It depends on the severity of dandruff and your individual scalp needs. While daily shampooing can help manage dandruff in some people, it may not be necessary for others and may even make the condition worse. Over shampooing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and flaking.

Causes of dandruff

Dandruff may have several causes and differ from person to person, while the most common causes are:

  • Irritated and oily skin.
  • Not maintaining clean hygiene and not shampooing enough, as it causes skin cells to accumulate and create flakes and itching.
  • A reaction of our immune system to a type of yeast that lives on the skin called a Malassezia globosa
  • Hormonal issues may be involved because dandruff is most found after puberty in young adults.
  • Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis).
  • Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.

Shampooing hair every day.

 Frequent washing with a regular shampoo is the most important treatment for dandruff. Use regular shampoo to remove the scales as quickly as they form. In addition, the detergents in the shampoo will cause smaller, less visible flakes to shed. Some people mistakenly think that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp that will improve by shampooing infrequently or by applying oily substances to the scalp. This will actually aggravate the condition by preventing the shedding of cells. If frequent washing with a regular shampoo does not control dandruff, try a dandruff shampoo. Choose products with effective ingredients (check labels):

  • Very effective: Nizoral 1% (active ingredient: ketoconazole) is an antifungal shampoo that helps reduce the number of yeast micro-organisms present on the scalp
  • Moderately effective: salicylic acid and sulfur (selenium sulfide)

Dermatologists recommend alternating a regular shampoo with an antifungal shampoo when dandruff appears. Dandruff shampoos may need to be used routinely to control dandruff. As symptoms improve, you may use dandruff shampoos less frequently. Hair washing method is important in treating dandruff. Lather the hair twice and on the second lather, leave the shampoo on the hair for five minutes (or as directed on the shampoo label) before rinsing to give the medicine time to work properly. The frequency of shampooing necessary to control dandruff varies from person to person. Some need to shampoo twice a week, others more frequently, even daily. Many people forget that the scalp as well as the hair needs to be shampooed. Massaging the scalp to promote circulation may be beneficial, but scrubbing the scalp may be harmful.

Make your shampooing more effective.

While washing your hair if you plan to use the brush at the time of shampooing, it can help for better cleansing and moisturization. With the scalp buildup removed or loosened, the shampoo can work better to clean your scalp and reduce the signs of dandruff. 

Preventing measures against dandruff.

Prevention is better than cure, and in the case of dandruff, it is very apt. Because a good hair care routine can avoid the onset of dandruff. The following steps can help dandruff prevention:

  • Regular brushing of hair and washing them at least three times a week with a good quality shampoo that suits your skin type is necessary. After washing your hair, it is recommended to rinse it thoroughly to get all the shampoo out.
  • Anti Dandruff Shampoos that contain tea tree oil or an active compound like Zinc Pyrithione helps in dandruff prevention as well as reducing it. It is because of the antifungal and antiseptic properties of Zinc Pyrithione which is also one of the major ingredients in Head and Shoulders shampoo.
  • Gently massage your scalp and do not scratch your scalp when using shampoo. It can damage your scalp that can result in an infection.
  • Chemical-based products should be avoided on your scalp. The chemicals can wash away the good bacteria that are present on your scalp. These bacteria help fight against dandruff causing yeasts.
  • Hair products such as hair gels and hair sprays can adversely react to your skin type and these products are also responsible for building up oils that can irritate your scalp. Hence, it is advised to always check if the product is suitable for your skin type by avoiding the use for some time to see if your dandruff improves.
  • Stress is a major cause of creating an imbalance in the normal functioning of the body and immune system, hence reducing stress can also reduce your risk of getting dandruff. Stress can make existing dandruff worse or it can also trigger the condition of dandruff.

Use some home treatment before washing your hair.

Here are many home remedies that you can use on a daily basis before hair wash and this will help you get rid of dandruff permanently. However, in order to get all of this done, you need to get certain ingredients ready and mix all of it in an appropriate manner. Once this is done, there is a prescribed way that you need to apply it and this will help you get rid of those disgusting flakes that lower your confidence levels. Here is a list of home remedies that will help you get rid of dandruff completely.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

Treating dandruff at home requires a way in which the ingredients must be mixed. Once you have mixed all of the ingredients in the right way, you can go about applying it. ACV is said to be one of the best natural remedies to treat severe dandruff. However, there is a prescribed way in which you need to prepare the paste. Here are some easy steps you need to know for preparing apple cider vinegar

Preparation of Apple Cider Vinegar:

  • Add some apple cider vinegar to water (Equal parts) and keep it aside.
  • After washing your hair, apply the mix to your wet hair.
  • Gently massage your hair with the mix
  • Leave to dry for 15 minutes and then rinse it off.

Note: You can do this every time you have a head shower. Also, keep in mind that you cannot excessively use apple cider vinegar over your hair and this means that do not apply it every day. Once every two days is the best way to use this home remedy for fighting dandruff.

2. Apply Mehndi:

You can cure dandruff using mehndi. Mehndi works well on your hair and softens it. Here is how you prepare the mehndi mix for your hair.

Preparation of Mehndi:

Mehndi needs to be prepared the right way and this mix has a prescribed manner in which it needs to be prepared.

  • Firstly, mix mehndi with curd and a little bit of lemon juice
  • Once this is formed as a paste, keep the mixture aside for 8 hours.
  • After 8 hours you can apply it on your hair
  • Let it dry over your hair for two hours and then you can wash it away.

Note: Follow the above-listed pointers well and you will see the difference. Mehndi is natural and this is one simple way that you can get rid of dandruff easily.

3. Coconut Oil with Lemon:

Coconut oil is said to keep your hair nourished and when this is mixed with little lemon juice, it can cure dandruff. This is also an easy home remedy to get rid of those tiny flakes that pull your confidence down. Follow these simple tips and get rid of dandruff permanently.

Preparation of Coconut Oil with Lemon:

Follow these simple steps and get rid of dandruff quickly:

  • Firstly you need to heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix it equally with some mixture of lemon juice.
  • Once this is done, you can apply this on your scalp and massage your hair gently with it.
  • After this is done, leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with some shampoo.

Note: This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of dandruff on your hair. You need to keep in mind that all of the above-listed procedures need to be followed in the prescribed manner.

4. Fenugreek Seeds:

Fenugreek seeds are used as a preventive cure for dandruff. Also known as methi seeds, this procedure needs to be followed in the right way possible.

Preparation of Fenugreek Seeds:

Fenugreek is said to benefit people suffering from low blood sugar and boosts testosterone and also milk production for mothers. Fenugreek has multiple benefits such as regulating cholesterol levels and keeps your appetite in control. Here are some simple tips that you need to keep in mind while preparing fenugreek seed to get rid of dandruff.

  • Firstly, you need to put some fenugreek seeds in a small bowl of water and let it soak overnight.
  • Once you wake up in the morning make sure that you mash the seeds to a paste-like substance. Then add little lemon juice to the paste and mix it well.
  • Once this has formed into a paste, apply it onto your scalp and hair and leave it to dry for 30 minutes.
  • After this is done you can wash your hair with shampoo and allow your hair to dry.

5. Curd:

Following a home remedy at home to treat dandruff may be a tough task to do, especially curd makes it very messy. Curd applied to your hair makes it very effective to treat dandruff.

Preparation of Curd to Cure Dandruff:

Here are some easy tips of curing dandruff using curd. Here is how you do it.

  • At first, you need to apply little curd onto your hair including your scalp.
  • Let it dry for an hour or so.
  • Make sure you rinse it off in an hours time with some shampoo.

6. Neem Juice:

Neem is a very good cure for dandruff and this has been found in most shampoos as one of the main ingredients. The method of using neem juice on your hair doesn’t make it messy like curd being applied to your hair.

Preparation for Neem Juice:

Here is how you prepare neem juice mix before applying it to your hair and this will help cure dandruff.

  • Firstly you need to crush some neem leaves till it forms a thick paste.
  • Next, you need to apply this paste onto your scalp and hair and let it dry for a minimum of 10 minutes.
  • Once this is done, you can wash it away with some water.

7. Orange Peel:

Orange peel is said to work well as a very good remedy for treating dandruff at home. But you need to keep in mind as for how you need to prepare this mix.

Preparation of Orange Peel:

Orange peel is said to contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and dietary fibres which are good for your body. However, when it comes to your hair and curing dandruff, orange peel must be made in the following manner and applied to your scalp and hair to get rid of dandruff. Here are tips that you need to follow in order to get rid of dandruff.

  • Take the orange peel and then squeeze some lemon juice onto it.
  • Add all of this to a grinder and grind it till it turns into a paste.
  • Then apply the paste to your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes
  • After this is done, you can wash it away with some anti-dandruff shampoo.

Note: You can follow all of the above-listed procedures for at least thrice a week and this will help you get rid of dandruff at home.

8. Vinegar:

Vinegar has medicinal properties that can kill the bad fungus and this can be seen as an easy remedy to get rid of dandruff the easy way. This also helps in treating various skin related problems like acne and itchiness in the scalp.

Preparation of Vinegar:

Here are some easy steps that you need to keep in mind while preparing vinegar mix to get rid of dandruff.

  • Firstly you will need 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of water as the major ingredient.
  • Next, you will have to boil both the cups of vinegar and keep it aside to cool.
  • Then mix one-eighth cups of water to the vinegar.
  • Once this is done, you can use this to clean your scalp and you can rinse it away with shampoo.

Note: You will have to do this usually in the morning before you apply shampoo in your hair. Vinegar will reduce the dryness and remove the itchiness that you are facing.

9. Egg Yolk:

Egg yolk contains biotin which is the major vitamin that treats dandruff. Egg yolks can act as conditioners for your hair that can make it healthier.

Preparation of Egg Yolk:

In order to prepare egg yolk, you will have to remove the white layer that surrounds the yolk. Always remember that the yolk is more beneficial than the white layer that surrounds it. Here are some simple steps that you need to follow when you are making egg yolks.

  • Firstly you need to keep your hair and scalp dry and then apply yolk on your hair.
  • Once you are done applying the yolk, you will have to cover your hair with a plastic bag for an hour.
  • Wash your hair gently using shampoo. Sometime you will have to wash your hair twice to remove the bad odour.

Note: You can follow this treatment for dandruff in the morning while having a bath or anytime when you have a bath. Always remember that it needs to be followed only thrice a week.

10. Green Tea:

Green tea contains a lot of antifungal properties and it is an antioxidant that can restore the health of your scalp. All you need to cure dandruff is by applying some cooled green tea on your scalp and you can witness the difference.

Preparation for Green Tea:

In order to get rid of dandruff, green tea can be used by following these simple steps.

  • Firstly you will require 2 green tea bags and some hot water as the major part of your ingredients.
  • Then you will have to put the green tea bag into the hot water for 20 minutes till the decoction dissolves in it and then allow it to cool.
  • Once it cools, you can apply the green tea onto your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes gently rinse your hair with water.

Note: This can be followed in the mornings when bathing. This is one of the easiest ways in which you can cure dandruff naturally at home.

11. Basil Leaves:

Basil leaves are one of the natural ways in which you can cure dandruff. This is because these leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can cure you of heavy dandruff. These leaves can also help your scalp become strong and stay healthy.

Preparation of Basil Leaves:

Here’s how you prepare basil leaves for curing dandruff and other hair related problems.

  • Firstly, you will require some basil leaves, 2 teaspoons of amla powder and just 2 teaspoons of water.
  • Mix all of these ingredients together and this will form a clean paste.
  • Once the paste is formed, apply it gently over your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes rinse your hair with some water.

Note: You need to follow this on a daily basis and you will witness the difference. By doing this, the strength of your hair will increase and this will help curb hair fall too.

12. Olive Oil:

Olive oil can do a lot of good to your hair. All you need to do is to apply olive oil to your hair and this strengthens your scalp.

Preparation of Olive Oil:

Preparing olive requires a prescribed format that needs to be done in order to get rid of dandruff. Here are some easy ways in which you can get rid of dandruff. Firstly, apply some olive oil on your hair. After 10 minutes you can wash your hair gently with shampoo.

Note: In some cases, you can apply some olive oil before you go to bed. Wrap your head with a towel and let it absorb the remaining oil.

13. Banana With Apple Cider Vinegar:

Banana and apple cider vinegar makes a good choice for curing dandruff. This is because bananas are rich in vitamin B and this helps in improving blood circulation and keeps your skin healthy. On the other hand, apple cider vinegar is known as a fungicide and a germ killer and this helps in curing dandruff.

Preparing Banana with Apple Cider Vinegar:

Follow these simple steps and you will get rid of those disgusting dandruff.

  • As a major part of your ingredients, you will need 1 full banana with 2 cups of apple cider vinegar.
  • Once you’ve got your ingredients ready, you will have to peel the banana and put it in a small bowl. Along with this, you can add some apple cider vinegar.
  • Once the mix is done make sure you mix it well till it becomes a perfect paste.
  • Then, apply the paste to your hair and gently massage the mixture into your scalp and ensure that the paste covers your hair completely.
  • Allow it to dry for 20 minutes and then rinse your hair with normal water and some shampoo.

Note: You can use this method early mornings if you have the time or in the night before having your shower.

It’s best to consult with a dermatologist or trichologist, who can recommend a personalized hair care routine that takes into account the specific causes of your dandruff and the best way to manage it. In general, using a gentle, anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioning regularly can help reduce the symptoms of dandruff.