10 EFFECTIVE DANDRUFF TREATMENTS AT HOME, RECOMMENDED BY EXPERTS

In the pursuit of shiny, healthy hair, many of us encounter a persistent for – dandruff. Those bothersome white flakes not only diminish the beauty of your hair but also bring about feelings of discomfort and self-consciousness. “How do you get rid of dandruff” has become a hot topic used by newspapers to attract readers. In addition to common remedies such as going to the spa and using medication, home treatments have also captured widespread interest. Welcome to the world of dandruff home remedies, which combine simple, natural ingredients and time-tested methods to combat this common scalp condition.

WHAT CAUSES DANDRUFF?

Why Do I Have Dandruff? Dandruff happens when there’s too much of a fungus called Malassezia on your skin, as shared by Dr. Zenovia Gabriel from Zena Medical. Normally, Malassezia lives on our skin without causing problems, but if it grows too much, it leads to dandruff. Our bodies always get rid of old skin cells, but too much Malassezia makes the body produce and get rid of these cells too quickly, causing dandruff. Things like getting older, changes in hormones, or feeling stressed can make Malassezia grow more. Think of dandruff like bread with olive oil – it’s made when oil and yeast (Malassezia) mix. Dr. Joshua Zeichner from Mount Sinai Hospital’s Dermatology Department explained that everyone has some yeast on their bodies, and the amount can change based on a mix of things like genetics and what’s happening inside and outside our bodies.

10 HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF DANDRUFF NATURALLY

You can use simple ingredients from your kitchen every day to make natural remedies for dandruff at home. Just gather the right ingredients, mix them correctly, and apply them as directed. Following these steps will help you say goodbye to those annoying flakes that make you feel less confident. 

Baking Soda

You can use baking soda for dandruff. Start by thoroughly wetting your hair. After that, generously apply baking soda to your scalp, making sure to cover it evenly. Allow the baking soda to sit on your scalp for a few minutes, allowing it time to work its magic. During this brief period, the baking soda helps to exfoliate and remove excess oil and dead skin cells. Finally, rinse your hair thoroughly to wash away the baking soda, leaving your scalp feeling refreshed and revitalized. This simple yet effective process can contribute to a healthier scalp and assist in combating issues like dandruff.

Coconut Oil with Lemon

This simple and natural home remedy not only provides moisture to your hair but also helps eliminate those bothersome flakes that can affect your confidence. Follow these simple steps and get rid of dandruff quickly:

  • Firstly you need to heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix it equally with some mixture of lemon juice.
  • Once this is done, you can apply this on your scalp and massage your hair gently with it.
  • After that, leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with some shampoo.

Lemon juice

Start by gently rubbing 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into your scalp. Allow it to sit there for a few minutes, giving it time to work its magic. Afterward, rinse your hair thoroughly. Then, take another step to keep your scalp feeling fresh: mix one more teaspoon of lemon juice with a whole cup of water. Pour this mixture over your scalp, ensuring it covers evenly. This extra step helps maintain a healthy balance on your scalp. It’s a simple routine that can make a big difference in keeping your hair and scalp feeling clean and revitalized.

Orange Peel

Using orange peel is a simple and effective home remedy for treating dandruff. The orange peel is packed with beneficial nutrients like calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and fiber, which are not only good for your body but also work wonders on your hair. To utilize orange peel for dandruff treatment, follow these straightforward steps: Start by preparing the orange peel mix correctly, as it plays a crucial role in eliminating dandruff. The mix harnesses the goodness of orange peel, containing essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy scalp. 

Vinegar

This simple remedy not only tackles dandruff but also helps with skin problems like acne and itchy scalp. Here’s how to use vinegar to fight dandruff: Get 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of water. Boil the vinegar, let it cool, and mix one-eighth cup of water with it. Use this mixture to clean your scalp, then rinse it off with shampoo. Do this in the morning before shampooing your hair. Vinegar is like a superhero for your scalp, reducing dryness and itchiness and keeping your hair healthy and dandruff-free.

Egg Yolk

Egg yolks, brimming with scalp-soothing biotin and hair-loving conditioners, offer a natural solution. Simply separate the sunshine-hued yolk, massage it into your dry scalp and hair, and let it work its magic for 30-60 minutes. Rinse with gentle shampoo, repeat once or twice a week, and watch those flakes vanish! Bonus: your hair will thank you with newfound softness and shine. 

Tea tree

Green tea, the humble beverage, packs a powerful punch against dandruff! Its secret weapon? Anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that soothe your scalp and combat the pesky Malassezia fungus, a major dandruff culprit. If you don’t have tea tree shampoo at home, you can use green tea leaves to treat dandruff. Here’s how to harness its power:

  • Brew a cup: Steep 2 tablespoons of loose green tea leaves or 2 tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes. Let it cool.
  • Scalp soak: Massage the cooled tea into your scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
  • Hair rinse: For extra flake-fighting goodness, dilute the remaining tea with water and use it as a final hair rinse.

Repeat this 2-3 times a week for a calmer, flake-free scalp. Remember, consistency is key! So go forth, sip your tea, and conquer dandruff!

Basil

Basil leaves are like nature’s solution for dandruff. These leaves have special powers – they can fight fungus and bacteria, making them great for heavy dandruff. Not just that, basil leaves also make your scalp strong and healthy. Making a remedy with basil leaves is easy:

  • Get some basil leaves, 2 teaspoons of amla powder, and just 2 teaspoons of water.
  • Mix them all together to make a clean paste.
  • Once you have the paste, gently put it on your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, wash your hair with some water.

By following these simple steps, you can use the power of basil leaves to say goodbye to dandruff and keep your hair healthy.

Olive Oil

Turn to your trusty kitchen companion, olive oil, as it unveils its secret talent as a dandruff-fighting hero! Packed with moisturizing magic, olive oil works wonders in calming dry scalps, putting an end to those pesky flakes. To harness its power, gently massage warm olive oil into your scalp, allowing it to work its magic for a relaxing 30 minutes. Afterward, shampoo your hair as you normally would. For optimal results, make this a twice-weekly routine to bid farewell to flakes and welcome a healthy, dandruff-free scalp.

Listerine Mouthwash

Fight dandruff with Listerine mouthwash – it’s got stuff that can battle the yeast causing it. Mix 1 tablespoon of Listerine with 9 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Put this mix on your scalp, and when you shower, make sure to wash it away with anti-dandruff shampoo. Do this in the mornings while you’re bathing, and you’ll see a good change in a few weeks.

FAQ

1. What kills dandruff?

While there isn’t a single “kill switch” for dandruff, there are several effective ways to manage and significantly reduce it. Dandruff shampoos have special stuff like zinc, selenium, and ketoconazole that can help get rid of dandruff. If the reason for dandruff is a fungal infection, you might need a special medicine for it.

2. Can dandruff go away on its own?

Certain dandruff might go away on its own, but if it’s because of a fungal infection, you’ll need medicine to treat it.

3. Should you wash your hair everyday if you have dandruff?

To effectively treat most dandruff, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using an over-the-counter shampoo. It’s advised to shampoo your hair daily and incorporate the anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week.

4. Can hot water cause dandruff?

While hot water doesn’t directly cause dandruff, it can remove the natural oils from the scalp, causing dryness and potentially making dandruff symptoms worse. 

5. Do cold showers help dandruff?

Cold showers might be beneficial for your scalp health and in controlling dandruff. 

CONCLUSION

How to cure dandruff? You probably already have the answer. Managing and preventing dandruff involves a combination of good hygiene practices, choosing the right hair care products, and incorporating effective home remedies. Whether it’s using over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos, natural ingredients like coconut oil or lemon juice, or making simple lifestyle adjustments, finding the best fit for your scalp is the key important thing. Additionally, maintaining a regular hair care routine, avoiding using too much hot water, and paying attention to stress levels can contribute to a healthier scalp.

How to Get Henna Off: from top to toe

Henna is a beautiful and ancient form of body art that has been used for centuries in many cultures. However, when it’s time to remove it, it can be a challenge. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with tips and techniques on how to get henna off effectively and safely.

How to Remove Henna from Skin

Soap and warm water

While it’s a classic technique, soap can still effectively remove henna with a little time and patience. Gently scrubbing the henna-stained area with warm water and soap aids in lifting the pigment from the skin. Repeating this process multiple times a day can yield results, but be cautious about potential dryness. It’s essential to apply moisturizer afterward to keep your skin hydrated. Additionally, an antibacterial soap containing high alcohol content and scrubbing beads can be a handy choice for henna removal, although it may have a drying effect on your skin.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a natural way to get rid of henna stains. Use a loofah or any other exfoliating tool to gently scrub the skin where the henna is located. You can use baking soda or salt as a gentle exfoliant. This method works best if you have just applied the henna and want to remove it quickly.

Oil

Oils like coconut oil or olive oil can break down the color pigments in henna and help lift them from the skin. Apply a generous amount of oil to the henna-stained area and let it soak for at least an hour before washing it off with soap and water.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can lighten the color of henna stains. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Be careful not to leave the lemon juice on for too long, as it can dry out and irritate the skin.

 Micellar water

Micellar water is a type of cleansing water infused with tiny particles known as micelles. These micelles work gently to cleanse the skin by effectively breaking down oil, makeup, and various pigments. To employ this method, simply apply the micellar water onto the henna-stained area using a cloth and delicately massage it over the affected surface.

Baking soda

Baking soda is another natural ingredient that can help to remove henna. To use this method, mix together one part baking soda with three parts water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the henna-stained skin and leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with water.

Shaving

Shaving can be a useful method for aiding in the removal of a henna tattoo as it assists in exfoliating the layer where the tattoo pigment is situated. To do this, apply your preferred shaving cream or product to the tattooed area and carefully shave it. Be sure to follow up with the application of a moisturizing cream or lotion afterward.

how to remove henna from hair

Shampoo and conditioner

This is the simplest method, but it may not be the most effective, especially if your henna is dark. Simply wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner several times to try to fade the henna.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can help to break down the henna dye, making it easier to remove. You can mix together equal parts vitamin C powder and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your hennaed hair and leave it on for 30-60 minutes. Rinse the paste out with water and shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

Coconut oil

Coat your hennaed hair with coconut oil and leave it on for several hours, or overnight for best results. To prevent oil from dripping, wrap your hair in a towel or wear a shower cap. Afterward, rinse the oil out with water and proceed with your regular shampoo and conditioning routine.

Lemon juice

Blend lemon juice with an equal amount of water. Apply this mixture to your henna-colored hair and let it rest for 30-60 minutes. Rinse your hair with water and follow up with your usual shampoo and conditioner.

Commercial henna remover

There are also a number of commercial henna removers available on the market. These products typically contain chemicals that can help to dissolve the henna dye. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label carefully.

Tips for Removing Henna Safely

  • Be gentle when exfoliating and don’t use harsh scrubs that can damage the skin.
  • Avoid using chemicals like bleach or acetone that can harm the skin.
  • If you experience any irritation or discomfort, stop using the method immediately and seek medical advice.
  • Do a patch test. Before applying any henna removal method to your entire head of hair, do a patch test on a small section of hair in an inconspicuous area. This will help you to identify any potential allergic reactions or irritation.
  • Use natural methods whenever possible. Natural henna removal methods, such as baking soda, lemon juice, and vitamin C, are generally safer than commercial henna removers, which can contain harsh chemicals.
  • Be gentle. Henna removal can be a time-consuming process, but it is important to be gentle with your hair. Avoid scrubbing or tugging at your hair, as this can damage it.
  • Condition your hair deeply after removal. Once you have removed the henna from your hair, be sure to condition it deeply to help restore its moisture and shine.

FAQs

  1. How long does henna last on the skin? Henna can last anywhere from 1-3 weeks on the skin, depending on how well it’s cared for and how often it comes into contact with water.
  2. Can I use soap to remove henna? Yes, you can use soap to help lift the henna pigment from the skin. However, be gentle and don’t scrub too hard, as this can cause irritation.
  3. Is it safe to use lemon juice on my skin? Lemon juice is generally safe to use on the skin but should be avoided if you have sensitive skin or any open cuts or wounds.
  4. Can I use a hair dryer to speed up the oil removal process? While using a hair dryer can speed up the oil removal process, it’s not recommended as it can dry out the skin and cause irritation.
  5. Can I remove henna from my nails? Yes, you can remove henna from your nails by soaking them in warm soapy water and then gently scrubbing them with a nail brush.

Final Takeaway

Whether you’re dealing with henna stains on your skin or trying to remove it from your hair, there are several effective methods to help you get henna off from top to toe. From exfoliation and natural remedies to commercial products and patience, you have a range of options to choose from depending on your specific needs and preferences. By following these methods, you can gradually fade or completely remove henna, allowing you to enjoy a fresh canvas for your skin and hair. Remember to be gentle and give these methods time to work their magic, ensuring the best results while preserving the health and beauty of your skin and hair.