Dandruff is a common issue amongst both men and women, which can lower your confidence and self-esteem.
It is medically known as seborrhoea, a medical condition that weakens your scalp due to poor hair brushing, stress, and dry skin. There are various causes of dandruff that can range from genetic to environmental effects. But, sometimes fungal and bacterial infection accumulation too results in itchy scalp, and dryness( khuski). The winter season can worsen this condition because of the excess dryness, which eventually turns into flakiness. Now the concern is how to get rid of dandruff? How to remove dandruff in winter or summer seasons? Some people seek medical help that can help resolve this problem. Some anti-dandruff shampoo or other hair products also help in controlling dandruff. And then there comes the "Desi Nuskhe" of Ayurveda for dandruff treatment at home.
We always reach out for anti-dandruff hair products as a dandruff solution, but there are better home remedies for dry scalp and natural dandruff treatment without any side effects. We all know how chemically processed hair products can affect our natural hair texture including the scalp skin. So, what's better than chemical products? Have you ever heard of Aloe vera for dandruff? Yes. Aloe vera for dandruff is very effective in fighting and eliminating flaky scalp problems. Let's know about all the effective home remedies for dandruff in this blog, but before that, let us guide you a little more about dandruff and its causes.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is also known as seborrheic dermatitis. It is a common non-contagious condition that causes itchiness, dryness, and the skin on the scalp to flake. The skin cells that grow fast and then die off soon are the problem, but sometimes fungal and bacterial infections too cause dandruff which doesn't spread communicably but can be embarrassing when it shreds off from the hair. A common fungus called Malassezia contributes to the accumulation of dandruff. This fungus lives on the scalp of adults without causing any other health problems. Cold, dry winters and sweaty summers can trigger dandruff and make it worse.
What are the causes of dandruff?
Dandruff has several causes, including:
- Oily scalp
- Dry scalp
- Yeast fungus, known as Malassezia
- Dermatitis or sensitivity to chemical hair products
- Skin infections like psoriasis and eczema
- Climate change like summer or winter season challenges
- Inherited Conditions
- Weakened Immune System
- Neurologic and Psychiatric Conditions
Signs of dandruff
- Dry, itchy scalp
- Dead skin flakes on the scalp
- Greasy/excessive oily scalp
Aloe Vera For Dandruff Home remedies
Aloe Vera for dandruff helps in eliminating dandruff and flaky scalp.
The antifungal and antioxidant properties effectively reduce the fungal growth on the scalp and is an affordable natural dandruff treatment. It can work in a gel, ointment, or even in its raw form. Aloe Vera is rich in minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat skin irritations or infections. The anti-itching properties also help in relieving itch and scalp irritation.
The enzymes present in Aloe Vera helps reduce inflammation caused by irritation and itching. This is why Aloe Vera for dandruff is one of the most common solutions. Now you must be wondering how Aloe vera for dandruff and itchy scalp works and what to apply on hair for dandruff.
Very simple. Keep reading...
Aloe Vera Gel On The Scalp
Aloe Vera comes in different forms, out of which many of these help eliminate dandruff. The most common form is a natural aloe Vera gel. You can get natural Aloe vera gel in the markets or use the raw form of Aloe vera gel directly from the plant. It can be applied directly on the scalp to attain relief from dandruff and soothe your scalp with cooling freshness.
Apart from aloe vera gel, you can also buy natural aloe vera hair products for dandruff.
Aloe Vera With Coconut Oil
Another easy way to use Aloe vera for dandruff is to mix it with coconut oil. Take 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel and mix it with 1 cup of coconut oil. Gently massage your hair and scalp with the mixture. The mixture will nourish your hair and scalp, resulting in the reduction of dandruff, flakiness, and itchiness. Coconut oil and aloe vera have anti-microbial properties which fight the growth of yeast/fungus on the scalp.
Coconut oil also works as a cleansing agent which shields your strands with a protective layer.
Aloe Vera With Olive Oil And Curd
The best way to use aloe vera for dandruff is to mix it with olive oil and curd. Olive oil for dandruff is a rich source of vitamin A and Vitamin E that helps in strengthening the hair strands and stimulates the hair follicles. The moisturizing properties of aloe vera gel, pH of curd, and olive oil soothe the scalp from excess itching. They control the excess secretion of sebum(oil) and fights fungal growth on the scalp, which eventually eliminates dandruff from the scalp and hair. It also helps in refreshing your scalp and relieving stress.
You just have to take 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp of olive oil, and 1 cup of curd. Mix them to prepare a paste/hair mask and apply it to your scalp and hair thoroughly. Cover it with a shower cap for 30 min and then wash it off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat this home remedy for dandruff twice a week for better results.
Aloe vera With Lemon
Lemon is a well-known natural dandruff treatment home remedy. Lemon juice helps in absorbing the excess oil/sebum from the scalp. The citric acid in lemon helps fight dandruff from the roots of the hair follicles. However, the acidic nature of the lemon might irritate the scalp and result in minor inflammation and redness, but mixing it with aloe vera for dandruff will balance its acidic nature and help in controlling fungal growth and dandruff flakes. Mix half tbsp of aloe vera gel with 2 tbsp of lemon juice and apply this mixture on the scalp from roots to tips. Keep it for 30-40 mins and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Try this natural dandruff treatment once a week to relieve fungal growth and excess sebum secretion.
FAQs About Aloe Vera For Dandruff
Q.1. Is aloe vera good for dandruff?
Ans. Yes, aloe vera effectively fights fungal growth and eliminates dandruff from the scalp. The antifungal, anti-microbial, and anti-dandruff properties of aloe vera soothe the dry, itchy scalp from dandruff flakes.
Q.2. Does lemon help in dandruff? Is lemon good for hair?
Ans. Yes, the citric acid present in the lemon helps in absorbing the excess sebum/oil secretion from the scalp and prevents the accumulation of dry, itchy dandruff flakes.
Q.3. Can dandruff cause hair fall?
Ans. In most cases, dandruff does not cause hair fall, but excessive itching and scratching of the scalp may injure your hair follicles and result in minor hair loss.
Q.4. Which shampoo is best for dandruff and hair fall?
Ans. Hair products that are made of natural ingredients without any chemical processing are the best choice for dandruff and hair fall. Aloe vera shampoos are the best choice you can make for dandruff and hair fall. If you are wondering which particular product will help in relieving dandruff then you should try Mother sparsh's Ginger & Neem Anti-Dandruff Hair Cleanser For Dandruff & Itchy Scalp.
Q.5. Is oil bad for dandruff? Which oil is good for dandruff?
Ans. Some people with dandruff avoid oiling, whereas others prefer oiling their dry, flaky scalp. Oil indeed attracts dirt and impurities, which get mixed with dandruff but not oiling your hair will result in more dryness. That is why it is advised to oil your hair with anti-dandruff properties once or twice a week to avoid dryness. You can try Mother Sparsh's Ginger & Neem Anti-Dandruff Hair Oil For Dandruff & Itchy Scalp.