Natural Remedies to Treat Dandruff
Dandruff is the greasiness, itchiness and skin flakes that fall off from the scalp. The reasons for this condition range from environmental factors to genetic inheritance. Dandruff which affects nearly half the population usually happens after puberty causing self-esteem issues among growing adolescents.
Even though there is no one-step cure process to this condition, there are many home remedies that can help keep this condition at bay.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar acts as a natural cleanser and restores the pH balance of the scalp. For the treatment of dandruff, two ounces of apple cider vinegar is mixed with three ounces of cold water. This mixture is applied on the scalp, massaged gently, and allow it to soak on the scalp for about fifteen minutes before washing it off. This can be repeated once a week for lasting results.
Coconut oil with lemon juice
Lemon juice and coconut oil are a perfect combination for the symptoms of dandruff. They are both anti-fungal and hair nourishing properties. While lemon juice removes the dead skin and greasiness, the coconut oil acts as a natural moisturizer on the dry areas of the scalp. This home remedy can be prepared in just minutes. Take a small bowl and pour five teaspoons of coconut in it. Then squeeze a full lemon into the bowl and mix well. Apply this mixture on the scalp and allow it to soak for twenty minutes before it is washed off. This can be done twice in a week for long-lasting results.
Tea tree oil with coconut oil
Tea tree oil and coconut oil are natural germ-killers. They have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Tea tree oil is usually highly concentrated and needs another oil to act as a base to dilute yet not lose its healing properties. So, coconut oil comes in as an excellent base and enhances the fight against dandruff. This mixture can be prepared and stored to use for about a month. To prepare this mixture, take a small container and one cup of coconut oil. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil to this and mix well. Five teaspoons of this mixture is applied on the scalp and hair, and then let to soak for the entire night before washing it the next morning. The tea tree oil is also fragrant which makes leaves your hair with its signature smell. Repeating this process on a daily basis not only wards off dandruff but elevates the overall health of the hair and scalp.
Yogurt and sea salt
Yogurt, which contains lactic acid, eliminates dandruff instantly, and leaves your scalp moist. To increase the benefits of yogurt, unsweetened yogurt is mixed with sea salt which curbs any new bacterial or fungal infection on the scalp. To prepare this mixture, take three tablespoons of yogurt and whip it well with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and one teaspoon of cold water. This mixture can be applied on the scalp and left to soak for 30 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Repeating this process on a weekly basis keeps the scalp and healthy, moreover, yogurt is a natural coolant which can give you a calming effect.