Dandruff or pityriasis simplex capillitii is simply the shedding dead skin cells from the scalp, but it can socially embarrassing and can negatively affect the health of the scalp and hair. The severity of the dandruff depends on exposure to extreme weather conditions, hot or cold, or on individual skin conditions. There are typically two types of dandruff, the dry, itchy kind and the oily type. While normal flaking of skin is common, when there is excess flaking of dead skin cells, dandruff can be bothersome. The factors that trigger dandruff are sebaceous secretions, individual health, and metabolic byproducts that are produced by the microorganisms on the skin. Generally, it takes a month's time for the skin cell to mature and die, but when the cell turnover is great, this shedding happens every two to seven days, resulting in dandruff.
Is there home treatment for dandruff? When you have an itchy scalp, it can be annoying and can wreak havoc on your social life. There are many natural treatment options for dandruff that are effective in getting rid of it. Some of the more common ones are as follows.
- The best and most common natural remedy for dandruff is to use lime. You can just use lime or add various combinations of ingredients to get rid of dandruff. For a dry, itchy scalp, you can mix lime juice with yogurt and massage the paste onto the scalp. Allow it to rest for an hour before washing.
- You can also massage the scalp with liberal amounts of warm olive, coconut or castor oils, letting it stay in overnight and washing it off with good shampoo in the morning. The massaging action helps improve blood circulation and remove dandruff.
- Lime juice can be gently blended with egg white and applied to the scalp. Keep in mind that you should always wet the hair before you use egg. This remedy not only helps get rid of dandruff but also conditions the hair.
- Onion juice can be applied to the scalp and allowed to sit for five to ten minutes, after which it can be washed off with warm water. This might make your eyes burn and water, so use a shower cap after application.
- Margosa leaves can also be used to treat dandruff. Boil the leaves in water and apply the water to your scalp to get rid of dandruff. Margosa leaves have strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, and you can also add them to your bath water for complete cleansing.
- fenugreek seeds and leaves are excellent for natural dandruff treatment. Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them in the morning. Apply the paste on the scalp and wash with any herbal shampoo. The paste of fenugreek seeds can be mixed with yogurt as well. You can also boil fenugreek leaves, strain them, and add lime juice to the mixture, which can then be applied as a natural remedy for dandruff.
- Herbal oil made from boiling black peppercorns, garlic flakes, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried lemon peels in coconut oil is an effective natural remedy for dandruff. Use the oil regularly to get rid of dandruff.
- For the home treatment of dandruff, eat yogurt every day and also apply it on your scalp. Yogurt is effective in fighting bacterial and fungal infections, which are mostly the causes of dandruff.
- Vinegar mixed with water is also an effective natural treatment option for dandruff. Apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water is helpful in getting rid of dandruff. It also helps condition the hair and improves texture.
- Almond and olive oil can be mixed and applied and allowed to sit for five minutes, as it will begin to burn after five minutes.
- The blend of apple juice and warm water can also be used as an effectual natural dandruff treatment.
How to prevent dandruff? To prevent dandruff, it is important to make changes in your diet by including green, leafy vegetables and fresh fruit juices. Also, avoid junk food, caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, and other beverages, meat, and refined foods. Implementing a regular exercise program will also help curtail dandruff. Avoid also continuously itching your scalp and maintain good scalp hygiene.
answered by A S