How To Eliminate Dandruff Naturally Once And For All

A real nuisance on a daily basis, dandruff invades the hair of nearly 50% of the world's population. Undeniably unsightly, both in hair and on dark clothes, the little white flakes ruin our life by also causing itching and dryness in the scalp. Is it possible to get rid of it? Yes, there are solutions for dandruff, but it is imperative to know its origin in order to treat it properly. Check out our tips and tricks and learn how to get rid of dandruff once and for all.

What is dandruff and how does it appear?

Dandruff results from the disruption of a natural phenomenon: the renewal of skin cells. Usually, this process takes place every 21-28 days and as a result, the dead cells of which the epidermis is made are eliminated on the surface, in the form of scales. This is how the scalp renews itself and dandruff is actually dander, but more, thicker and larger.

The reason why dandruff appears is an accelerated peeling of dead skin cells. In people with dandruff, the cycle of cell renewal is only a few days. This means that new cells will form in minimal time preventing dead cells from being eliminated normally. The latter stick to the new cells, thus forming larger and more numerous scales than the classic cells: these are the dandruff.

It is believed that a microscopic fungus is responsible for the abnormal acceleration of the epidermal cycle. The intruder prefers oily hair, but it also thrives on dry hair. The fungus is usually inactive, but for unknown reasons it can activate on some scalps causing dandruff and itching. Here is a list of some of the factors recognized as accelerators of the phenomenon:

• Poor diet

• Hormonal upheaval

• Stress, anxiety and fatigue

• Tobacco

• Pollution

• Abuse of hairsprays, gels or unsuitable shampoos

• Hair washing too frequent

• Genetic and immunological factors

How to eliminate dandruff depending on its type?

There are two types of dandruff that you have to know how to differentiate in order to choose the most suitable treatment.

Oily dandruff: the fungus feeds on the sebum of the scalp causing the appearance of oily dandruff which is more difficult to treat. They are yellowish in color and form an oily, sticky layer on the surface of the scalp. Oily dandruff facilitates the growth of bacteria and can be itchy.

Dry dandruff: Most common, it looks like small snowflakes that affect naturally dry or normal scalps. They fall easily on shoulders and clothing. In most cases, dry dandruff is not itchy, but it can happen anyway. Avoid scratching the scalp at all costs as the problem will get worse.

Oily dandruff and dry dandruff differ not only in their symptoms but most importantly in their treatment. Discover our selection of natural anti-dandruff treatments to test without delay.

Grandma's recipes to remove oily dandruff

Apple cider vinegar

An essential health ally, cider vinegar is also used in skin care. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar (or even white vinegar) is one of the most effective ways to fight dandruff. This miraculous liquid acts as a fungicide which eliminates the fungi whose proliferation on the scalp is responsible for the appearance of dandruff. In addition, apple cider vinegar helps cleanse dead skin from the epidermis, without clogging the pores. Contrary to what one might think, apple cider vinegar is very gentle on the hair, unlike some shampoos on the market that are too aggressive.

Mix 125 ml of lukewarm water and 125 ml of apple cider vinegar in a container. Rinse your hair by massaging it gently. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Leave it on for at least a quarter of an hour (ideally 12 hours) before taking a shower again. Take into account that the product may leave a slight odor on the hair for a few hours. Apple cider vinegar treatment can be done once a week or every two weeks for prevention.

Baking soda

Very effective for cleaning, baking soda also finds a place in our beauty rituals. Besides helping to whiten teeth, the white powder is also used to heal the health and beauty of the hair. Baking soda is a natural anti-dandruff treatment whose effectiveness is recognized by a large majority of the public. Thanks to its exfoliating properties, it eliminates dead skin and soothes the scalp, leaving it clean and fresh. Plus, baking soda has fungicidal action and can reduce redness and itching. To enjoy the benefits of baking soda, just add a teaspoon to your shampoo.

Neem (Neem)

Neem or neem is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that helps treat several skin problems. Neem oil is rich in vitamin E and nourishes damaged skin giving it back its natural elasticity. This oil is antibacterial and is used to treat eczema, pimples, redness etc. It improves scalp health and calms irritation. Being antifungal, it destroys the fungi that cause dandruff. Additionally, neem oil fights hair dryness and premature hair bleaching while stimulating hair growth.

A lotion made from garlic and olive oil

A natural antibacterial, garlic is very effective in getting rid of dandruff. It is enough to make a mask based on a crushed garlic clove and 1 tbsp. teaspoon of heated olive oil which must then be applied to the roots by massaging for ten minutes. It is recommended to cover the hair with a towel and leave to act for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly to remove everything.

Salt

Doing a hair scrub with salt would cleanse the scalp and stimulate its blood circulation. This would help remove dandruff. The treatment consists of applying salt to wet hair, massaging for a few minutes. Then, rinse the hair well with lukewarm water to remove any residue.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a staple ingredient in many face masks. But it is just as effective on the scalp. It is by moisturizing the skin of the skull that yogurt prevents the appearance of dandruff. Use it before or after shampooing by massaging the scalp. Prefer a plain yogurt. The amount to use depends on the length of your hair. Leave the mask on for at least 20 minutes, then wash it off with clean water.

The aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies for hair care. In addition to calming the irritated scalp and making hair grow back quickly, aloe vera also helps slow the overly rapid growth of scalp cells which is the cause of dandruff. To benefit, massage aloe vera gel directly onto the scalp and leave on for 15 minutes. Then wash the hair with a mild shampoo.

Fenugreek seeds

Rich in lecithin, potassium, iron, protein and vitamin C, fenugreek seeds nourish and soothe the scalp and help make the hair fiber stronger and shinier. They also have antibacterial and antifungal properties and are a formidable weapon against dandruff.

If you have oily hair with dandruff, the following mask recipe will work for you because it fights excess sebum while removing dandruff.

• 2 tsp. of fenugreek seeds

• 2 tbsp. lemon juice

1. Let the fenugreek seeds soak in a bowl of water for 8-12 hours.

2. The next day, crush the seeds to obtain a smooth paste. Mix it with lemon juice.

3. Apply the preparation to the scalp and leave to act for about 30 minutes.

4. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo.

* Recommended frequency of use: once a week.

If you have dry or normal hair that lacks smoothness and needs hydration, prepare a mask based on 2 tbsp. of fenugreek seeds and 1 tbsp. of honey. Let the fenugreek seeds soak overnight, then crush them. Mix them with honey. Apply the mask to the scalp and leave on for 30 minutes. Wash it off with mild shampoo and lukewarm water.