Winter hair care: 5 home remedies to get rid of dandruff

You already have enough hair issues to cope with during the winter, including hair that is overly greasy, oily, falling out, rough and dry. Then there is the dreaded dandruff. Even though fungus, irritation, an oily scalp, and Malassezia—which feeds on oils on the scalp—are the causes of dandruff, it happens more frequently in the winter because the scalp is dry and irritated. Now if you are wondering how to get rid of dandruff, here are some natural cures for your hair woes.

In an exclusive chat with Health Shots, Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist, and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, shared natural remedies which can help you reduce dandruff, especially during winter season.

Home remedies to get rid of dandruff during winter

Dandruff can affect your hair health and even morale. Dr Kapoor says, “The medical name for dandruff is seborrhoea and it can damage the scalp and even cause hair fall.”

He adds, “It is a kind of a fungal infection and it can also be caused because of irregular brushing or hair washing, stress, Parkinson, wrong shampoo or not using shampoo. Winters make dandruff worse as the skin pH goes out of balance and makes the skin dry.”

Here are 5 simple winter home remedies to curb dandruff:

1. Coconut oil and lemon

The citric acid in lime cleanses the scalp and coconut oil nourishes it. Together these two ingredients help to prevent and eliminate dandruff.

Here’s how to use it: All you need is 2 tablespoons of warm coconut oil mixed with an equal quantity of lemon juice. Massage gently on the scalp and leave for 20 minutes before shampooing.

2. Almond oil and tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal and anti-microbial properties and is one of the best solutions to treat dandruff at home. It also helps to wash away dead skin and chemical buildup. While on the other hand almond oil helps to balance out the fungus and yeast which causes dandruff.

Here’s how to use it: Mix two drops of tea tree oil with 50ml of almond oil and massage onto the scalp gently. Wash with normal shampoo after 30 minutes.

3. Aloe vera and neem

Both have excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties and make an excellent combination to combat dandruff. They are also the best combination because they come with soothing and cooling properties.

Here’s how to use it: Blend 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 10-15 fresh neem leaves. Apply the smooth mix on your scalp and even on the hair and leave for 30 minutes. Wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Also read: Get rid of dandruff naturally by including these foods to your diet

4. Fenugreek hair mask with apple cider vinegar (ACV)

Fenugreek contains nicotinic acid content and protein which prevents dandruff and nourishes scalp. Hence it can boost hair growth as well. While on the other hand, ACV controls dandruff and strengthens hair, and balances the pH level of the scalp.

Here’s how to use it: Soak about 2 tablespoons of fenugreek leaves or seeds overnight and grind them in the morning. Add ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and mix well. Apply on the scalp and hair and leave it for half an hour. Wash with a good anti-dandruff shampoo and don’t forget to apply conditioner afterward.

5. Banana, lemon, and honey mask

These three ingredients cure dandruff, moisturize the hair and cleanse the scalp by clearing the build-up.

Here’s how to use it: Mash a banana, add a few drops of lemon, and a teaspoon of honey to make a mask. Apply on the scalp and wash after 30 minutes.

Make sure that you brush your hair and shampoo twice a week even in winter. If the dandruff is too severe then it is better to consult a dermatologist for immediate treatment.