The sight of snow-covered mountains is breathtaking. On the other hand, the presence of snow-like flakes on your shoulder isn’t! Yes, we are talking about dandruff which put you in many embarrassing situations.
Every time you comb your hair, they land up on your shoulder and cause you an unavoidable itch also. Dandruff is a scalp condition, mainly caused by a fungus known as Malassezia. This is the reason that causes itchy, flaky skin and greasy patches.
Especially during the winters, you are bound to experience dry skin and so is a dry itchy scalp. It may trouble you at uncertain times when you want to look your best or you decide to try some good hairstyles. Fret not! Try some of these home remedies to prevent dandruff and get rid of winter dry skin.
Causes of dandruff
- Stress
- Growth of fungus called Malassezia
- Dry skin in winter
- Not shampooing or washing your hair regularly
- Allergic to some hair care products
- Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
Best remedies for dandruff
Tea Tree Oil – Nature’s miracle
Tea tree oil is one of the best home remedies for dandruff and hair fall as it is also useful in treating acne and psoriasis. Tree tea oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that not only help you get rid of dandruff but it also curb the growth of fungi and bacteria on the scalp. It eliminates the flakiness, resulting in a healthy and clean scalp.
Must Read: Essential Shampoo For Hair
How to use: Add a few drops of tea tree oil in your regular shampoo. Massage your scalp and leave it for 20 minutes. Then wash it off with normal water.
Apple Cider Vinegar – pH balancer
In winters, it’s natural to experience dry skin problems. To prevent dandruff during the winter season, it is important that you keep your scalp moisturized. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another best remedy to treat itchy, dry scalp.
Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties eliminate fungi and also maintain the pH balance of the scalp. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help you soothe scalp irritation and inflammation. Follow this home remedy for dandruff in the winter on a regular basis to get faster results.
How to use: Take equal parts of ACV and water and mix it in a bowl. After shampooing your hair, rub your scalp with this mixture. Keep it for 10-15 minutes and then rinse it off.
Caution: Never use apple cider vinegar without diluting with water.
Baking soda – Natural Exfoliator
This multi-purpose culinary ingredient is also effective in treating scalp related problems. Baking soda is an excellent scalp exfoliator. It gently scrubs the scalp and removes dead skin cells. It gently exfoliates to ensure that there is no build-up of flakes and it also reduces scalp irritation. Baking soda is the best home remedy for dandruff in the winter.
How to use: to prevent dandruff, simply add baking soda in your shampoo and wash your hair with this mixture. Its regular usage effectively reduces scalp inflammation and removes flakiness.
Garlic
You may not like the pungent smell of garlic but you cannot avoid its abundant benefits. Garlic is used as the main cooking ingredient in many global cuisines. It makes every culinary dish tasty in an instant. You can use garlic as one of the home remedies to prevent dandruff. It’s a natural anti-fungal ingredient that is immensely effective when it comes to treating dandruff and itchy scalp.
How to use: Pound a clove of raw garlic and mix it with water. Apply on your scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes. If the smell is unbearable for you, then you can always mix it with honey and ginger. Results! You will have a flake-free, healthy scalp!
Caution: Never use cooked garlic for any medical conditions. However, you can use it prepare a mouthwatering dish for your loved ones!
Aloe vera
Let us introduce you to Mr. Cool aka Aloe Vera. Aloe vera is one of the best home remedies for dandruff in the winter. During winters, when the moisture level in the air significantly drops, it causes winter dry skin problems.
Fortunately, this home remedy works like magic as aloe vera has a lot of water content that keeps the scalp well-hydrated and moisturized. Its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties reduce itchiness and flakiness and provide instant relief from inflammation.
How to use: Extract some fresh aloe vera from the plant. Apply it on the scalp and leave it overnight. It instantly absorbs into the scalp. Its soothing properties immediately make the scalp cool and calm. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
Tip: It is always best to use fresh aloe vera. Instead of buying a bottle of it, keep aloe vera plant at home as it can also be used as first aid for treating burns and scars.
The best part of these home remedies is all these ingredients are easily available in your kitchen. Try these remedies now and get rid of dandruff forever!