Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by skin inflammation redness of the skin, covered with flakes or scales (2). This condition usually affects areas rich in oil glands, such as the scalp, face, and upper chest. Malassezia: Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that can cause infection and skin inflammation (3). This fungus feeds on the natural oils of your scalp and makes it dry and flaky, increasing the risk of dandruff. Dry Scalp: A dry and dehydrated scalp that lacks moisture leads to inflammation, irritation, and itchiness. This condition causes flakiness that eventually becomes dandruff (4).Typically, these flakes are smaller and less oily than those caused by other factors.
The silver lining is you can control dandruff by following some measures. Scroll down to know what they are.
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff
There are several commercial options that can help control dandruff. The products for treating flaky scalp fall under three categories.
Antifungal Agents: These products help treat any fungal infection on your scalp or forehead that causes dandruff and flaky skin. Antifungal agents contain zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide, which can eliminate fungal infection causedby Malassezia furfur (6). Flake-removing Agents: Agents like salicylic acid and sulfur exhibit keratolytic activityi XA chemical process that dissolves the outer skin layer and increases skin moisture levels. through which corneocytes (clumps of flaky skin) are loosened and washed away (7). Anti-inflammatory Agents: Topical steroids available on prescription, such as corticosteroids (desonide hydrogel 0.05%), can have an anti-inflammatory effect on dandruff and help reduce flaky skin (8).
If you are looking for some effective home remedies for dandruff, check out the next section.
What Are The Best Home Remedies For Dandruff
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help treat dandruff (9), (10). It also fights Malassezia, the dandruff-causing fungus (11).Tea tree oil can be used topically on your skin and scalp to mitigate any fungal infection that leads to flaky skin and dandruff. You Will Need
2-3 drops of tea tree oil 2-3 drops of sweet almond or jojoba oils
Note: Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation in some people. Hence, do a patch test before using it. Discontinue if any allergic reaction occurs.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight and helps reduce protein loss (12). This can help nourish and condition your hair, hydrate your scalp, and prevent dryness, thus reducing the chances of dandruff. You Will Need
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
3. Aloe Vera
Studies show that the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of aloe vera inhibit the growth of Malassezia furfur (13)(14). You Will Need
Aloe vera gel
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acidi XAn acid formed as a byproduct of fermentation that gives vinegar a pungent taste. that helps balance your scalp’s pH level (15), (16). This, in turn, can prevent moisture loss and scalp dryness, which leads to dandruff. You Will Need
1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) 3 tablespoons of water
5. Aspirin
Aspirin is a salicylate that helps loosen the white flakes on your scalp and eliminate scaliness (7). You Will Need
2 aspirin tablets
6. Probiotics
Probiotic foods, such as yogurt, contain Lactobacillus paracasei that can help restore the normal balance of your scalps microbiomei XA community of good and harmful microorganisms that live on the skin. , thereby reducing dandruff (17). Thus, consume a cup of probiotic yogurt daily to prevent the formation of dandruff.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as a mild exfoliant that helps remove dead skin and excess oil from the scalp. Baking soda baths were found to reduce itchiness significantly(18). However, overuse of baking soda can strip your scalp’s natural oils and further aggravate dry scalp condition.
2-3 tablespoons of baking soda
8. Onion Juice
Studies show that onion extracts have antifungal properties, which inhibit the growth of Malassezia furfur (19).
½ of a whole onion
9. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil has antifungal properties that can help combat Malassezia furfur, a type of yeast that causes dandruff (20).
2-3 drops of lemongrass oil
Note: If you have a sensitive scalp, topical application of lemongrass oil might cause an allergic reaction. Do a patch test before trying this remedy.
10. Eucalyptus Oil
A scalp with low levels of ceramidei XA family of lipid molecules found in the skin cells to retain moisture and protect the skin. may be susceptible to dandruff (21). Anecdotal evidence suggests that eucalyptus oil can increase the ceramide content of your scalp, thereby reducing dandruff.
2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil 2-3 drops of coconut oil
11. Garlic
Studies show that garlic has antifungal effects on Malassezia furfur, and its long-term intake can help alleviate dandruff (19),(22).
A few cloves of garlic ½ cup of olive oil
12. Neem Oil
Neem leaf extracts are highly antifungal that can help treat dandruff (23). However, further research is required to prove the effects of neem extracts in this regard.
2-3 drops of neem oil 2-3 drops of coconut oil
Note: You can also boil a few neem leaves in water and use it to rinse your hair.
13. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a rich source of citric acid. And citric acid-based shampoos or agents can help keep the pH of your scalp balanced (24). This may, in turn, help reduce dandruff.
2-3 tablespoons of freshly extracted lemon juice Cotton ball
14. Green Tea
Green tea hair tonic can treat various scalp and hair disorders like dandruff, itching, and hair loss (25). Research shows that green tea is rich in polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that prevent fungal infections (26).
2-3 green tea bags Warm water
15. Fenugreek Seeds
A rabbit study found fenugreek leaf extract to bean effective and safe herbal remedy for fungal infections like dandruff (27). Fenugreek seed extracts display antifungal activity, which prevents dandruff formation (28).
1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds 2 cups of hot water
Can dandruff cause lice? No, there is no link between dandruff and lice. They are both separate hair conditions that cause itching. Is brushing good for dandruff? Yes, regularly and gently brushing your hair helps evenly distribute your natural oil. It also cleans your scalp of dirt and dead skin. Does dandruff spread through pillows? No, dandruff is not a contagious condition that can be passed on from people or pillows. Does dandruff itch more at night? Yes, it is possible for dandruff to itch more at night. Low levels of histamine or the body’s inability to break down histamine may contribute to an itchy scalp at night. You can apply tea tree oil to your hair to alleviate itching. Does egg remove dandruff? Anecdotal evidence suggests that eggs may remove excess dirt and dead skin from the scalp. This makes it ideal for managing dandruff. Does leaving hair wet make dandruff worse? Yes, leaving your hair wet may increase the risk of developing a fungal infection or aggravating existing dandruff.
