Nothing is more vexing than an irritated and sensitive scalp, which frequently causes flaky shedding or dandruff. While dietary deficiencies, stress, and other hormonal conditions are all potential causes that require medical attention, dandruff is often weather-induced and results from scalp oil imbalances. We spoke with haircare experts, including a top dermatologist and a top hairstylist, to compile a list of tried-and-true scalp purifying hair remedies you can make at home to reduce dandruff and soothe an irritated scalp.
10 Best Hair Mask for Dandruff
1. Yoghurt, Honey, And Lemon Mask
An effective homemade hair mask for dandruff, Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can aid in the pH balance of your hair. Studies show that Yoghurt can help to repair and condition damaged hair. Another study reflects that topical honey application can help treat conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
You Will Need:
- 1/2 cup yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Processing Time:
30 minutes
Process:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
- With this mixture, begin at the roots and work your way down to the tips of your hair.
- Wait 30 minutes after the mask has completely covered your scalp and hair
- Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo to remove the hair mask.
How Often?
Once or twice a week.
2. Green Tea And Peppermint Essential Oil Hair Rinse
According to research, Green tea contains antifungal properties that can help remove the Malassezia fungus, which causes dandruff. Another research pointed out that Peppermint essential oil has a cooling effect and aids in dandruff removal. The vinegar in the rinse helps to balance the scalp's pH and oil production.
You Will Need:
- 1 cup of green tea
- 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Processing Time:
5 minutes
Process:
- Combine the ingredients in a jug and set aside.
- Rinse your hair with cold water, then thoroughly add the green tea and rinse.
- Allow the rinse to sit for 5 minutes on your scalp while massaging it.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to wash and condition your hair.
How Often?
Once a week.
3. Hibiscus And Fenugreek Hair Pack
According to one study, hibiscus leaves have been used to treat scalp conditions such as dandruff. Regarded as one of the best hair mask for dandruff, polyherbal hair oil containing hibiscus extracts was discovered to have anti-dandruff activity. Fenugreek seed paste can be used to treat dandruff as well as promote hair growth.
You Will Need:
- 10-12 hibiscus leaves
- 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 cup yoghurt
Processing Time:
30 minutes
Process:
- Soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water overnight.
- In the morning, combine the fenugreek seeds and hibiscus leaves.
- Mix in half a cup of yoghurt until the mixture forms a smooth, consistent paste.
- Start at the roots and work your way down to the tips of your hair with this hair pack.
- Wait 30 minutes after your scalp and hair are completely covered in the mask.
- Remove the hair mask with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.
How Often?
2-3 times a week.
4. Banana, Honey, Lemon, And Olive Oil
This is an excellent hair mask for people who have dry hair. Studies show that Bananas can help condition your hair and keep dandruff at bay. Olive oil can soften and strengthen your hair. According to another study, Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help balance the pH of your hair. Honey can aid in the reduction of dandruff.
You Will Need:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Processing Time:
30 minutes
Process:
- In a mixing bowl, mash two ripe bananas until they form a lump-free paste.
- To the mashed banana, add a tablespoon of olive oil, honey, and lemon juice (each). To make a smooth paste, thoroughly combine all of the ingredients.
- Allow this to sit on your scalp and hair for 30 minutes.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair.
How Often?
Once a week.
5. Avocado Hair Mask For Dandruff
Avocados are high in antioxidants, which promote scalp health. Research shows that this deep conditioning mask calms the scalp and restores hair lustre. Olive oil softens and strengthens hair.
You Will Need:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Processing Time:
45 minutes
Process:
- In a bowl, mash a ripe avocado with a fork until it is completely smooth.
- To the mashed avocado, add two tablespoons each of honey and olive oil. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Start at the roots and work your way down to the tips of your hair with this hair pack.
- Wait 45 minutes after your scalp and hair are completely covered in the mask.
- Remove the hair mask with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.
How Often?
Once a week.
6. Coconut Oil For Dandruff
According to a study, Coconut oil has been shown to alleviate mild to moderate atopic dermatitis symptoms. As a result, it may also aid in the removal of dandruff. Coconut oil easily penetrates the hair shaft and reduces hair damage. It is one of the most commonly used homemade hair mask for dandruff.
You Will Need:
3 tablespoons coconut oil
Processing Time:
45 minutes
Process:
- Heat the coconut oil until it is just warm.
- With your fingertips, begin massaging the warm coconut oil into your scalp.
- Massage your scalp for about 10-15 minutes, and then work the remainder of the oil into your hair.
- Wait another 30 minutes with the oil in your hair.
- After 30 minutes, wash the oil away with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
How Often?
1-2 times a week.
7. Egg And Yogurt Hair Mask For Dandruff
Your scalp will benefit from the nourishment and moisture provided by eggs and yoghurt. If you have mild dandruff, all you need is a little extra conditioning and nourishment to get rid of it.
You Will Need:
- 2 egg whites (oily hair)/ 2 egg yolks (dry hair)/ 1 whole egg (normal hair)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Processing Time:
20 minutes
Process:
- Whisk the ingredients in a mixing bowl until they are uniform.
- Start at the roots and work your way down to the tips of your hair with this hair pack.
- Wait 20 minutes after your scalp and hair are completely covered in the mask.
- Remove the hair mask with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo. Use cool water to rinse your hair because hot/warm water can 'cook' the egg.
How Often?
Once a week.
8. Fenugreek Hair Mask For Dandruff
Fenugreek is one of the most commonly used dandruff remedies. A 2013 study shows that it has potent antifungal properties that improve scalp health and combat dandruff. It is one of the best hair mask for dandruff.
You Will Need:
- 4 tablespoons fenugreek seeds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Processing Time:
30 minutes
Process:
- 4 tablespoons fenugreek seeds soaked in water overnight
- Blend the seeds with water in the morning to make a smooth paste.
- To this paste, add one tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Start at the roots and work your way down to the tips of your hair with this hair pack.
- Wait 30 minutes after your scalp and hair are completely covered in the mask.
- Remove the hair mask with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.
How Often?
Once a week.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Mask For Dandruff
According to research, Apple cider vinegar can be used to not only reduce dandruff but also to clean your scalp and hair of product buildup. It also restores the scalp's pH balance.
You Will Need:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
Processing Time:
15 minutes
Process:
- In a spray bottle, combine water and apple cider vinegar.
- Wait 15 minutes after sprinkling the solution all over your hair and scalp.
- Wash and condition your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo.
How Often?
Twice a week.
10. Egg Yolk And Olive Oil Hair Mask For Dandruff
According to one study, the fatty acids and vitamin A in egg yolk keep your hair shiny and prevent dandruff. On the other hand, olive oil helps condition your hair and contributes to scalp health.
You Will Need:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Processing Time:
1 hour
Process:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ingredients until smooth.
- Start at the roots and work your way down to the tips of your hair with this hair pack.
- Wait an hour after your scalp and hair have been completely covered in the mask.
- Remove the hair mask with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo. Rinse your hair with cool/lukewarm water.
How Often?
1-2 times a week.
Takeaway
Dandruff can irritate your scalp by making it itchy and flaky. It can be caused by a fungal infection, a dry scalp, stress, or poor scalp hygiene. Dealing with dandruff is a difficult task. You can, however, try a few home remedies to get rid of dandruff in the comfort of your own home. Hair masks for dandruff, for example, may provide temporary relief, nourish your hair from the roots, and condition it.
Following the recipes and methods discussed in the article can assist you in dealing with your dandruff problem. If these do not produce any results, consult your doctor.
References
- Abdel Naser Zaid, July 2017; Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for the treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/
- Mara Therese Padilla Evangelista MD, December 2013; The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ijd.12339
- K. P. Sampath Kumar, Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Banana - https://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue3/Issue_sept_2012/9.1.pdf
- Hyun Kyu Kim, June 2019; Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis Associated with Malassezia sympodial by Green Tea Extracts Bath Therapy: A Pilot Study - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408302/
