Those tiny and pesky white flakes constantly falling from your head can hurt your confidence and self-esteem. Dandruff causes a constant itchy scalp and flakiness that can also cause greasy patches on your scalp with a tingling sensation. This condition weakens your scalp. This causes dry skin, sensitivity to certain hair products, and growth of a certain type of fungus.

Home remedies to treat dandruff

1. Apply tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is originally used to treat acne and psoriasis due to its effective anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help in treating dandruff gently and also fight the formation of fungus that causes seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. For better results, dilute a few drops of tea tree with coconut oil before applying.

2. Banana with apple cider vinegar
This powerful combination helps in eliminating dandruff without causing any irritation. Bananas are excellent sources of vitamin B that help in blood circulation to enhance skin health. Apple cider vinegar is a skin-friendly fungicide that kills germs that cause dandruff. Mash a banana with two cups of apple cider vinegar to make a paste. Apply it to your scalp and allow it to dry completely. Rinse off with a mild shampoo and water.

3. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that is soothing for the skin, and it cures burns, psoriasis, and sores. The antibacterial and antifungal properties in aloe vera wash away fungi that cause dandruff, leaving a soothing effect on your scalp. It reduces inflammation and relieves the symptoms of dandruff without any side-effects.

4. Consume omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful compounds that lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol levels, and support brain and heart health. A deficiency of this compound causes the formation of dandruff and dry skin. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps manage healthy oil production, regulates hydration, and reduces inflammation of the scalp. Consume foods like salmon, mackerel, and walnuts, apart from omega-3 supplements.

5. Neem juice
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of neem have medicinal properties to cure several skin issues. You can mix a few drops of neem juice with coconut oil and a few drops of lemon to make a hair mask. Apply it to the scalp and let it dry completely. Wash it off with water to achieve lustrous-looking hair that is free of dandruff.

6. Use baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate is a natural exfoliant that can remove excess and dead skin cells and oil from the scalp. It also has antifungal properties that help reduce dandruff to a great extent. However, it’s very high in pH levels that can strip your scalp of its natural oils and damage the scalp. Make sure to use it in moderation.

7. Ginger oil
Ginger has strong therapeutic properties that can treat various ailments safely and effectively. It is a natural cleanser that eliminates itchiness on the scalp and also fights the fungal bacteria responsible for causing dandruff. The preventive effects of ginger oil soothe the scalp and help retain natural oils for healthy-looking hair.