Suffering from Dandruff? This Daily Hair Care Routine Will Change Your Life!

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by flaky and itchy skin, which can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. While there are many chemical based treatments available in the market, they often come with side effects and do not provide a long-term solution. 

Ayurveda, on the other hand, offers a natural and holistic approach to hair care that not only helps control dandruff but also promotes overall hair health. In this blog, we will be discussing an Ayurvedic hair care routine and effective remedies that will help you get rid of dandruff and achieve healthy, flake-free hair. 

What Causes Dandruff as per Ayurveda?

According to Ayurveda an imbalance in doshas in the body can lead to toxin accumulation in the deep tissues of the scalp. 

When the Pitta-Vata dosha balance is disturbed, dry dandruff develops, whereas an imbalance in the Vata-Kapha doshas promotes increased sebum production, resulting in wet dandruff.

Follow this Hair Care Routine to Control Dandruff

#1 Oil & Massage Hair Regularly

Massage your hair and scalp with suitable oils such as sesame, olive, coconut, or almond to stimulate the scalp,  nourish hair roots, and strengthen the hair shaft and reduce dandruff.

#2 Follow a Healthy Diet

Having a balanced diet, rich in protein, minerals and healthy fat along with carbs helps in better hair health. Avoid sugar as it depletes vitamin B, which is an essential component of an anti-dandruff diet. 

Dandruff is often attributed to candida yeast, and sugary foods promote the overgrowth of this yeast. So, reduce your sugar intake and avoid processed foods high in sugar that are way too sweet.

Note: Drink plenty of water to help keep the scalp hydrated and to flush out toxins from the body.

#3 Maintain Good Hair Hygiene

Wash your hair regularly after applying oil with gentle herbal shampoos. According to Ayurveda, it is recommended to use cold or lukewarm water to wash hair. Using very hot water can dry up your scalp and cause dandruff issues.

You can use herbal conditioners or hair masks once or twice a week that is made of natural ingredients like methi, curd, Triphala and hibiscus to improve scalp and hair health.

#4 Protect Your Hair When You Step Out

Use an umbrella, cap, or dupatta to protect your hair from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Exposure to extreme heat can damage the hair cuticle.

#5 Minimise the Use of Chemical Products

Avoid using hair products with harsh chemicals that lead to changing the pH of your scalp while also eliminating the protein layers from your hair and the natural oils from your scalp. Consider using Ayurvedic products instead, which are Silicone, Sulphate, and Paraben free and contain natural herbal components and essential oils.

#6 Avoid Unnecessary Stress & Anxiety

Practising yoga and meditation everyday for 10-15 minutes help avoid telogen effluvium and stress-induced hair loss. Stress can lead to excessive falling, premature greying, dry, dull-looking, lifeless appearance of hair. 

#7 Avoid Excessive Hair Styling Products

Try to stop using styling products like hair sprays, gels, etc. as they make your scalp greasy, They later get mixed with dead cells on the scalp forming oily dandruff (Kapha-Vata). The usage of hairdryers and chemical hair colours dry out the natural oils in the scalp causing Pitta-Vata type dandruff.

Home Remedies to Treat Dandruff

Remedy 1

Boil 10-15 Neem leaves in boiling water and let them overnight. Grind this into a fine paste and mix it with 1-2 tablespoons of Yoghurt. Apply this hair pack for 30 minutes and then rinse. Applying Neem Leaves to your hair on a regular basis will disinfect the dandruff-causing fungus on your hair and scalp.

Remedy 2

Mix 2 Egg Whites with freshly-squeezed juice of 1 Lime. Mix them together and apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave to rest for 30 minutes. Wash your hair thoroughly with a mild Ayurvedic shampoo. The egg white will offer protein to your hair and scalp, while the vitamin C from the lime will increase circulation to the scalp.

Remedy 3

Apply 2 teaspoons of baking soda directly to damp hair. Massage it gently in circular motions. Allow it to rest for 2-3 minutes before rinsing with a mild hair shampoo. Baking soda removes extra dead cells from the scalp's surface while also decreasing irritation and inflammation, making it the preferred natural scalp treatment for dandruff.

Remedy 4

Mix Amla powder with water to form a thin paste. Add a paste of 8-10 Tulsi leaves. Generously apply this paste onto your scalp and leave it to rest for 30 minutes. Use a gentle hair cleaner to remove it. Amla's high vitamin C content and Tulsi's antimicrobial properties aid in eliminating dandruff.

Remedy 5

Soak 2 teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds overnight in a bowl of water. Blend the soaked Fenugreek seeds in the morning to form a fine paste. Mix it with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply it on your scalp and hair ends. After 30 minutes, rinse with a gentle hair cleaner. This mask helps to restore the health of your scalp and prevent dandruff.

Remedy 6

Add 2-3 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with equal parts water. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 3-5 minutes and rinse it off with  water. This mask balances the scalp's natural pH level and reduces dandruff.

Remedy 7 

Add 5-10 drops of Tea Tree oil to 5 tablespoons of virgin Coconut oil in a bowl. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair and leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse with a gentle hair shampoo. Coconut oil is well-known for its ability to hydrate and moisturise the skin. It also aids in the battle against fungus, and its antibacterial properties aid in the treatment of eczema.

Conclusion

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to hair care and provides natural remedies to control dandruff. Incorporating an Ayurvedic hair care routine in your daily routine can help you achieve healthy and dandruff-free hair. 

The use of natural ingredients such as neem, fenugreek, and coconut oil can help to nourish the scalp and provide relief from dandruff. Additionally, regular oil massages and maintaining a balanced diet can also aid in reducing dandruff. By following these Ayurvedic tips, you can not only control dandruff but also achieve beautiful, luscious locks.