Itchy scalps, snowstorms of flakes fluttering to your shoulder, and that awful earwax smell...there’s nothing charming about dandruff, and right at the top of the list of complaints about this oh-so-common affliction is the fact that it keeps. Coming. Back. Sure, you can stock up on your anti-dandruff shampoo, but those harsh chemicals aren’t exactly good for your hair, or the environment.
Here are four simple natural remedies to treat for and protect your scalp from the attack of the flakes. Please note that different ones work for different people, so try'em out and stick with the one that suits you best.
When life gives you lemons…
One of the factors that cause dandruff is a pH imbalance in your scalp. Our skin is naturally on the acidic side, and the citrus juice goes a long way towards restoring that balance. In addition, lemons are also a great natural astringent, cleaning out the grease that builds up on your scalp after a sweaty day.
Apply two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into your scalp and massage it in about 10 minutes before you hit the shower. If your skin is a bit on the sensitive side, add equal parts of distilled water to your lemon juice and spritz into your hair pre-shower.
Hittin’ the cider
If lemon juice isn’t quite strong enough, apple cider vinegar packs a good pH restoring punch. It also zaps out the dead cells, as well as any fungal or bacterial attacks on your scalp, leaving your hair noticeably softer and shinier.
Since ACV is so acidic, you definitely want to water it down. Pour into a spray bottle and pump away, from root to tip. Leave on for five minutes before you shampoo it off, and voila! You have that salon shine.
Tea time
If there’s a skin product that just keeps on giving, it’s tea tree oil. Available at Bodyline, Bangla Shoppers and some stores on Kaymu, the oil tackles both fungal and bacterial causes for dandruff and soothes your itchy scalp. And it smells good too!
Simply add a few drops to your favourite shampoo, and lather away!
Oh honey!
Raw honey is another miracle product that feels good, smells good, soothes and moisturises. Whether or not you have dandruff, it’s a great ingredient for a hair mask, leaving you with lustrous locks.
Simply mix one part honey to two parts coconut or olive oil, heat it till it’s warm enough to spread, and then apply generously to your scalp. Bundle up your hair and leave the mask on for half an hour before you shampoo, and you’ll have gleaming tresses in no time.
