Does dandruff bother you? Easy and effective home remedies

‘Is it snowing outside?’ The legendary series ‘Friends’ fans can never forget how Chandler's question made Rose and Monica’s dad, Jack, uncomfortable. Jack’s dandruff condition is something many of us face and often feel helpless about in day-to-day life. Depending on its severity, dandruff shows symptoms like flaky scalp,  itchiness, hair fall and more. It is possible to get rid of dandruff by making certain changes in food habits and by the topical application of certain simple home remedies.
Cause
Dandruff is caused by many reasons, including dryness and overgrowth of a type of fungus called Malassezia. Those with oily scalps, too, might have dandruff as the overproduction of sebum could attract dirt. Flaky dandruff is formed due to hormone changes during menstrual and menopause. Dandruff may also be a symptom of psoriasis, eczema and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Prevention
If you have mild dandruff, it could be removed by washing the hair and scalp well. American Academy of Dermatology suggests using anti-dandruff shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione, sulphur, salicylic acid and selenium sulphide. You can also get rid of dandruff using these home remedies.
Coconut oil and lemon juice
Coconut oil is a soothing scalp moisturiser, while lemon juice has anti-microbial properties that eliminate the dandruff-causing fungus. As per a study published in the Scientific Reports in 2021, coconut oil's anti-fungal qualities can eliminate dandruff. Mix two tablespoons of coconut oil and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply this on the scalp and leave it on for at least half an hour.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can prevent fungus growth by maintaining the scalp's pH. A research report published in the International Journal of Dermatology mentions that apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. After washing the scalp using shampoo, apply apple cider vinegar and leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes. You could try this two days a week. Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar should be diluted in 1 cup of water before applying it to the scalp. However, check with your dermatologist first if you have an allergy to apple cider vinegar.

Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an excellent antimicrobial and antifungal agent for treating dandruff. A study published in the Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology notes that 5 per cent tea tree oil can be used on the scalp to fight dandruff. Add coconut or olive oil, add a few drops of tea tree oil, mix well, and apply it to the scalp. You could also mix tea tree oil in the shampoo.
Eucalyptus oil
Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil in coconut or olive oil and apply on the scalp. Eucalyptus oil can get rid of dandruff. Besides, just like tea tree oil, you could mix eucalyptus oil in shampoo.

Neem leaves
Neem leaves have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can fight dandruff. Boil a few neem leaves until the water turns green in colour. Strain the water and wash the hair and scalp using the neem-infused water.
Olive oil
Warming the olive oil before applying it on the scalp is an amazing hack. Keep the oil on the scalp overnight and comb the hair the next morning. Olive oil that acts as a moisturiser cools down the scalp and removes dandruff.
Egg
Eggs are rich in protein, which can fight dandruff. Beat the eggs well before applying them on the scalp. Wash it off in plain water after 15 – 20 minutes.

Castor oil
Castor oil could be used once a week to keep away dandruff. This oil will act as an antimicrobial agent and also improve scalp health. You could mix castor oil with coconut oil if it is too thick.
Onion juice
Onion juice boosts hair growth and adds shine to hair. Meanwhile, the high sulphur content in onions fights dandruff. Apply onion juice on the scalp and wash it off after 15 – 20 minutes.
Yoghurt and honey
Yoghurt contains probiotics, while honey is a hydrating agent. Take yoghurt in a bowl, add honey and mix well. Apply this mixture on the scalp and massage.

Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera could be used to ensure good scalp health and to moisturize the hair strands. A research article that was published in the Biochemistry Research International Journal stresses the antibacterial and antifungal qualities of aloe vera. Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the scalp and wash it off after half an hour to make your hair super soft.
Note
Before trying these home remedies, apply them to a small part of your scalp to check for allergic reactions. Lemon juice may cause skin irritation in some, while undiluted apple cider vinegar could cause a burning sensation. Using too much coconut oil on oily scalp may not be good. Besides, too much Teatree oil and eucalyptus oil can also cause irritation on the skin. Patch testing the home remedies before using them will help you treat dandruff without causing allergies or irritation.