Dandruff sucks. You can’t wear black, you’re constantly itching, and it can be a total confidence killer. If you’ve tried all the dandruff shampoos with no luck and the unwanted snowfall is ruining your life.

 

Here’s how you can skip avoid some extremely embarrassing situations (and expensive shampoos) and find an effective cure for your dandruff in the kitchen

 

1. Fenugreek aka Methi

Fenugreek seeds contain protein and nicotinic which are extremely useful for treating hair fall, dandruff, and numerous scalp issues. Fenugreek seeds are praised for their anti-fungal properties and thus are effective in moisture balance, decreasing scalp build up, and eliminating dandruff and scalp infections. To use: Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in hot water overnight. In the morning, grind the softened seeds into a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and leave on for an hour before shampooing.

2. Coconut oil

Using coconut oil to cure dandruff is an ancient remedy that has been working for centuries. However, oil does not work for everyone and for some it can make dandruff works. Proponents of coconut oil as a natural dandruff remedy claim that by moisturizing the scalp, it helps to restore scalp health and reduce flaking. Always use virgin coconut oil and only keep it on for 20 minutes.

3. Salt

Beyond diminishing dandruff flakes, salt promotes circulation on your head and soaks up excess moisture. Before your next shampoo and conditioning, create several parts within your hair and apply two teaspoons of salt directly to the scalp. Massage and let it sit for 10 minutes before shampooing.

4. Baking soda

Baking soda acts as a scrub and exfoliates the scalp gently and removes dead skin without irritating it. Exfoliation is essential to ensure there is no build-up of flakes on the scalp that make dandruff visible. To use: wet your hair and then rub a handful of baking soda vigorously into your scalp. Skip the shampoo and go right to rinsing. Baking soda reduces overactive fungi that can cause dandruff.

5. Neem leaves

Neem has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties that are great for fighting dandruff. To use: take about 50 neem leaves and boil them in two liters of water until the water becomes green and the leaves soften and lose their color. Strain the leaves and cool the liquid. This neem water can be used as a hair rinse to treat dandruff.

6. Apple cider vinegar

The acidic content of apple cider vinegar restores moisture content of the scalp, which in turn controls the growth of fungus on the scalp. Its acidic content also maintains the pH balance of the skin, thus its use removes build-up from the scalp without stripping natural oils. To use: mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

7. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is super popular when it comes to fighting fungal and bacterial infections. All anti-acne and anti-fungal medications boast of tea tree oil due to its effectiveness. Add a drop or two of tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash normally and notice quick results.

8. Garlic

The pungent smell of garlic may make this a no-no for some, but the medicinal value is totally worth it and cannot be overlooked. Garlic is immensely beneficial as an anti-fungal natural product and the benefits of raw or crushed garlic have successfully been curing dandruff for centuries. To use: Grind a clove or two of fresh garlic and mix it with a couple of drops of water to make it into a smooth paste. Apply to the scalp, leave on for 20 minutes and rinse.

9. Yogurt

The cure for your dandruff may be sitting in your refrigerator. Live culture in yogurt helps prevent dandruff-causing bacteria. To use: dampen your scalp with water,  then generously apply yogurt to the scalp. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes to allow the yogurt’s antibacterial properties fight the dandruff, then rinse thoroughly.

10. Orange peel

Now that kinnow season is upon us, use those peels for good use. The anti-inflammatory properties of orange peel help to soothe the scalp and keep it free from infection and the vitamin C promotes growth and circulation. To use: grind the peel of one orange until it is a smooth paste. Apply the paste to your scalp and leave on for 30 minutes before washing with a mild shampoo.

11. Aloe vera

Not only is aloe vera cooling but also mildly exfoliates the skin and has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. To use: Extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera plant. Apply it directly to the scalp, leave on for 20 minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo.

 

Use these to get rid of that flakey scalp!