8 Ways How to Get Rid of Dandruff

Are the tiny white flakes on your shoulder putting you in embarrassing situations? As annoying as it can get dandruff is a common problem faced by many, especially in winter. If you are tired of the itchy scalp and flaky dandruff and want to how to get rid of dandruff then we have the right answers for you. Did you know you can get rid of dandruff at home easily? In this post, let us share some tips and hacks on how to remove dandruff hassle-free at home. These home remedies for dandruff are easy to follow and you can find the ingredients right in your kitchen!

What is dandruff?

Before proceeding to the hacks, let us understand what dandruff is. Dandruff occurs when tiny bits of dry skin are shed from the scalp. These tiny flakes make your scalp itchy and their presence on your clothes can be embarrassing. Medically, dandruff is known as seborrhoea and one of the main causes of it is dry skin. A chronic condition of dandruff can lead to seborrheic dermatitis. Some of the symptoms of dandruff are a crusty scalp, itchy scalp, and flaky skin on the scalp that travels to hair, eyebrows or shoulders. One might also experience yellowish or reddish scaly raised bumps along the hairline in case of severe dandruff. If you are experiencing dandruff issues, do not worry, because you can get rid of dandruff at home easily.

What Causes Dandruff?

Dandruff can be annoying and is quite a common problem both in men and women. But let us understand first, why we get dandruff. Dandruff is a skin condition that is caused by both dry skin and oily skin. A yeast-like fungus called Malassezia feeds on the sebum of your scalp leading to inflammation, dandruff or scalp psoriasis (1)

One might also get dandruff if they have sensitive skin and develop sensitivity to hair care products. This condition is termed contact dermatitis. Other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can also cause dandruff. If you do not suffer from chronic cases of dandruff, you can follow home remedies for dandruff, restore your scalp health and get rid of dandruff at home without a hassle.

Also read hair care 101: hair care do’s & don’ts.

Dandruff Symptoms

If you are suffering from dandruff, you might have experienced the following symptoms:

• White Or Grey Flakes 

Dandruff often exhibits itself in the form of white or grey flakes. It can be very annoying if it falls over your clothes and lands you in embarrassing situations. 

• Dryness

Dryness has often been attributed to dandruff. If your scalp is extra dry or feels too tight, it’s time to think seriously about hair and scalp moisturization. This is because, if hair dryness is left unchecked, it can cause dandruff flakes. 

• Itching 

This has to be one of the most bothersome symptoms of dandruff as you might feel like itching your scalp repeatedly. Dandruff-induced itching can be moderate to intense. If left unchecked, it can affect your concentration levels as well. 

• Redness 

In some cases, dandruff can also lead to scalp inflammation. This can make your scalp sensitive to touch. You might even feel slight pain when you comb your hair. 

• Probable Hair Fall 

If dandruff is left untreated, it can lead to a number of problems such as hair fall and breakage. Although there isn't any definitive link between hair fall and dandruff, there is a potential connection and hence, one should be proactive about handling dandruff issues.

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff?

Now that we have identified the primary causes of dandruff, let us see how to remove dandruff and put an end to this condition. There are several home remedies for dandruff you can try to get rid of dandruff. If your dandruff condition is not severe and doesn’t require medical attention, you can try our easy home remedies on how to fix dandruff. In the case of chronic dandruff, however, medical consultation is advisable.

8 Ways How to Get Rid of Dandruff

These home remedies on how to get rid of the flaky scalp have common ingredients that are easily available in any Indian kitchen. These are some of the best ways to get rid of dandruff because they are natural and safe. Use these remedies for at least 3 weeks to see visible results.

#1 Get Rid Of Dandruff Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV is one of the best natural remedies for dandruff. Make a hair rinse using apple cider vinegar in easy steps to keep your scalp clean.

•         Mix equal parts of ACV and water in a mug
•         Wash your hair with a shampoo
•         Pour this ACV rinse on hair and massage on to the scalp
•         Leave it for 15 minutes
•         Rinse it off with water

Frequency of Usage: Use this hack twice a week for three weeks to see visible results with your dandruff problem.

Also learn 7 ultimate benefits of hair cleanser.

#2 Fenugreek Seed Mask

Fenugreek seeds are traditionally used as a preventive cure for dandruff. Methi seeds are rich in high protein and nicotinic acid content, effectively treating dandruff, hair fall and other scalp issues.

•         Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight
•         Blend the soaked fenugreek seeds to form a paste
•         Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and mix it well
•         Apply the paste onto your scalp massaging it well
•         Leave it for 30 minutes
•         Wash your hair with a mild shampoo

Frequency of Usage: Use this hack once a week for a month to see visible results with your dandruff problem.

#3 Yogurt & Olive Oil Hair Mask

One of the easiest remedies for how to get rid of dandruff is using a DIY yogurt hair mask. It is an easily available ingredient in every Indian kitchen and has exceptional benefits for your hair. This hair pack will deep condition your scalp and hair and solve dry hair problems.

•         Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil to ½ a cup of yogurt
•         Mix them well
•         Make sections in hair and apply to the scalp and hair strands
•         Leave it for 45 minutes
•         Wash it with a mild shampoo

Frequency of Usage: Use this hack twice a week for three weeks to see visible results with your dandruff problem.

#4 Yogurt And Egg Yolk Mask

Just like yogurt eggs are high in protein content and are beneficial for restoring shine and bounce to hair. Egg yolk contains biotin which is an essential vitamin to treat dandruff. Egg yolk and yogurt both deep condition your hair to give you healthy strong hair.  

•         Separate two egg yolks from egg whites
•         Add 4 tablespoons of yogurt and mix well
•         You can add 2 drops of essential oil to reduce the odour of eggs
•         Apply the mask on a dry scalp dry and on your hair.
•         Cover with a shower cap for an hour.
•         Wash hair with a mild shampoo in room temperature water.

Note: Do not rinse hair in warm water, it will cook the egg and make it difficult to wash them away.

Frequency of Usage: Use this hack twice a week for three weeks to see visible results with your dandruff problem.

#5 Green Tea Hair Rinse

Green tea with its antifungal properties is a good ingredient to treat dandruff problems. Moreover, green tea contains a good amount of antioxidants that restore the health of your scalp by reducing inflammation.

•         Brew 2 green tea bags in a glass of hot water for 6-8 minutes
•         Allow it to cool down for 30 minutes
•         Once cooled, apply the green tea rinse to your scalp and massage well
•         Leave it for 15 minutes
•         Gently rinse your hair with water without any shampoo

Frequency of Usage: Use this hack twice a week for two weeks to see visible results with your dandruff problem.

#6 Lemon for Dandruff

Have you ever asked can lemon get rid of dandruff? Then the answer is yes. You can use lemon juice to treat dandruff problems. Lemon with high citric acid content can reduce dryness and dandruff on the scalp effectively. It is also helpful to balance the pH level of the scalp.  

•         Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 3 tablespoons of honey
•         Apply this paste to the scalp
•         Leave it for 20 minutes.
•         Rinse it off with a mild shampoo.

Frequency of Usage: Use this hack twice a week for three weeks to see visible results with your dandruff problem.

#7 Onion Juice For Dandruff

Sulphur-rich onion juice is high in antibacterial and antifungal properties. It combats bacterial and fungal scalp infections like dandruff while acting as an antiseptic.

•         Extract the juice of one onion.
•         Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
•         Mix it well
•         Apply on the scalp and massage in circular motions
•         Leave it for 20 minutes
•         Rinse it off with a mild shampoo

Frequency of Usage: Use this hack twice a week for three weeks to see visible results with your dandruff problem.

#8 Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Aloe vera gel contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other components that reduce scalp inflammation. It also has great hydrating properties that keep the scalp moisturised.

•         Apply fresh aloe vera gel on your scalp
•         Massage in circular motions
•         Leave it for 20 minutes
•         Rinse it off with a mild shampoo

Frequency of Usage: Use this hack twice a week for three weeks to see visible results with your dandruff problem.

Lifestyle Tips For How To Fix Dandruff

Here are some other lifestyle tips you can follow to get rid of dandruff

•         Reduce sugar intake as sugar promotes inflammation in the body.
•         Include seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet for fibre and antioxidants. 
•     Yeast infection can lead to dandruff, you can cut down on yeast from your diet by reducing your intake of bread and alcohol. 
•         Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, omega-3 fatty acid fish and walnuts are good for hair and scalp
•         Eat foods rich in B vitamins, biotin and zinc like tomato, yoghurt, carrot and eggs. You can take biotin supplements.
•         Use a mild shampoo like Revlon Flex Shampoo that cleanses your scalp gently and hydrates your hair.

Conclusion

Remember, dandruff and hair fall can be connected. If you are facing hair fall problems it might be caused by scalp inflammation or dandruff. Understand the problem and work towards how to get rid of dandruff. Sometimes, dandruff can also lead to acne issues especially body acne on the shoulders, upper arms and back. Consult a dermatologist in that case. These home remedies about how to remove dandruff are effective in clearing it with consistent usage.

Stay healthy, stay beautiful!

FAQs

Q. What makes dandruff worse?

A: Check what you are putting into the body. Sugar and simple carbs can increase inflammation in the body and make dandruff worse. Eat low-sugar antioxidant-rich foods to reduce inflammation. Fatty foods, fried foods, refined sugar, processed food, and foods with gluten are all worsening dandruff. Other ways to make dandruff worse are not shampooing often to keep your scalp clean or shampooing too much which might make the scalp excessively dry.

Q. What are the dos and don'ts for dandruff?

A: Dos:

•         Washing your hair thoroughly with a dandruff control shampoo
•     Maintain scalp hygiene to prevent scalp build-up
•         Brushing it regularly

Don’ts:

•         Leave your hair wet
•         Frequent hot showers
•         Use heat styling every day
•         Scratch the scalp

Q. Does leaving hair wet make dandruff worse?

A: Yes. Leaving hair wet for long increases the chances of dandruff. Avoid leaving thick hair wet all day on the scalp as it will make dandruff much worse.

Q. Should I brush my hair if I have dandruff?

A: Yes, you should use a hairbrush and brush your hair regularly if you have dandruff. Brushing your hair will help to get rid of the dead skin cells from the scalp.

Q. Do hot showers cause dandruff?

A: Yes, hot showers can cause and worsen dandruff. Hot showers can make your scalp very dry and lead to flaking of the skin. Use room temperature water while washing your hair.

Q. Can Dandruff Cause Hair Fall?

A: Although there is no substantial proof to link dandruff and hair fall, a dereliction in managing dandruff, can potentially cause hair fall and breakage. Therefore, one must not wait for the dandruff condition to worsen and nip it in the bud at the very onset. Moreover, dandruff doesn't disappear overnight and one needs to be consistent with their efforts to maintain a proper name care regime. 

Q. Can Dandruff Go Away Permanently?

A: No. Dandruff can reoccur if one fails to adhere to proper hair care practices. Too much heat, dryness or sweat can also contribute to dandruff. 

Q. Can stress worsen dandruff?

A: Yes. Stress can worsen dandruff. It can potentially enhance the sebum production in your scalp and impede your body’s ability to naturally manage dandruff. 

Q. Can exposure to the sun improve dandruff?

A: There are no definitive studies to support this claim. Having said that, moderate exposure to the sun will not harm you but overdoing it is highly recommended.