The adversaries of healthy hair, namely dandruff and oily hair, have a notorious reputation for robbing our locks of their natural luster and vitality, often culminating in unwelcome hair loss. It’s a predicament that many of us have encountered at least once. Fear not; the next time you grapple with these hair concerns, here are some valuable tips to rescue you. These insights will empower you to effectively address and overcome the challenges of dandruff and oily hair, allowing your hair to reclaim its shine and resilience.
What Causes Dandruff?
Similar to many other organisms, our bodies undergo the shedding of dead skin cells. When these dead skin cells flake off, we refer to it as dandruff in the context of our scalp. Dry skin is a prevalent culprit, as it is more susceptible to flaking. However, there are various other causes, including seborrheic dermatitis, inadequate cleaning or scrubbing, excessive shampooing, scalp psoriasis, eczema, sensitivity to hair care products, or a fungal infection resembling yeast affecting the scalp. Understanding the diverse factors contributing to dandruff allows for a more informed and targeted approach to addressing this common hair concern. (1)
How Can I Get Dandruff-Free Hair?
Though dandruff is a very annoying problem, it can be cured easily. The most common method is to use an anti-dandruff shampoo. However, here are a few homemade, natural methods to get the same results. (2) (3)
1. Lemon and Curd Treatment
This is one of the most trusted recipes for dandruff removal. Both lemon and curd are ingredients with an acidic nature, which works like a charm to remove dead skin cells from your scalp. This mix can help restore shine to your hair as well.
How to use it – Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with two tablespoons of curd. Take a soft brush and apply this mix to the roots of your hair. Please keep it for 20 minutes, and then wash it off using a mild shampoo. You can notice dandruff-free hair by simply using this treatment once.
2. Fenugreek Seeds Treatment
Fenugreek seeds, or methi seeds, have numerous nutrients that help promote healthy hair growth. Regularly applying this fenugreek seed hair mask will make your hair shiny, black, and dandruff-free.
How to use – Soak some fenugreek seeds overnight to prepare this mask. Grind it into a fine paste and apply the mask to your hair from root to tip. Leave it for around half an hour and wash your hair thoroughly. This will remove most dead skin flakes from your scalp in the first wash.
3. Neem Treatment
Neem’s antiseptic nature helps treat numerous body and hair issues. Its water itself can be used to remove dandruff effectively.
How to use – Boil 15-20 neem leaves in two cups of water. After it cools, filter the water and wash your hair with it. This water will subsidize the dandruff and also remove any scalp acne that may be present.
4. Onion and Honey Mix
This mix is one of the most effective dandruff removal formulas. Onion and honey help treat scalp infections and cure itchiness, dry scalp, and skin flaking. They also help fight against scalp infections.
How to use – Add a few spoons of honey to a cup of onion juice to create a thick concoction. Apply it to your scalp and massage gently. Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water and shampoo.
5. Baby Hair Oil for Dandruff Removal
Baby hair oils provide extra moisture to your scalp, reducing dryness and dandruff.
How to use – Take two spoons of baby hair oil and massage it into your scalp. Wash your hair with shampoo after about 30 minutes. You will notice shinier and dandruff-free hair within a few uses.
What Causes Oily Hair?
Now that we have an overview of dandruff, let’s talk about the other hair enemy – oiliness. Hair roots come with sebaceous glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum. This sebum helps lubricate your hair and prevents scalp dryness. However, excessive sebum production causes oily and greasy hair. In worst-case scenarios, the sebaceous glands can clog the hair roots and cause excessive hair loss and dandruff.
How Can I Get Rid of Oily Hair?
Here are a few tips that help you reduce the oiliness of your hair.
6. Daily Shampooing
Daily shampooing is considered the best way to avoid oily hair. It keeps your hair extra clean, which washes off the excessive oil from your scalp. Do not use this method if you have an oily scalp but dry roots. If your hair is generally dry, daily shampooing can result in further hair damage and can even trigger hair fall. Use this method only if you have excessively oily hair.
7. Tea Tree Oil
A head massage with tea tree oil is also considered a great way to reduce oil secretion in the scalp area. Alternatively, you can use a mild shampoo that contains tea tree oil. This will keep the oil discharge in your hair low to prevent an oily appearance.
8. Beer
Beer is another beautiful way to avoid a greasy head. Add two tablespoons of beer to half a cup of water. Stir well and apply it as a conditioner after shampooing your hair. This alcoholic cleanser will prevent your hair from getting oily for a long time, as it slows down sebum production.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is yet another effective method to remove oil from hair. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a mug of water and condition your hair after using a mild shampoo. This vinegar will also make your hair shinier and more voluminous.
So, these are a few natural methods to cure dandruff and oily scalps. Do try them out and say goodbye to these problems forever.
Read Also – Home Remedies To Cure Acne Due To Dandruff
Summary
Dandruff and oily hair pose significant challenges in pursuing healthy hair, diminishing the natural luster and contributing to unwanted hair loss. Fear not, as valuable insights are here to help you effectively combat the challenges of dandruff and oily hair. Explore homemade, natural methods for dandruff removal, utilizing ingredients like lemon, curd, fenugreek seeds, neem, onion, honey, and baby hair oil. Managing oily hair involves daily shampooing, tea tree oil massages, beer conditioning, and apple cider vinegar treatments, offering holistic approaches for a healthier scalp and radiant hair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes dandruff and oily hair?
Dandruff is often caused by dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, infrequent cleaning, scalp psoriasis, and fungal infections. Oily hair results from excessive sebum production by sebaceous glands on the scalp.
Are homemade remedies effective for treating dandruff?
Several homemade remedies, such as lemon and curd treatment, fenugreek seeds, neem treatment, onion and honey mix, and baby hair oil application, are known for their effectiveness in treating dandruff.
How does tea tree oil help in reducing oil secretion in the scalp?
Tea tree oil possesses antimicrobial properties that help control excess oil secretion on the scalp. A head massage with tea tree oil or shampoo containing tea tree oil is beneficial.
Can daily shampooing prevent oily hair?
Daily shampooing effectively prevents oily hair as it keeps the hair clean, washing off excess oil from the scalp. However, it may not be suitable for those with dry roots.
How does beer help in avoiding greasy hair?
Beer can act as a natural cleanser to prevent a greasy head. Mixing two tablespoons of beer with water and applying it as a conditioner after shampooing helps slow down sebum production, keeping the hair less oily.
Is apple cider vinegar helpful in removing oil from hair?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is effective in removing oil from hair. Mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with water and using it as a hair conditioner after shampooing can reduce oiliness.
Can these natural methods be used for both dandruff and oily scalps?
Many natural methods, like fenugreek seeds, neem, and honey mix, can address dandruff and oily scalp issues. These remedies often have multiple benefits for overall scalp health.
How long does it take to see results with these home remedies?
Results may vary, but consistent use of these home remedies over a few weeks can show improvements in managing dandruff and reducing oiliness in the hair.
Can individuals with dry hair use these remedies?
Some remedies, like daily shampooing, may not be suitable for individuals with generally dry hair as it can lead to further dryness. Choosing remedies that suit your specific hair type and needs is essential.
Are there any precautions to consider when using these home remedies?
It’s advisable to perform patch tests before using new ingredients to avoid allergic reactions. Individuals with specific medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before trying these remedies.