The temperature is dropping gradually and if you are not careful, the cold air can take a serious toll on your health and hair. The colder the months get more dandruff starts to appear on the scalp. This is mainly caused due to dryness of the scalp and makes the scalp itchy as the weather zaps moisture out of our hair and scalp.
It is caused in winters mainly due to the following factors:
- Air temperature: The drying forces of cold winter air and overheated indoor spaces can upset moisture balances in the skin.
- Oily scalp: Having an oily scalp can be a major factor too. That’s because the yeast linked to dandruff feed on the oil (sebum) on your skin and scalp. They thrive when there’s more of it present, making this condition more likely when you have an oilier scalp.
- Seasonal stress: Some people experience greater stress and fatigue during the winter, which can trigger scalp conditions.
- Winter allergies: As exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites and mold increases, winter allergies can kick in.
- Imbalances in the body: Changes in diet and seasonal hormonal variation may also play a role.
- Inefficient cleaning of hair: You can experience dandruff if you stop washing your hair. If you do not shampoo daily, the health of your scalp is compromised by bacterial scalp build up and excess oil.
Here are some at home remedies that can help you with managing stubborn dandruff at home:
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Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is used as a remedy for various fungal and bacterial conditions since it has antimicrobial properties, which means it can kill and stop microorganisms like fungus (dandruff) from growing.
Put a few drops of the oil into your usual shampoo each time you wash your hair, and then shampoo as normal.
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Apple Cider Vinegar
While many people orally ingest apple cider vinegar for health benefits, it can also be used topically. It helps get rid of dandruff since it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which kills the dandruff-causing yeast. Also, it's an astringent, which means that it shrinks pores and removes excess oil.
Similar to tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar should not be used for dandruff in its undiluted form. You can dilute it with water and apply it to the scalp, letting it sit for about five minutes before rinsing it out.
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Coconut Oil & Coffee
Coconut oil is known to nourish the hair, improve hydration, reduce fungus and even prevent scalp irritation. Coffee is great for your skin and hair. Coffee has the ability to clean and exfoliate the scalp, ridding it of bacteria and fungi that cause dandruff. It also contains antioxidants, which can fight free radicals and prevent hair damage.
To use, heat the coconut oil and add the coffee powder, mixing well to form a smooth paste. Allow it to cool. Apply it to the length of your hair, the roots, and the scalp. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes before washing your hair with a gentle shampoo.
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Aloe Vera & Garlic
The effective anti-bacterial properties of aloe vera are also widely known. Apart from acting as the best remedy for dandruff, aloe vera mildly exfoliates and nourishes the scalp as well. Garlic is rich in antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These properties can aid in the treatment of scalp infections, which is one of the leading causes of dandruff. Garlic is also high in vitamin A and C, fibre, magnesium, selenium, and amino acids, all of which are beneficial to hair health.
To use, make a paste with 3 tablespoons of aloe vera and 2 tablespoons of garlic. Apply this to your scalp for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with a mild shampoo.
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Neem
The anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidants properties of neem are used to treat hair dandruff, scalp buildup, getting frizz-free hair and hair nourishment.
You can mix neem powder with honey/ lemon/ curd/ fenugreek seeds, etc. to make a dandruff-free hair mask. Additionally, you can simply boil 30-40 leaves in 1 litre of water and then reduce it to half and use this neem water to apply to the scalp and leave on for 30 mins before your shampoo.
Although dandruff can be a difficult problem to deal with, a variety of natural remedies may reduce symptoms and provide relief.
However, if these remedies don’t work, consult a dermatologist to find out whether other treatment options may be necessary to provide long lasting relief.
