Dandruff is a type of skin ailment that mainly affects the scalp and can be identified by greasy, flaky, and itchy areas of skin. Some of the following can lead to dandruff:
- Skin inflammation caused by seborrhea
- Dry skin
- Skin and hair product allergies, including eczema and psoriasis
- Diet
- An overabundance of the yeast-like fungus known as Malassezia.
There are a variety of topical treatments available over-the-counter (OTC) as well as specialized shampoos that can cure dandruff. However, individuals can eliminate dandruff at home by utilizing the natural solutions provided below.
Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca alternifolia, the plant from which tea tree oil is extracted, yields an essential oil known as tea tree oil. Terpinen-4-ol is one of the compounds that may be found in tea tree oil. This component is known for its potent antibacterial activities. There is evidence that using tea tree oils with high levels of terpinen-4-ol can help eliminate dandruff by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi on the scalp.
In a study that looked at the bacterial makeup of the scalps of 140 Indian women, the researchers found that women who suffered from dandruff had a higher prevalence of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria than those who did not have the condition. Researchers investigated a variety of essential oils’ antibacterial properties for this review. The authors hypothesized that tea tree oil’s chemical constituents could inhibit the growth of S. epidermidis bacteria.
If you are interested in employing tea tree oil to alleviate dandruff, you should begin by adding a couple of drops to your regular shampoo. Since administering tea tree oil straight to the scalp may trigger irritation or rashes, this is the safest method. There is also the option of using shampoos that contain tea tree oil, which may be found online and in some medicine stores.
Lemongrass Oil
People have traditionally utilized lemongrass oil and lemongrass to cure digestive disorders and high blood pressure and to relieve stress. Because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, lemongrass oil may be able to help lessen the symptoms associated with dandruff. The results of a study showed that the use of hair tonics that contained 10% lemongrass oil was effective in reducing dandruff by 81% over two weeks.
If it is applied to the skin in the same manner as tea tree extract, lemongrass oil can aggravate existing skin conditions or trigger allergic reactions. People can use water to dilute the oil of lemongrass or add a few drops to the regular conditioner or shampoo to get the same effect.
Aloe Vera Gel
It is a succulent plant that is well-known for the curative effects it possesses. The gel that is found in its leaves comprises several different bioactive substances, such as antioxidants and amino acids, that have the potential to treat dandruff.
People who suffer from symptoms associated with dandruff, such as itching, may find relief from using aloe vera, which has been shown to alleviate inflammation. The contributors to a review looked at the results of 23 clinical trials that involved aloe vera. These research results indicate that aloe gel can improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture and may also speed up the healing process of wounds.
According to research, aloe vera’s antibacterial and antifungal characteristics can help prevent dandruff. A seborrheic dermatitis is a form of dandruff. The authors of a recent study that only involved 25 participants concluded that a novel topical gel containing aloe vera was beneficial in treating the condition.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It has been shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce blood pressure, raise “good” HDL cholesterol levels, and support healthy heart and brain function. If you don’t get enough of this fatty acid, you can have some unpleasant side effects, such as dandruff, dry skin, and brittle nails. Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with several skin advantages, including:
- Managing oil production
- Controlling inflammation
- Boosting one’s level of hydration
- Decreasing the visible effects of aging
Salmon, walnuts, and mackerel are three examples of foods that contain a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. People can also use omega-3 supplements. According to recommendations by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the average adult should ingest 1.1 to 1.6 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily.
Aspirin
It is an over-the-counter pain medicine that can lessen the symptoms of dandruff. Salicylic acid is an active component frequently found in dandruff solutions, and aspirin contains this component. Exfoliating the scalp with salicylic acid can assist in removing unwanted dandruff flakes, preventing oil buildup, and reducing inflammation.
If you want to treat dandruff using salicylic acid, try grinding up one or more uncoated aspirin pills into a fine powder and combining that powder with a little bit of your regular shampoo.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has been suggested as a potential treatment for dandruff. Baking soda can exfoliate dead skin cells and oil built up on the scalp when used as an exfoliator. Baking soda has antifungal characteristics, which means it can help battle the fungus responsible for dandruff.
Because baking soda has such a high pH, using it on the scalp too regularly might cause it to become irritated and even damaged. Hair might become dry or irritated if excessive baking soda is used; therefore, it’s essential to use it sparingly.
Zinc
The element zinc helps to maintain a healthy immune system and stimulates the creation of new cells throughout the body. People can obtain zinc by consuming nuts, animal proteins, and whole grains. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that people with severe zinc shortages were more likely to experience hair loss, impotence, diarrhea, and skin sores.
According to a comprehensive analysis, zinc deficiency is a possible factor contributing to seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Zinc pyrithione is found in many shampoos designed to treat dandruff since it inhibits the growth of fungi and clears away dead skin cells.
Conclusion
Some home cures will help, but not all of them will. Before attempting a new natural remedy, a person who suffers from a preexisting skin problem, such as psoriasis or eczema, should consider consulting a medical professional.