Embarrassed by those unsightly white flakes on your hair and black clothes? There are some tried and tested ways to get rid of dandruff permanently and instantly which do not always involve hair washing! Let us discuss some of these ways and methods to clear dandruff quickly.
1. Try the good old hair brush
Bend forward and brush your hair with a good hair brush. This will loosen the flakes and clear dandruff instantly without washing the hair. However; this method might still bring back the dandruff. So you need to use other remedies and treatment options.
2. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo
This one involves washing hair, unfortunately! Zinc pyrithione shampoos like Head and Shoulders are effective in getting rid of dandruff in one wash. Rinse with vinegar or lemon juice post shampooing.
3. Apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide
A mixture of apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (1 part each) mixed with 10 parts water is the perfect remedy to get rid of dandruff and hair fall. Apply the mixture to the hair and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wash off with warm water. You can also wipe off with a towel if you do not wish to wash your hair. Worry not the smell of vinegar and peroxide will vanish soon. Repeat treatment bi-weekly to eliminate dandruff completely.
4. White vinegar
Spray some distilled white vinegar on the hair and allow to rest for a few minutes. This will remove dandruff instantly and you do not even have to wash it.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is antifungal and gets rid of the fungus that causes flaking and itching. Apply warm oil to the scalp and massage gently for 10 minutes. Leave the mixture on the hair for an hour or overnight and then wash off with mild shampoo. You can also add a few drops of vitamin E oil to the coconut oil. This remedy gets rid of dandruff and hair fall permanently when used regular for 4 weeks. If you do not wish to wash your hair, simply let the oil sit in hair as a deep conditioner.
6. Baking soda
A great way to get rid of dandruff is to apply baking soda mixed with water or apple cider vinegar all over the scalp. Let the mixture sit on the hair for a few minutes before rinsing clean.
7. Borax
Mix some borax powder with water and massage the hair and scalp with it. Wash off after a few hours. Repeat weekly to get rid of dandruff fast and permanently.
8. Essential oils
Many essential oils like tea tree oil, rosemary oil and lavender or chamomile oils can get rid of dandruff naturally. Mix the oil of your choice with your shampoo or coconut oil. Massage onto hair and scalp. Wash off as usual. Repeat bi-weekly to get rid of itchiness and hair fall permanently.
9. Cold showers
Hot showers aggravate flaking and itchiness of scalp. Use cold water for washing scalp to improve blood circulation and fight dandruff naturally.
10. Candida cleanse diet
If you have overgrowth of Candida, you will suffer from yeast infections and dandruff. So go on a cleansing diet. Eliminate sugar completely. Avoid sodas, artificial foods, dyes, preservatives etc.
11. Supplements
Many supplements can help overcome underlying nutritional deficiencies to fight flaking and itching of scalp and give you great looking hair. Take zinc, B-complex, Omega 3 essential fatty acids etc. Talk to a doctor about the right supplements for you.
12. Quit using SLS shampoos
SLS is sodium laureth sulfate. It is a surfactant that gives lather to shampoos. This harsh chemical leaves product buildup on the scalp and aggravates flaking and itchiness. Switch to SLS and paraben free organic shampoos. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, rosemary oil etc.
13. Fenugreek seeds paste
Indian doctors practicing Ayurveda recommend this remedy to get rid of dandruff permanently. Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds in water and leave them overnight. Make a paste of the seeds with some plain yogurt. Rub this into the scalp. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo to get rid of dandruff permanently.
14. Use Neem oil
Neem has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which can help treat ringworm and other causes of flaking and itchiness. Apply neem oil to scalp regularly to fight all kinds of hair and scalp issues.
15. Lemon juice rinse
As a final rinse, add juice from half a lemon or lime to the water. Rinse with this solution. Avoid going out in the sun, as this remedy can bleach your hair.
16. Avoid sun exposure
Try to stay indoors during peak summer between 10 am to 4 pm. If needed, use a hat or scarf. Protect your head from extreme heat.
17. Make lifestyle changes
Quit smoking. Drink plenty of water. Exercise regularly to curb stress. Sleep for 8 hours at night as stress can also cause dandruff and hair fall.
18. Dietary changes
A healthy diet is very necessary for dandruff free scalp. Eat more fruits and vegetables and try eliminating all processed food, junk food etc.
19. Yoga
Practice yoga poses every day. The important ones are head stand, shoulder stand and sun salutations. These are complete body work out and they engage your mind as well.
20. Homeopathic remedies
Take homeopathic remedies as follows for getting rid of flaking and itchiness naturally.
- Sepia-Oily and moist scalp and dandruff
- Graphite-Scaly itchy scalp
- Sulfur-For very severe dandruff
- Thuja-For white, scaly dandruff
- Phosphorus-Red, itchy scalp
- Ammonium Mur-For predominant itching
- Calcarea sul-for yellow color dandruff
Try these 20 easy ways to get rid of dandruff permanently.