We all know how annoying it can be to deal with dandruff. No matter which products you use, sometimes the pesky flakes just refuse to go away. There is no clear reason why we get dandruff on our scalps but research suggests that a combination of genetics, allergies and sensitivities, and an imbalance of skin microbes could be culprits. This condition is very common and about 50 per cent of the adult population worldwide deal with it. The shedding and inflammation of the skin are believed to be triggered by the abundance of microorganisms on the surface of the scalp.
Basically, dandruff has little to do with how often you shampoo your mane. Remember, your skin renews itself every few weeks and gradually sheds its old cells. Dandruff is nothing but the result of an increased turnover of cells that sometimes causes redness, irritation and inflammation.
Dealing with dandruff isn’t as easy as just changing your shampoo, but the best POA is to take small steps regularly in order to balance the exfoliation cycle of your skin. Keep scrolling for some home remedies on how to soothe a flaky scalp.
Baking soda + water
First and foremost, keep in mind that baking soda has a high pH level that can throw off the natural oil production of the scalp if used in excess. Don’t use it more than once a week and then cut it down to twice a month.
Add one or two teaspoons of baking soda to a cup of water and mix well. Apply this mix on your scalp and massage well. Rinse with water.
Apple cider vinegar rinse
ACV is a great ingredient to use for soft hair and mixing it with equal parts of water will help remove buildup and dead skin cells from the scalp.
Mix a cup of ACV and water each and use it on your scalp after shampooing and conditioning your mane. Massage it well for five minutes and then rinse off with water.
Honey + aloe vera scalp mask
Aloe vera is known to be a serial skin soother and it does a great job of calming down an inflamed scalp. Honey is a natural moisturiser that cleans the scalp thanks to its antibacterial and anti-microbial properties.
Mix a tablespoon of honey and aloe vera gel with some water and apply on the scalp. Let it sit for 20 minutes and then shampoo as usual.
Coconut oil
There is a reason why warm coconut oil has been a staple ingredient in Indian beauty rituals for decades. Not only will it leave you with a softer than ever mane but its high percentage of lauric acid may help manage dandruff. Warm some coconut oil using the double boiler method and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then shampoo as usual.
Neem + yoghurt hair mask
Neem has antibacterial properties that stop troublesome fungi on the scalp in its tracks. When combined with a natural moisturiser and exfoliant like yoghurt, it doubles down on dandruff.
Boil neem leaves in water and leave them overnight. In the morning, make a paste in the blender and add a few tablespoons of yoghurt to the mix. Apply on the scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes. Shampoo as usual.
These are just some home remedies that may work. If you have severe hair concerns, it is advisable to reach out to a trichologist or dermatologist.