Home treatment for dandruff: Should one use hair oil when having dandruff?

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is actually dry skin that has been shed from your scalp. This dry skin appears almost scaly and flaky. Though not a health problem, it can be embarrassing to have white flakes in your hair and on your clothes.

What causes dandruff? Usually, the presence of a small amount of dead skin is normal. It is only when there is a large amount of dead skin on the scalp that dandruff becomes a problem. Dandruff is usually caused when you expose your scalp to extreme temperatures. It can develop on the scalp if the temperature is either too hot or too cold. There are several other triggers for dandruff. Let us take a look at some of them:

• An excessively oily or dry scalp can result in dandruff formation.
• Increased bacterial activity in the scalp can lead to dandruff.
• Extreme weather conditions are also associated with formation of dead skin that breaks out in flakes.

Home remedies for dandruff. There are several home remedies for treating dandruff, some of which are:

• Ferment a small bowl of curd for a few days. Apply this fermented curd to your scalp. Let the curd dry for some time before washing it off. The curd cleans the scalp and removes dandruff. It also makes your hair shiny.
• Instead of curd, vinegar can also be used for removing dandruff. Dilute the vinegar by adding two parts of it with six parts of warm water. Rinse your scalp with this water and allow the solution to remain in your hair overnight. In the morning, wash it off. Keep repeating this process twice a week for as long as it takes for the dandruff to disappear.
• Olive oil is considered excellent for combating dandruff. Mix some olive oil and ginger juice and apply it on your scalp. This not only takes care of the dandruff but gives your hair a glossy sheen while making the scalp healthy.
• If you can get your hands on some sandal wood essential oil, mix it with some lemon juice and massage into your scalp. Mix one part of sandalwood oil with three parts of lemon oil for maximum benefits.
• If you have an aloe vera plant in your home, slice a leaf and apply the fresh gel on your scalp. If your dandruff has been caused by bacteria, aloe vera can help treat this.

answered by G M

Natural Cure for Dandruff

Pityrospora or malassezia, a group of fungus, similar to yeast, is responsible for dandruff. Uncontrolled growth, as a result of hormonal imbalance, improper cleaning, decreased shampooing, stress and increased oil production result in dandruff. You ar eright in saying that oil fails to go hand in hand with dandruff, as dead cells are produced as a result of inflammation. The white and flaky nature of dandruff indicates the clumping together of the oil with the dead cells. But, certain oils are beneficial against dandruff.

Tea tree oil is one such oil, used for its antiseptic and fungistatic properties. Deficiency of biotin is thought to bring about dandruff growth. Quarter cup of apple cider vinegar is mixed to half a cup of water in a spray bottle. The solution is sprayed and wrapped with a towel.

A massage with coconut oil is also equally helpful, as the circulation to the scalp is enhanced, thereby decreasing the production of dead cells. Spraying the pillow with a solution of three essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile and tea tree oil is also an effective remedy. Pure emu oil is of great help, due to its moisturizing property. Gels and sprays are better avoided.

answered by Dr C