Dandruff is a common scalp disorder. In its mild form, it is made up of loose white flakes that fall off and can be felt on the shoulders and back. Sometimes the flakes are yellowish in color. Even slight dandruff can be accompanied by itching. Sometimes the dandruff adheres to the scalp along with oily secretions, commonly known as “sticky dandruff”. In winter, the scalp can become dry and flaky due to a lack of moisture. This type of dandruff is the loose type that doesn’t cling to the scalp. Also read – Are You Considering a Hair Transplant? Watch out for possible complications
Hot oil therapy
Hot oil therapy is a useful home treatment for both prevention and control ordinary scales. It also relieves the dryness of the scalp and prevents the pores of the scalp from clogging. Heat olive oil and apply to the scalp with cotton wool. Rub gently to remove the flakes. Then, dip a towel in hot water, squeeze the water out, and wrap the towel around your head like a turban. Leave on for 5 minutes. Repeat hot towel wrapping 3 or 4 times. This will help the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Leave the oil on overnight. The next morning, apply the lemon juice to the scalp and wash the hair after half an hour. This can be done once or twice a week. Also read – Hair Care Tips: Things You Should Never Do With Wet Hair
Keep the hair clean
The hair should be washed with less shampoo and rinsed well with water at least three times a week. Take half a teaspoon for short hair and one teaspoon for long hair. Dilute with a little water and use. One application is sufficient unless oil has been applied. Use a mild one Herbal shampoo. Half an hour before the shampoo, apply two tablespoons of vinegar to the scalp and massage gently into the scalp. After shampooing, add two tablespoons of vinegar to a beaker of water and use as the final rinse. Try getting apple cider vinegar or use the vinegar that is found in foods and pickles. Also read – Does the food you eat affect your dandruff status?
Baking soda to the rescue
Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda can also be used to massage the scalp. Leave on for 5 minutes and wash off with water. It is said to discourage mushrooms. In fact, salt can also be used to rub that Scalp gently. This will help remove flakes and also cleanse your pores. Wash well with water.
Methi seeds can help too
Coarsely grind a tablespoon of methi seeds and soak in two cups of cold water. Let stand overnight. Strain and use the water as the final rinse. A paste made from methi leaves can also be applied. Wash off well with water.
Don’t ignore neem leaves
Add two handfuls of neem leaves to four to five cups of hot water. Let stand overnight. The next morning, strain off the liquid and use it to rinse the hair. It relieves itching and keeps the scalp healthy and infection free. It is useful on dandruff. Make a paste out of the soaked neem leaves and apply it to the scalp. Rinse off with water after half an hour.
A couple of other tips
Aside from using home remedies to get rid of your dandruff, there are a few other things you need to take care of as well.
- For severe dandruff, combs, brushes, pillowcases, and towels should be washed daily in warm soapy water and a few drops of an antiseptic solution added. Heavy dandruff can lead to acne on the face, shoulders, and back.
- Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, green vegetables, and yogurt in your daily diet.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
- Add the juice of one lemon to a glass of water and drink it first thing in the morning.
(This article was written by Shahnaz Husain, a Padma Shri awardee and Ayurvedic beauty movement pioneer and leader of a global network of franchises and 375 formulations.)
Published: May 3, 2021 2:07 pm | Updated: May 3, 2021, 3:01 p.m.
