Home Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that all of us have experienced in some form. It is characterized by dry white flakes caused by yeast like fungus which is normally found on the scalp. However, the fungus causes dandruff only when it starts growing unchecked because of factors like stress, hormones, illness, sweat and infrequent shampooing.

While there are many shampoos available in the market that effectively help in controlling the yeast growth, there are several natural remedies for dandruff which work in a similar way without causing an extra build up of chemicals. Many teenagers who suffer from acne suffer from dandruff as well because of the increased sebum production. The acne will disappear if you can maintain a clean, healthy scalp.

The first thing to do is to alter your diet to include a lot of fresh fruits and vitamin supplements. Avoid excess tea and coffee, carbonated drinks, refined and processed sugars and a diet rich in meat. Alternative medicine experts say that this is perhaps the only thing you need to do to control dandruff! However, if you’re suffering from chronic dandruff, follow this routine:

1. Before you shampoo your hair, indulge in a hot oil treatment. Apply warm coconut oil to your hair and wrap a hot towel around it.
2. Shampoo your hair daily either with an anti dandruff shampoo or with an organic shampoo. You can even make your own shampoo with almond oil, henna and lemon juice.
3. Is your shampooing technique right? Most people wash hair in a hurry, leaving sweat and grime as it is. Take time in shampooing your hair, ensuring that you’re covering all parts of the scalp.
4. Stop blow drying because it make the scalp dry, resulting in dandruff.

Natural remedies for dandruff make use for everyday kitchen ingredients.

• Yogurt mixed with lemon juice or black pepper is soothing and relieves scalp itching.
• Considered an antiseptic and anti fungal agent, tea tree oil is very effective and has been tested by doctors. You can apply tea tree oil directly to the scalp.
• Spray apple cider vinegar mixed with water on your scalp once or twice a week to control dandruff.
• Surprisingly, baking soda sucks away dead cells from the scalp without stripping it of natural oils. Apply a handful of baking soda during a shower and rinse off after 2-3 minutes.
• Use lemon peels directly on your scalp. Lemon has antibacterial and oil cleansing properties and you can even use it on your skin!
• Another interesting natural remedy for dandruff is Listerine. Being an antibacterial mouthwash, it can fight against oil eating fungus. After a shower, tilt your head back and dab Listerine on to your scalp. Do not to get it anywhere close to your eyes.

Getting some sun may also help in dandruff reduction since it provides you with much needed vitamin D. You can easily maintain a healthier scalp by following these simple natural remedies for dandruff. Remember that dandruff is almost unavoidable during harsh winters because the weather becomes dry and the air sucks moisturize from your body. Frequent shampooing will help in keeping dandruff at bay.