How to Get Rid of Scalp Dandruff

Dandruff, one of the common scalp concerns which is faced by most age groups. The white flakiness in the scalp leads to frequent itchiness, irritation on the scalp, and the white flakes on the shoulder might be embarrassing at times. In such cases ,even though it’s not a medical condition, they might damage your hair health and also your confidence on the important days. And the best part is that they can be kept under control and even prevent the new ones from popping up with the right hair care when it’s combined with natural remedies and lifestyle changes.

In this blog, you will know in detail about the causes of dandruff, what it is, treatment, and even the prevention methods, and everything in detail.

How to Get Rid of Scalp Dandruff

It might seem to be complicated to remove dandruff from the scalp, but when you understand its root cause and follow a consistent scalp care routine, then it can be completely cured. Some simple everyday habits like proper hair hygiene, healthy diet, and with proper natural remedies, you can reduce the scalp flakiness, itchiness, and even the irritation effectively.

Dandruff is a condition where the scalp tends to shed the excess dead skin cells. In general, the scalp naturally renews the skin cells, and  in some cases when the process gets faster due to factors like dryness, fungal growth, irritation, etc, the flakes become way more visible.

The dandruff is generally been accompanied with others like:

• White or yellow flakes on the scalp and shoulders

• Itchiness in the scalp

• Excess dryness or oiliness on scalp

• Mild scalp redness or irritation

Dandruff’s Common Causes

When it comes to treating dandruff, it is vital to identify why they pop-up, so that the treatment will be chosen and working correctly.

1. Scalp Getting Drier

When the hair scalp is dry, there will be flakiness popping out now and then. The dry scalp might be due to various reasons like cold weather, using harsh shampoo’s, or even lack of moisture in the scalp will lead to flakiness.

2. Oil Production in Excess

In either case, when oiliness in the scalp is more than the normal range, dandruff will occur. This is because excessive oiliness might work as a base for the growth of fungus, which leads to irritated scalp and flakiness over them.

3. Growth of Fungus on Scalp

There is a fungus called “Malassezia”, which is naturally occurring. They tend to feed the scalp oils, which will trigger the irritation and dandruff in them!

4. Excessive Product Buildup

When you are using hair products like dry shampoo, chemicals-loaded products, heavy oils, etc they will not be properly cleansed at times. This will create a layer on the scalp, which probably leads to dandruff.

5. Stress and Hormonal Changes

One of the major concerns in today’s lifestyle, which is nothing but stress, leads to weakened immunity levels. It obviously disturbs the scalp balance and triggers the dandruff.

Ways to Get Rid of Scalp Dandruff - Naturally

1. Any Oil and Lemon Treatment

• Pick any oil, preferably “Coconut Oil” for scalp nourishment and lemon to balance the PH levels in the scalp.

• Take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and mix with lemon juice. Apply them all over your scalp with cotton pads for evenly applying them all over. Let them sit for 20 - 30mins, and you can wash off with mild shampoo.

• Doing this once at least in a week help in reducing the dandruff, whose sole reason could be dry scalp/fungal growth

2. Aloe Vera Scalp Therapy

• Aloe vera, a naturally cooling ingredient which is also enriched with anti-inflammatory properties in them, helps in soothing itchiness and dandruff.

• Take a fresh aloe vera gel, and wash until the yellow residue goes off. Scrap the gel using a spoon, and mix them in mixie to get a smooth consistency. Apply them over your scalp, and wash them off after 20 mins.

• When you have scalp irritation, then this is one of the best natural remedies to go with!

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

• ACV helps in removing the build-ups on the scalp and balances the PH level in them.

• Mix equal quantities of ACV with water. Spray them over your scalp by dividing into sections. Let them sit for 10mins, and you can rinse them.

• Using them once a week helps in deeply cleansing your scalp and gives better results.

4. Neem Hair Pack

• Neem, one key ingredient to incorporate in haircare, considering their antifungal and antibacterial property.

• Grind a few greener leaves with water or curd. Apply them over your scalp and lengths; If you have dry scalp, ensure to add soaked fenugreek seeds for avoiding excessive dryness post cleansing. Wash off after 30 mins with mild shampoo. You might see some greens on your hair, but they will shed post drying the hair.

• This remedy helps in reducing the flakiness and even scalp infections.

5. Fenugreek Seed Mask

• Fenugreek seeds are one of the best ingredients which can be taken internally and used externally as a hair pack too. They help in moisturizing the scalp and reducing the dryness related to dandruff.

• Soak 2 to 3 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds, and grind them into fine paste, the next morning. Apply them all over your scalp and length of the hair. Wash off after 15 - 30mins and air dry for better results.

6. Tea Tree Oil Treatment

• Tea tree oil, rich in anti-fungal properties, can be used once or twice in a week.

• Mix a few drops of oil with any oil like coconut oil/almond oil. Massage them into the scalp, and wash off after 30 mins for best results.

• Note: Do not apply them directly on your scalp without diluting.

Best Hair Care Routine to Prevent Dandruff

1. Pick the right shampoo; Go with a gentle, sulphate-free option to cleaning the scalp without damaging the natural oils, and know how to use the anti-dandruff shampoo for best results. Picking anti-dandruff shampoo is a better choice, since the ingredients in them will help in reducing them to an extent! 

2. For people with oily scalp, wash them twice to thrice a week; And for dry scalp, once or twice is more than enough.

3. Do not go with hot water showers, as they will damage your scalp moisture and that will obviously increase dryness and flakiness.

4. Massage your scalp everyday for 5 to 10mins in any part of the day for improving blood circulation and even supporting a healthy scalp!

Tips to Reduce Dandruff

From diet to lifestyle, everything plays a key role in reducing dandruff on the scalp. Foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, eggs, greens, and fruits which are rich in anti-oxidants. And one key tip is, never stop sipping water. The more your drink, the better your skin and hair will glow.

When to See a Doctor

Ensure to consult your dermat, when dandruff does not get reduced even after treatment, when you feel redness on the scalp, when itching gets severe, and see thick yellow or greasy flakiness on the scalp!

Mistakes To Prevent Dandruff

• When you scrape the scalp aggressively.

• Using too much oil, and not washing them

• SKipping hair showers for more than a week.

• Using chemical-based shampoo frequently.

• Ignoring the signs of scalp imbalance.

Conclusion

The dandruff in the scalp is completely manageable, especially when you treat them with proper care and incorporating natural remedies in them! Ensure to identify your scalp first and follow a routine according to scalp type, and you will see visible changes when used consistently.