Ditch Dandruff: 5 Chemical-Free Hair Hacks for Control and Prevention

One of the most common questions about hair care that I come across is ‘How to control dandruff’. Men and women of all ages are suffering from the wrath of white flakes. More so these days because of the dry heat, pollution and harsh chemicals. 

They all want an immediate solution. Because dandruff is not only inconvenient but also embarrassing. They dread the eyes that fall on their scalp and the white flakes that cover their shoulders!

It looks tacky and unhygienic! 

Dandruff not only attacks the scalp but also self-esteem and confidence!

Plus, dandruff is also one of the major causes of greasy hair and heavy hair fall.

Though the main cause of dandruff is a fungus breeding in the scalp, it could be caused by a number of other factors too! Understanding the root cause of the condition is essential to eliminate it permanently. 

Also Read: Fermented Rice Water in Hair Care

Check out these 6 major causes of dandruff

• Unhealthy diet.
• Dry and Sensitive scalp.
• Over shampooing and styling.
• Irregular brushing and shampooing.
• Skin disease like psoriasis and eczema.
• Stress, allergy or other medical condition.

Now that you know your probable cause of dandruff, check out these simple chemical-free home remedies to control dandruff.

Also Read: Simple Tips to manage Split ends

Home Remedies to Control Dandruff

1. Apply Apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the best natural remedies for treating dandruff. Slightly, acidic in nature, ACV helps in maintaining the pH balance and Sebum levels of the scalp. 

It is also anti-fungal and anti-microbial in nature. This helps in controlling the growth of dandruff-causing fungi on the scalp. However, you must use ACV in the right way and in the right amount to prevent hair damage.

How to use Apple cider vinegar for treating dandruff?

• Take equal parts of ACV and water and mix it well.
• After washing your hair, apply this mixture evenly to your wet hair. 
• Gently massage your scalp to ensure that the mix reaches your roots.
• Let it dry for 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off and follow it with a natural conditioner.

You can also add a few drops of ACV to your shampoo and wash your hair with the mix. Use this twice a week and do not overdo it for instant results!

Also Read: How to cure hair fall in just 7 days?

2. Let it go with Lemon and coconut oil 

Lemon is known to be an effective solution for dandruff. The citric acid in lemon helps in treating dandruff from the roots. Further, the anti-microbial properties of lemon check the growth of dandruff-causing fungi. 

Coconut oil is a great moisturizer with strong anti-microbial properties. It nourishes the scalp, rectifies dryness of the scalp, and wards off dandruff-causing microbes. A mix of coconut oil and lemon is the perfect handy weapon to fight dandruff!

How to use Lemon and coconut oil for treating dandruff?

• Heat 2 tsp of coconut oil and mix it with an equal portion of lemon juice.
• Apply this on the scalp and massage your hair gently.
• Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse off with a mild herbal shampoo.

This is the simplest and most effective natural treatment for dandruff!

Also Read: How to grow hair naturally?

3. Cure Dandruff with Curd

Curd is another excellent remedy for dry itchy dandruff. Apart from being a rich source of protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, it contains good bacteria. This helps in balancing the microenvironment of the scalp. 

Curd contains a bacterium called Propionibacterium. Studies say that Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus are the two most common bacteria that live on the scalp. The latest research shows that encouraging the growth of these bacteria helps in ridding dandruff.

And yoghurt does just that! Plus, yoghurt also contains Lactic Acid which is a great exfoliator. It helps in removing the crust of dandruff and clears the scalp of dust and dirt.

How to use yoghurt for treating dandruff?

• Take ½ to 1 cup plain yoghurt according to hair length.
• Wash your hair with a herbal shampoo.
• Apply the curd gently and massage it to reach the roots.
• Leave it for 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with cool water.

Pro Tip: You can also add a pinch of lemon to your yoghurt mask. Repeat this once a week for dandruff free scalp. 

Also Read: Curd in hairwash

4. No more dandruff with Neem juice

One of the most famous ancient remedies for dandruff and lice is Neem juice. Neem leaves possess antifungal and antibacterial properties that help remove dandruff. It works wonders in relieving itchy scaly scalp. 

Neem leaves also help reduce dryness, flakiness and itchiness of scalp instantly. It moisturizes your scalp and balances the sebum levels. Plus, Neem leaves are available easily and you can get it free. 

How to apply Neem Juice for treating dandruff?

• Take about 40 Neem leaves.
• Boil it in about 1-litre water.
• Leave it overnight and rinse your hair thoroughly with the water.
• Massage your scalp for 10 minutes and wash off with a gentle shampoo.

You can also apply it as a hair mask by grinding it into a smooth paste. A dash of lemon, yoghurt, honey or fenugreek seeds into the paste. Use Neem to wash your hair twice a week for dandruff-free hair. 

Also Read: Neem Oil for Lice

5. Get great hair with Green Tea

Green tea is full of antioxidants. The benefits of green tea for skin and health are well-known. But a bag of green tea also comes to your rescue from scaly itchy flakes. Green tea too has antifungal properties that can inhibit the growth of dandruff-causing fungi. 

Green tea is simple to apply. Easy to get. And very effective in curbing dandruff without causing any side effects.

How to apply Green Tea for treating dandruff?

• Take 2 bags of green tea and add it to hot water.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes allowing the properties of the tea to dissolve in the water.
• Allow the water to cool and apply the infused water onto your scalp.
• Keep it for 30 minutes and wash off with a mild herbal shampoo.

Also Read: Facts about Green Tea that you probably don’t know

Apart from these 5 natural remedies, there are a number of other ways to control dandruff. Using fenugreek seeds or basil leaves or amla powder also works well. Applying henna to your hair mixed with amla or lemon is also a great solution. 

There are numerous ways, I have penned the ones that are easy to apply and proven to be effective! Though these are not the only ways, I recommend you to try these before moving on to the complex mixes.

7 Pro Tips to keep your scalp dandruff free  

• Use the right shampoo that suits your hair. Use it twice a week.
• Keep your scalp clean and protect it from dust and pollutants with a scarf.
• Brush your hair often with a wooden comb.
• Make sure to destress with the right diet, sleep and rest.
• Oil your hair twice a week with herbal oil.
• Apply hair masks to prevent it from damage.
• Don’t overuse chemicals and styling products on your hair.

Control Dandruff Naturally

There are many anti-dandruff treatments available today!

But dandruff and flaky scalp is not a new problem.

Even our ancestors dealt with it. 

We can take a cue from them to fight dandruff naturally or pick the chemical-laden anti-dandruff shampoo from the aisle. Though the later seems appealing when you can afford it, the first option has got better benefits.

Firstly, these simple natural remedies are free of side effects and they come free of cost.

Secondly, each of the elements has got multipurpose benefits. For example, Apple Cider Vinegar also conditions your hair and makes it frizz free while ridding sticky dandruff. Similarly, yoghurt makes your hair smooth and voluminous.

Try these simple hair tips to enjoy great hair day every day!