix it with any other essential oil or carrier oil. That would serve your purpose. Repeat this remedy at least twice a week to see visible results.
4. Rosemary Oil:
Rosemary essential oil is a widely popular oil that is known for its myriad of health benefits that it offers. Its health benefits include the ability to stimulate hair growth, relaxation and alleviation of pain.
How Does It Work?
A potential antifungal, rosemary oil can be your best option for fighting against dandruff. It prevents the fungus from developing in your scalp. Thus, it promotes a healthy scalp. On the other hand, it reduces any kind of inflammation or irritation of the scalp owing to its anti-inflammatory nature.
How to Use?
Diluting rosemary oil with some olive oil or castor oil before applying it on your scalp is essential as using it in its raw form could be potentially dangerous.
Massage your scalp with this oil mixture and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before shampooing.
How Much to Use?
Rosemary oil can be used thrice a week and it will give you the expected results. Its benefits will soon make your dandruff vanish.
CURE 5: Supplements for Dandruff
Supplements are important to support your healing process as any health condition is a sign of deficiency of essential nutrients in your body. Hence, a way of dealing with these issues can be by supplementing the required nutrients in the form of supplements. Dandruff is no exception.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids, are a class of essential fatty acids that are required by the body. It has demonstrated to have a positive impact on heart health and can even protect one against stroke and heart disease.
How Does It Work?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your body functions. They play a crucial role in maintaining the good health of hair and battling against dandruff. Omega-3 keeps your scalp moisturized and thereby, prevents the growth of dandruff.
How to Use?
Fish oil supplements are the most famous omega-3 fatty acid source. You can ingest these capsules to increase your omega-3 intake. Alternatively, you could also eat fatty fish such as salmon, herring, sardines. The alternative for vegetarians is to eat walnuts and avocado as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
How Much to Use?
Taking fish oil supplements should only be done after consulting your doctor/physician. However, consuming the counterpart of it in the form of fatty fish or a handful of walnuts daily is an option you could consider.
2. Iron:
Iron is an essential mineral that our body requires for several functions. One of the most important ones would be in the production of hemoglobin, this protein carries oxygen around the body. It is also known to help our muscles store and use oxygen. Additionally, iron is also known to be part of several integral proteins and enzymes of the body.
How Does It Work?
Iron is the very elemental compound of hemoglobin. Thus, it has a great role to play in the whole blood circulation system. Supplementing the body with iron helps improve the blood circulation in your scalp and promotes the growth of your hair and maintenance of your scalp. This keeps dandruff off your scalp and helps your hair grow faster.
How to Use?
Iron supplements are easily available and you could find it in the nearest pharmacy to you. Alternatively, you could also try the natural sources of iron such as banana, spinach, lentils, chicken, and red meat.
How Much to Use?
Based on your age, sex, and body type, your daily iron requirements may vary. That is why you need to consult with your doctor/physician before you adhere to this regimen of iron tablets. However, if you are thinking about natural sources then you can add them in your daily diet to see effective results.
3. Zinc:
Zinc is a trace element that is required by the body to help maintain a healthy immune system. It is also responsible for several other functions such as the simulation of different enzymes. It is also known to boost the wound healing capabilities of the body
How Does it Work?
Zinc is another essential mineral that contributes to your fight against dandruff and hair fall.
Poor zinc intake or reduced levels of zinc in the body may lead to a poor scalp and unhealthy hair. Lack of zinc in the body could also be attributed as one of the main reasons for dandruff. Improving your zinc intake not only keeps dandruff away but also helps in boosting your immune system.
How to Use?
There are several zinc supplements available which can help you with your dandruff. Alternatively, you could also eat legumes and whole grains which will provide you with the amount of zinc you need on a daily basis. Therefore, integrating them in your diet could be very useful.
How Much to Use?
The daily requirement of zinc(3) for an adult male is 11 mg per day and for a woman, it is 8 mg per day. Therefore, after consulting with your physician you could start adhering to this regimen.
4. Biotin:
Vitamins are an essential requirement and also an essential part of our diet. Lacking biotin could not only disrupt your bodily functions but also cause the upsurge in dandruff.
How Does It Work?
Biotin, a B group vitamin, is highly recommended for you if you are facing hair issues including dandruff. From strengthening the roots of the hair to improving hair growth, biotin has a vital role to play when it comes to your hair.
This includes fighting against dandruff as well. It can also effectively restore the balance in your scalp and stop dandruff from spreading.
How to Use?
Biotin can be consumed through Vitamin B complex capsules which are easily acquired in any pharmacy. Alternatively, you could also eat soya bean, eggs, and avocados as they are natural sources of biotin.
How Much to Use?
One capsule of Vitamin B complex daily can provide you with the amount of biotin you need in your body. However, it is advised that you seek the advice of your doctor regarding your daily biotin consumption.
As dandruff has no particular medication, the question may arise how to stop dandruff from spreading? Talking of the answer, natural remedies can help you beyond your imagination. These natural remedies include foods, supplements, essential oils, and herbs.
There are also plenty of home remedies which are very popular in curing dandruff effectively. Essential oils like tree tea oil and herbs like mint and fenugreek are also widely used for the treatment of chronic dandruff.
All these natural cures along with proper food and supplements can remove the problem of dandruff from your life. These natural treatments for dandruff also promote better scalp health and great hair growth.
FAQ
1. Is Dandruff Contagious?
A very common question which comes into the mind of the readers is that if dandruff is contagious just like a cough or any other viral diseases. The answer is no. No, dandruff is not contagious. It can be caused by the excessive presence of Malassezia in your scalp but it is not contagious at all.
2. Can Foods Help in Dandruff?
Like many other health conditions, dandruff can also be controlled through a proper diet. A proper diet can supply you all the nutrients that you need to fight chronic dandruff.
Foods like legumes, bananas, sunflower seeds, and eggs are very good for dandruff. This is because they contain an ample amount of protein along with Vitamin A, E, B6, zinc, potassium, and iron. All of these promote a healthy scalp and help you to get rid of those irritating dandruff flakes.
Garlic is another food that can be beneficial as it contains a compound named allicin which is proved to be effective against dandruff.
3. How to Reduce Dandruff Using Essential Oils?
Essential oils can be used extensively in reducing dandruff. Essential oils including tea tree oil, lavender oil, and chamomile oil are rich in antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. They prevent the dandruff fungus from growing in your scalp and restore a healthy scalp.
Their anti-inflammatory properties can treat the itchiness and redness of your scalp that comes as a bonus with dandruff. These oils also give an instant calmness relieving all your stress and this is a very good thing if you are facing dandruff related issues.
