Dandruff Home Remedies

One of the most common, and fairly annoying scalp problems is dandruff. It makes your head itch and scratch. It leaves flakes all over your favorite black top and can cause much embarrassment. There are many shampoos and other hair care products which claim to help fight dandruff. But not all who use these products are entirely satisfied with the results. There are also people who refrain from using commercial hair products due to the harsh chemicals present in them. This Buzzle article is for all those who are looking for dandruff home remedies, which will help remove maximum traces of dandruff from their heads.

Causes of Dandruff

• Poor general health
• Formation of toxins in the body
• Consumption of an unbalanced diet
• Low resistance to diseases
• Constipation
• Stress
• Use of shampoos with strong chemicals
• Cold exposure
• Zinc deficiency
• Fungal infections in the scalp (malassezia fufur)
• Yeast infections
• Contact with a person having dandruff
• Excess oiliness of the scalp
• Psoriasis - in extreme cases
• Dehydration
• Extreme exhaustion

Types of Dandruff
Dandruff is generally of two types

• Dry: Dry dandruff is powdery and is seen clearly in dry hair.
• Waxy: Waxy dandruff is sticky because the dry flakes of dandruff get combined with the sebum secreted by the scalp.

Both types of dandruff cause itchiness in the scalp and other scalp problems. They either remain stuck to the scalp or get dispersed in the hair. On brushing or combing, the dandruff flakes can fall on the face and neck. This is harmful as it can cause severe skin problems.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

Lemons: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and citric acid. Since dandruff is caused due to high alkaline levels, using lime which is high in acidic levels fights the dandruff. Take a lemon and cut it into halves. Squeeze the juice directly onto your itchy scalp, wherever there is dandruff. You might experience a slight burning sensation. That means the lemon is working. Leave it in your hair for about half an hour and then wash it off. Use a mild shampoo. This is one of the best natural cures for dandruff.

Yogurt and Fenugreek: Take a few fenugreek seeds and soak them in a bowl of yogurt. Keep this mixture overnight. Next morning, before having a shower, apply it onto your scalp and leave it on for half an hour. Then wash it off. Another option is to soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight and grind it into a paste in the morning and apply it to your scalp. Wash it off in half hour. This should help in controlling the level of dandruff in your scalp. Regular use will keep it from recurring.

Beet: White beet is another rather effective dandruff remedy. All you have to do is boil the entire beet, roots and all, in water. Take this water and store it. Massage this water in your scalp every night before going to bed. This will reduce the occurrence of dandruff.

Oils: Oil massages are an effective way of keeping dandruff at bay. Keep a peel of lime in a bowl of coconut oil in sunlight for about ten days. Then massage this oil into your head and keep it overnight. Wash it off the next morning. The lime will work on removing the dandruff and the coconut oil will moisturize your hair and leave it lustrous. Alternatively, mix olive oil with almond oil or hemp seed oil and apply it to your scalp till you experience a slight burning sensation. Then apply warm coconut oil to your scalp. Leave it on for two hours and then wash it off with a mild but effective shampoo.

Vinegar: Using vinegar as a rinse is a good idea if you want to get rid of dandruff. After oiling and shampooing your hair, just before the last rinse, apply vinegar to your hair and wash it off. It will help in controlling the dandruff in your hair.

Green Gram Powder: Take 3 tablespoons of green gram powder and mix it in a medium-sized bowl of yogurt. Mix till it forms a paste of medium consistency. Apply this paste to your scalp every 3 days. Apply it just before shampooing and then wash it off.

These were some easy home remedies for dandruff that you can use. The ingredients are found in your kitchen itself, so they are inexpensive too. And since they are completely natural hair care ideas, you won't even have to worry about harsh chemicals. So use these tips and make your head dandruff free.