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Dandruff is one of the most prominent and irritating hair problems of all time. Only those who suffer from this worrisome issue can understand the amount of frustration (and at times embarrassment) that it causes. People suffering from dandruff are restricted in many ways- be it styling their hair in a certain way or wearing dark clothes for that matter. They spend bucket loads of money on salon treatments, anti-dandruff shampoos and various other products, all in the hope of being able to get rid of those itchy, white flakes! But, all this is of no use.
When it comes to dandruff and its resulting hairfall, it is best to go for home remedies. There are a number of things lying around our houses, which have proven their mettle in clearing dandruff easily. So, here we have a list of six such go-to mantras that will definitely help you get rid of those flakes.
But first, you need to understand that there is a difference between an itchy scalp and dandruff. Most people who complain of the latter, actually have a dry, itchy scalp. Read on to find out.
Difference between dry scalp and dandruff
Dandruff is a fungal infection, whereas a dry scalp is the result of the scalp not being moisturised enough. Dandruff also causes a reddish, itchy scalp, and flakes of dead skin that are greasy, large, and have an odour.
So now that you know the difference, you will be better able to treat your hair woes. And if you are now certain that your scalp is suffering from dandruff, read on to find out how to get rid of it.
1. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds (methi daana) are generally used as a spice in Indian cuisine. But, they have a lot of medicinal properties too! They are rich in amino acids and proteins, which promote hair growth and ward off those itchy flakes too!
Directions For Use: Soak 2 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in 1-2 cups of water overnight. The next morning, grind them into a fine paste and apply that to your scalp. Leave it for 30-45 minutes and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.
2. Neem leaves and coconut oil
This is another great remedy, which can give you great relief from dandruff, if used regularly. Neem has anti-fungal properties and thus it fights against the infection that causes dandruff. Neem and coconut oil together become an antiseptic paste, which gives relief from dandruff, and scalp irritation.
Directions For Use: Grind a few neem leaves to form a paste. Heat some coconut oil and add it to the neem paste. Apply the mixture evenly on your scalp. Leave it for 45-60 minutes. Repeat everyday till the problem subsides.
3. Lemon and curd
This combination acts as a natural conditioner, especially during the winter season, and helps you to reduce hair fall. It cures dryness of the scalp and reduces dandruff.
Directions For Use: Squeeze a few drops of lemon in curd and apply it on your hair as a mask. Let it dry and then rinse it with water.
4. Aloe vera gel
Dandruff is sometimes caused by skin cells growing and dying too rapidly. The constituents of aloe vera limit this process, restore the skin cells to normalcy and thus reduce dandruff.
Directions For Use: Apply aloe vera gel to your scalp 15 minutes before washing your hair. After 15 minutes, wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Repeat thrice a week till the flakes subside.
5. Salt
You might be surprised to see this here, but it is true. Salt acts as a natural exfoliator and removes the excess oil and dead skin flakes from the scalp.
Directions For Use: Gently massage 3 tablespoons of salt into your dry or slightly dampened scalp for 2-3 minutes. Wash your hair immediately afterwards.
6. Camphor and coconut oil
Camphor has cooling properties and it provides the much-needed relief to your itchy and infected scalp. When added with coconut oil, the resulting mixture works magically in reducing flakes.
Directions For Use: Mix 2-3 cubes of camphor to your regular coconut oil and let them dissolve. Apply the mixture very carefully to your scalp. Keep in mind that camphor should not come in contact with your eyes at all. Wash your hair an hour after applying the oil and the results will amaze you.
Apart from all these remedies, walking in the sun for 10-15 minutes every day will also help in relieving your scalp from dandruff. A healthy diet is a must too! So, what are you waiting for? Try these remedies and do tell us which ones worked best for you.
