Dandruff is a condition where dead skin cells are shed from the scalp. While it is normal for human skin to shed the dead skin at regular intervals, an excessive flaking of dead skin cells is considered a problem. The common symptoms of dandruff are large amount of flaking on the scalp accompanied, sometimes, by itchy scalp. Although dandruff is not a serious skin condition, it often leads to social awkwardness, embarrassment, and might also lead to low self-esteem.
There can be multiple causes inducing dandruff - poor nutrition, fungal or yeast infection of the scalp, use of alkaline soaps and shampoos, indigestion and constipation, stressful life, lack of proper hair care, high consumption of junk food, etc.
There are a number of home remedies to deal with dandruff. Try a dandruff treatment with fenugreek seeds. Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek overnight in water and grind them into a paste in the morning. Apply this fenugreek paste on your scalp and leave it for about half an hour. Then wash your hair with water or a soap-nut (ritha) solution. A treatment with vinegar is also considered helpful for controlling dandruff. Take apple cider vinegar and mix this with shampoo and gently massage your scalp. Leave the vinegar mixture-shampoo mixture on your for about 10-15 minutes and then wash your hair with water. Lemon juice is also considered an effective remedy for dandruff. Take 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and massage your scalp with this juice. Let the lemon juice stay for about 10-15 minutes and then wash your hair with water. Lemon juice fights dandruff and lice in hair and also makes your hair lustrous. You can also prepare a concoction with coconut oil and black pepper at home to use as a dandruff remedy. Mix a cupful of coconut oil with a spoonful of black pepper and then heat it. When it starts boiling, stop heating and let it cool down to room temperature. Sieve this solution with a fine cloth and preserve it in a bottle. Apply this concoction each night on your scalp and massage gently with your fingertips.
Also, do take care of your daily diet: eat raw fruits and vegetables; cut down on tea, coffee, sugary drinks, and chocolates; avoid fried and spicy foods. You should also brush your hair regularly every day so as to improve blood circulation to your scalp and remove any deposited flakes on your scalp.
answered by M W