How to Get Rid of Dandruff & Itchy Scalp

How to Get Rid of Dandruff & Itchy Scalp

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that generally occurs during winters. The scalp starts to flake off in response to the cold and dry weather. As the condition goes unnoticed like other little things, you may experience chronic itching and inflammation.

Reasons for dandruff
Dandruff may occur because of external factors or an underlying health condition. If your dandruff doesn’t go away with a couple of head washes and regular oiling.

Dandruff can be treated effectively with various home remedies. These remedies are easy to follow and have long-lasting results. More on these remedies later in this article. But first, let’s understand Ayurveda’s perspective on dandruff: why it occurs and how it can be treated.

Here are some causes of dandruff in scalp:

Irregular head washes
The oil, dirt, and sweat build-up in your scalp must be washed off at least thrice a week. Not washing your head regularly can worsen the situation and lead to other scalp infections, especially if your scalp is prone to dandruff.

Scalp Allergy
Knowingly or unknowingly, you come in contact with an allergen, and the next thing you know, you can’t help scratching your head. The allergen or irritant may be pollen from a wildflower, water scales, or a hair product you weren’t supposed to use.

Weather
During winter, the humidity in the air decreases, and so does the number of hair washes per week, causing a double whammy effect on our scalp. As the scalp becomes dry, it flakes off as dandruff. Cold and dry weather is one of the major causes of itchy scalp. If you have a naturally dry scalp, it is recommended to put oil in your hair daily to prevent dryness and its implications.

Ayurvedic Perspective
A natural remedy works best when targeted at the root cause of the problem. Ayurveda’s perspective helps determine the underlying cause so that you can pursue the action for quick relief.

Making yourself aware of the underlying causes and corresponding treatments beforehand enables your body to respond to the treatment as intended – when you are mentally prepared to fight the ailment, the chances of the treatment working at the physical level may improve significantly.

That said, here’s what you must know before using natural remedies to treat itchy scalp and dandruff.

According to Ayurveda’s categorical study, dandruff is caused by an imbalance in all three Doshas.

While vitiated Pitta-Vata doshas cause dry dandruff, the imbalance in Vata-Kapha doshas leads to excess sebum production, causing wet dandruff.

These dosha imbalances lead to toxin accumulation in the deep tissues of the scalp. As a natural response, your body tries to eliminate contaminated epidermal cells, resulting in dandruff and an itchy scalp.

Now that you know what causes dandruff in the first place, here are a few natural remedies that can help you find relief or prevent the condition altogether.

Natural Remedies for Dandruff & Itchy Scalp
People who are highly likely to have dandruff must take pre-emptive measures to control it and avoid occasional flare-ups. Here are some natural remedies for dandruff and flaky scalp.

Lemon Juice
Lemon has high citric acid content, which helps fight fungal infections and excess sebum production that cause wet dandruff and itchy scalp. This natural remedy prevents flare-ups and nips the dandruff problem at the bud.

• Mix two spoons of lemon juice with one spoon of honey
• Apply the mixture onto your scalp and along the length of your hair
• Leave it on for 5-10 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water

Note: Do not leave lemon juice on your scalp for more than the recommended duration, as doing so might lead to dry and frizzy hair.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has excellent antifungal properties and a soothing effect on the scalp, making it a popular itchy scalp home remedy. It also nourishes the hair shaft and restores its natural luster.

• Apply aloe vera gel directly onto your scalp.
• Leave it for a few minutes, and then wash it using herbal shampoo.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and pH-balancing properties, making it perfect for dandruff treatment and preventing scalp infections.

• Take equal parts of ACV and water to prepare a mixture in a spray bottle.
• Spritz your hair with this mixture, followed by a gentle massage.
• Wait for 5 minutes, and then wash your hair with shampoo

Eat a Balanced Diet
Dandruff could result from a lack of nutrition. Ensure you eat a balanced diet rich in probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C.

A balanced diet alongside topical remedies has a double action on dandruff internally and externally.