Ayurvedic Solutions for Dandruff and Itchy Scalp: Your Ultimate Guide

Ayurvedic
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Dandruff is a common scalp condition faced by most people. This is caused due to the excess shedding of dead skin from the scalp, i.e., the scalp skin dries and flakes off and gets accumulated with oil and dirt blocking the pores and causing itchiness and flaky dust. In this condition, if left untreated, dandruff can build up, weakening the hair root and causing hair loss and hair thinning issues. 

In this blog, we have listed an overall overview of the causes of ayurvedic ingredients and remedies to put dandruff and itchy scalp conditions at bay.

What Causes Dandruff & Itchy Scalp?

  • Heat & Styling: Intense use of heat from hair styling products like straighteners and curlers.

  • Skin Conditions: Medical conditions such as psoriasis, scalp eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis.

  • Diet: A poor diet deficient in nutrients.

  • Mental Stress: Mental stress can include anxiety, depression, fatigue, improper sleeping, and a lack of motivation.

  • Poor Hygiene: Irregular washing of hair leads to the accumulation of dirt and build-up from products containing parabens, formaldehyde, and sulfates.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Treating Dandruff

#1 Neem

Neem contains antifungal and antiviral properties, which help you fight dandruff and is the main ingredient in most herbal shampoos.

Neem Oil

Take a few drops of neem oil and massage the scalp and leave the oil overnight and wash it off with a mild shampoo.

Neem Hair pack

Make a paste of neem leaves and mix it with 2-3 tablespoons of curd. Apply all over your scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off clearly with water.

#2 Methi or Fenugreek

Methi (also called methika) or fenugreek contains anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties and is considered a top remedy to control dandruff and itchy scalp.

Methi Oil

Heat a few tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in coconut oil, strain it and keep it aside to cool. Massage your scalp with the oil for almost 15-20 minutes and wash off with mild shampoo.

Methi Hair pack

Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds overnight and grind it into a paste. Add ingredients like henna, lime juice or yoghurt which are good to treat dandruff and mix them into a paste. Apply the paste onto your scalp and wash off with a mild Ayurvedic Shampoo after 30 minutes.

#3 Lemon

Lemon contains vitamin C, zinc, and Flavonoids, and is an antioxidant with antifungal and antibacterial properties making it ideal for an anti-dandruff treatment and helps to balance the pH, fight fungal infections and control excess sebum production on the scalp.

Lemon Hair Pack 1

Mix a few drops of lemon with olive oil and fresh ginger juice. Apply this mixture on your scalp and rinse it off after 15 to 20 minutes. 

Lemon Hair Pack 2

Take equal quantities of lemon peel powder, Multani mitti and sandalwood powder and make it into a paste with a few drops of water or oil. Apply the mixture on your scalp and wash it off after 15- 20 minutes.

Lemon Hair Pack 3

Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with a spoonful of honey. Apply to your scalp and hair and wash it off after 5-10 minutes in lukewarm water.

Note: Do not leave lemon juice on your scalp for more than the recommended duration, due to acidic properties that can lead to hair greying.

#4 Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent that contains anti-bacterial and antifungal properties that gives a soothing effect on the scalp, making it an effective remedy to treat itchy scalp and dandruff.

Aloe vera Hair Pack

Extract the gel from the aloe vera leaf and crush it into a paste. Apply it directly onto your scalp and wash it off after 15-20 minutes with a herbal shampoo.

#5 Amla

Amla or Indian gooseberry is one of the strongest sources of vitamin C containing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is an effective remedy for treating dandruff-laden scalp.

Amla Oil

Take a few drops of Amla oil and gently apply and massage your scalp. Wash it off after 30- 60 minutes with a gentle shampoo.

Amla Hair Pack 1

Take 2 tablespoons of amla powder and mix it with curd. Apply it on your scalp and leave the mixture on for around half an hour and then wash your hair.

Amla Hair Pack 2

Take 3 tablespoons of amla powder and add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and some water. Mix it well into a paste and apply it to your scalp and hair. Wash the pack off with a mild shampoo after 30-60 minutes.

#6 Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help control dandruff and reduce scalp inflammation and itchiness, providing an overall soothing effect.

Tea Tree Oil Mixture

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a suitable carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Apply and massage it onto your scalp for a couple of minutes and wash your head with lukewarm water.

#7 Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and pH-balancing properties, making it perfect for dandruff treatment and preventing scalp infections. It helps remove dead skin cells and balance the scalp's pH.

Apple Cider Vinegar Pack

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with the same amount of water. Apply on your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing your hair with clear water.

#8 Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild exfoliator that helps remove dead skin from the scalp and eliminate fungal infections. It's an excellent pre-shampoo treatment to control dandruff and itching.  

Baking Soda Hair Pack

Mix baking soda and water and apply them on your scalp. Allow it to sit for a few moments before washing it with a hydrating hair conditioner.

Note: Baking soda may be rather drying to the hair, so use it moderately.

Conclusion

Dandruff and itchy scalp can be effectively controlled and treated by following the remedies listed in this blog. Additionally, consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B and zinc, can help to prevent dandruff.

It is important to note that Ayurvedic remedies may take longer to show results than chemical-based products but they are safe, natural and effective in the long run.