How To Cure Dandruff Naturally

[toc]Shedding dead cells is a natural way of rejuvenating skin. We never notice but every day our skin shed many dead cells to remain healthy. The same process is notice during dandruff formation in scalp. But the difference is that skin start to loose cells in such a massive way that is visually noticeable. Sometimes it is only due to dry skin condition and not very severe.

However, in many cases dandruff takes the shape of massive shedding of skin flakes with itchiness. This condition occurs when a yeast-like fungus called malassezia infect the scalp. Though certain natural and home-based treatments are enough to cure this condition, but in many cases fungus grows so rapidly that it is unable to control with natural treatment. During this situation, you should immediately consult a dermatologist for fast relief. Otherwise follow the tips given below to cure dandruff at home.

---

11 Ways To Cure Dandruff

Wash Away The Oil

The yeast like fungus that is responsible for forming dandruff on the scalp is feed upon oil secreted by hair follicles.

Therefore, keeping the scalp clean and dry will help to control dandruff. Make sure that you wash your hair frequently every alternate day to remove excess oil from the scalp. Washing away the oils is one of effective way to keep your scalp dandruff free.

---

Change Your Shampoo

If you are frequently suffering from dandruff then don’t do the mistake of using regular shampoo. As regular shampoos are not formulated to fight against the fungus. So, switch to an anti-dandruff shampoo for a while until the dandruff is completely gone. After that, you can come back to your regular shampoo.

Select an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione (which works to reduce fungus from the scalp), selenium sulfide (helps to lower cell turnover), salicylic acid (which scrub off the dead skin and also controls fungal infection) and ketoconazole (that fight against a wide variety of fungus). Mild ketoconazole shampoos are easily available as over-the-counter medicines while the strong one are available on prescription.

---

Shampoo Twice

Here is a trick to kick away extra oil from the scalp. Washing hair for single times is not enough when your scalp secretes massive amount of oil.

You can do the trick to wash away extra oil by shampooing twice. First lather and rinse will wash away the dead flaky skin from your hair while the second one will remove extra oil from the scalp and hair.

---

Tar Shampoo

If even anti-dandruff shampoo doesn’t work for your scalp dandruff then you go for tar shampoo. Tar shampoo is popularly used since 200 years. It basically control the cell turn over and therefore reduce the formation of skin flakes.

But there is also some cons of using tar shampoo. First of all, it leaves the hair smelling strong odor. And it also tint light-colored hair and take several weeks to wash away the extra color. It may also cause slight skin irritation.

---

Lemon

Rinsing hair with lemon juice is also an effective remedy to control dandruff. Lemon rinse helps to remove the extra chemicals from the hair shaft that may remain after washing with strong antidandruff or tar shampoo.

These shampoos mostly make the hair harsh and rough while drying the scalp. Dry scalp induces the formation of more flakes.

---

Check Your Diet

You may wonder how diet affects dandruff formation. Yes it does, some foods control development of dandruff whereas certain foods trigger occurrence of dandruff. Foods rich in zinc, omega 3 fatty acid, vitamin E, B vitamins have been noticed to control dandruff. However, foods rich in sugar and yeast must be avoided to get rid of dandruff.

Dandruff causing fungus proliferates easily and speedily in sugary environment. Therefore, you should completely avoid sugary and yeast containing foods to stay away from dandruff. Overall, a healthy skin has a better immunity to fight against fungal and yeast infection that causes dandruff.

---

Avoid Hair Styling Products

Several hair styling products contain harsh chemicals that cause dry scalp. And dry scalp is more susceptible to dandruff.

So, try to avoid all those hair styling products like hair dye, hair spray, mousse and gel for a while if you want to keep your scalp away from dandruff.

---

Essential Oil

Some essential like tea tree oil have antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal properties and fights very effectively against dandruff causing fungus or yeast. You can add a few drops of tea tree with your regular shampoo before washing your hair.

You can even mix it with your hair oil and massage the scalp to reduce proliferation of fungus and yeast. Tea tree essential oil is derived naturally from tea tree. Therefore, being natural product it does not react with scalp or hair.

---

Vinegar

Vinegar acts similarly as lemon to control the ph of the scalp and reduces the growth of fungus or yeast.

Dilute vinegar with water and use it to rinse your hair after shampoo. Besides controlling dandruff, vinegar also improves the texture of the hair.

---

Yogurt

Like lemon, yogurt is also acidic in nature and prevents the growth of microbes in the skin. For best result, ferment a cup of curd for two days before using.

Fermented curd works more effectively as the acidity is improved after fermentation. Apply the curd on the scalp and hair. Leave it for 30 minutes to 1 hour and then wash off with shampoo. Along with curing dandruff, yogurt also nourishes the hair shaft as it is rich in vitamins and minerals.

---

Neem Leaves

Neem leaves is an excellent remedy for any skin problem from eczema to dandruff. It has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities that makes it a strong remedy for all type of skin problems. You can crush neem leaves and apply it on the scalp like a hair mask.

Otherwise, you can boil a handful of neem leaves in 4 cups of water. Boil it until the water reduces to 2 cups. Use it once the liquid cool down to room temperature as a hair rinse after shampoo. Continue to use it like this until dandruff is permanently cured.