To keep the hair flake free, it requires regular and persistent treatment. Various commercial products are available to have the desired effect. Alternate remedies such as herbal, homeopathic and natural home remedies are also available that are easy to follow and are safe without any side effects. Following are some of natural treatments to treat hair dandruff:
1. Aloe Vera
How it works
This miraculous plant has various medicinal properties that helps the body heal and is safe for various health problems. It is also quite effective to treat and cure hair dandruff. Aloe Vera contains various organic compounds, anti-bacterial elements, vitamins, minerals and amino acids which are effective to curtail dandruff effectively. It controls hair dandruff and the scalp. The gel element of Aloe Vera when applied on the scalp heals the pH balance and promotes hair growth. It also restores the moisture and gives a healthy shine to the hair.
How to use
Aloe Vera oil when applied on the hair helps to free the scalp from dandruff. With the combination of tea tree oil aloe Vera oil can reduce the intensity of dandruff significantly. The mixture of Aloe Vera and Tea tree oil should be massaged well to ensure that it gets absorbed to the hair-roots.
Do’s
1. Rub tea tree and aloe Vera oil on the scalp with firm pressure.
2. Use shampoos that are formulated to treat dandruff in combination with the aloe Vera and tea tree oil for best results.
Don’ts
1. Repeating the process every day may lead to drying of the scalp.
2. Avoid getting tea tree oil mixed with aloe Vera into the eyes. It can cause excruciating pain when in contact with the eyes.
2. Vinegar
How it works
Vinegar is used widely in combination of various medicinal purposes. Vinegar is rich in enzymes and potassium and is effective in treating an itchy scalp and dandruff. Vinegar removes the hair residue and closes the cuticles. Residue on the hair gives a dull look which is effectively removed by giving it a healthier shine.
How to use
Shampoo your hair and then apply the vinegar mix. Mix vinegar and water in 1:2 ratios. Apply the vinegar mixture to the scalp and let it dry. Depending on the intensity of the dandruff, the mixture can be kept undiluted. Sit for about 15 minutes and rinse the hair, if required. Else, there is no need of a rinse.
Do’s
1.Combine vinegar with parsley and rosemary for dark hair. Chamomile, nettle, calendula and plantain can be used as a conditioner for dry hair.
2. Prepare the mix and wait for few days to allow the release of essential oils in the mixture for better effects.
Don’ts
1.Do not use vinegar mix rinse more than once every one or three weeks. Too much vinegar can dry the hair aggravating the condition.
2.Avoid getting vinegar on the skin or the eyes as it will leave a burning effect.
3. Olive Oil
How it works
Olive oil is extensively used for its immense health benefits including treating an itchy scalp and dandruff. The oil is rich and has moisturizing properties makes it the ideal hair product to keep the hair healthy and shiny. When used while conditioning the hair, the olive oil helps the scalp with moisture that results in fewer flakes on the hair.
How to use
Warm the olive oil before applying on the hair. Massage the oil into the scalp. Wrap the head and sit for about thirty minutes. Shampoo and condition the hair after the treatment.
Do’s
1. Section the hair to ensure that the oil reaches all the parts of the scalp. If the dandruff is severe, leave it overnight for maximum benefits and shampoo the following morning.
2. Use of extra virgin olive oil is highly beneficial for the hair.
Don’ts
1. Do not blow dry the hair after the treatment since it can dry the scalp and lessens the moisture.
2. Avoid frequent use of olive oil since it can leave the hair and the scalp greasy.
4. Tea Tree oil
How it works
The anti fungal and anti bacterial property in the oil helps to reduce the intensity of dandruff. Tea tree oil penetrates the deep layers of the skin with its disinfectant property. These natural properties keep the hair healthy and shiny. It also heals the skin by forming the scar tissue.
How to use
Add tea tree oil to the shampoo and massage the mixture thoroughly into the scalp and head. Leave for about five minutes and rinse the hair. Repeat the process two to three times a week for two weeks for best results.
Do’s
1. Keep the tea tree oil in air tight container. Exposure to air oxidizes the oil and increases the chances of allergic reaction.
2. Dandruff is effectively treated when tea tree oil is used in combination with a shampoo.
Don’ts
1. Some people are allergic to Tea tree oil. Check by putting a drop of tea tree oil on the leg or arm for any reaction.
2. Put few drop of tea tree oil in the shampoo. Too much oil removes the suds from the shampoo.
5. Coconut Oil
How it works
Coconut oil is used as a conditioner. It works wonder as a pre-wash conditioner to treat dandruff than using a medicated shampoo. It has high moisture content, thus keeping the hair soft and moist. It is rich in fatty acids which are effective to treat dandruff.
How to use
Apply coconut oil to the hair and massage thoroughly. Let the oil seep into the scalp for few minutes. Cover the head with warm towel. Rinse the hair. Repeat this process 3-4 times a week.
Do’s
1. Mixing essential oils with coconut oil gives a pleasant smell to the oil.
2. Let the oil remain on the scalp overnight for best results. Wash the hair the following morning.
Don’ts
1. Do not buy refined coconut oil since it is devoid of the natural properties present in the coconut oil.