Kitchen Cabinet ITEMS:
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Its acidity helps fight the fungus and reduces scalp pH. Mix equal parts ACV and water, apply to scalp, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Baking Soda: A gentle exfoliant that can reduce fungus. Wet your hair, rub a handful of baking soda into your scalp, then rinse thoroughly.
Lemon Juice: Similar to ACV, its acidity helps balance pH. Apply 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to your scalp, rinse after a few minutes. (Can be drying, so follow with conditioner).
Olive Oil: An intensive moisturizer to combat dry, flaky skin. Massage warm olive oil into your scalp, leave on for 30+ minutes, then shampoo out.
Coconut Oil: Has antimicrobial and moisturizing properties. Massage into the scalp before shampooing and leave on for at least 30 minutes.
Tea Tree Oil: A powerful natural antifungal and antiseptic. Always dilute! Add a few drops to your shampoo or a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying.
Aloe Vera: Soothes an itchy, inflamed scalp and has antifungal properties. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the scalp 15-20 minutes before washing.
Salt: The coarse texture acts as a physical exfoliant to slough off flakes. Mix a tablespoon of salt into your shampoo and massage it into your scalp.
Spice Rack Remedies
Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds: A classic remedy that fights fungus and soothes the scalp. Soak 2 tablespoons of seeds overnight, grind into a paste, apply for 30 minutes, then rinse.
Neem Leaves: A potent antifungal and antibacterial herb. Crush neem leaves into a paste or boil them in water to use as a final rinse.
Garlic: Contains allicin, a strong antifungal compound. Crush a few cloves, mix with honey or oil to reduce irritation, apply for a short period (5-10 minutes), then shampoo thoroughly to remove the smell.
Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with oil to form a paste, apply for 15-20 minutes.
Healthy Fats & Diet Tweaks
Fish Oil (Omega-3s): Taking fish oil supplements can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the scalp.
Yogurt/Probiotics: Applying plain yogurt can introduce healthy bacteria to the scalp. Eating probiotics can also help balance your gut, which is linked to skin health.
Increase Zinc & B Vitamins: Ensure your diet includes nuts, whole grains, and leafy greens, as deficiencies in these can contribute to dandruff.
Simple Habit Changes
Use a Scalp Massager: Increases blood flow and helps loosen flakes when you shampoo.
Wash Your Hair More Frequently: For oily dandruff, this helps remove excess sebum and dead skin cells before they build up.
Wash Your Hair Less Frequently: For dry-scalp dandruff, overwashing can strip natural oils, making the problem worse.
Rinse Thoroughly: Shampoo and conditioner residue can build up and irritate the scalp.
Limit Hair Styling Products: Gels, sprays, and pomades can build up on the scalp and worsen dandruff.
Manage Stress: High stress can trigger or worsen dandruff. Try meditation, yoga, or exercise.
Get Some Sun: A few minutes of sunlight can help suppress the scalp fungus. Do not overdo it to avoid sun damage.
Other Common Household Items
Aspirin: Contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient in many dandruff shampoos. Crush two aspirin tablets into a powder and mix into your shampoo.
Mouthwash: The antifungal properties of alcohol-based mouthwash can help. Mix it with your regular shampoo or use as a rinse after shampooing.
Egg Mask: Packed with protein and sulfur, which can help strengthen hair and combat flakiness. Whisk an egg, apply to scalp and hair, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
