Many people complain of dandruff which just refuses to go away, especially as seasons change. While some cases might need medical treatment, you should know that dandruff can be brought under control with some good old home remedies. But before we get into home remedies for dandruff, you should know the basics about it. Dandruff is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp. It causes flakes of skin to appear at the top of the head, accompanied by itchiness and some discomfort. However, what most people don’t know is that dandruff is really common and has nothing to do with hygiene levels. Some factors that may contribute towards the condition include stress, a poor diet, fungal infection, or even dryness due to excessive washing.

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Now that we’re clear about what causes dandruff, here are the basic ingredients you need to fight it at home. You don’t need to go shopping, most of these things would already be in your kitchen.

1. Sour curd

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Preparing a hair mask out of sour curd allows its acidity to work wonders, not only to reduce dandruff but also to give a beautiful shine to your hair.

2. Baking soda

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Baking soda works as an impressive hair care ingredient in multiple ways. Its molecular properties fight against fungi while the granular texture makes it a great exfoliant. All you need to do is wet your hair and rub a spoonful of baking soda on your scalp. Let it sit for a minute before rinsing it off.

3. Lemon juice

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Lemon juice is another excellent ingredient with a potent acidic profile. The acidity of lemon fights most forms of fungal infections including dandruff. Additionally, it helps remove excess scalp oil, leaving your hair smelling fresh.

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4. Apple cider vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar not only fights fungi but also helps soothe the skin, relieving the discomfort of itching. What’s interesting about apple cider vinegar is that it can even be used as a substitute for shampoo occasionally.

5. Coconut oil and tea tree oil

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Yes, these are two separate ingredients, but when they come together, coconut oil and tea tree oil work as a power-packed duo for hair care. Coconut oil brings in the power of anti-fungal properties while tea tree oil is great for nourishment. That’s why this combination is considered one of the best home remedies for dandruff.

6. Neem leaves

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Neem is one magical ingredient that helps with almost any skin ailment. When it comes to easy home remedies for dandruff, this is what you need. Simply boil some neem leaves, apply the paste on your scalp, and leave it on for about an hour. Alternatively, you can even rinse your hair with the leftover water from the boiled leaves.

7. Green tea

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Everybody knows green tea is rich in antioxidants, but what many people don’t know is that the same brewed green tea, when mixed with vinegar, can be used to rinse hair to fight dandruff.

Related: Side Effects Of Green Tea

Wait, we’re not done yet!

Bonus Ingredient – Aspirin

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Another magic ingredient that most of us have at home is aspirin. Studies show that the salicylates in aspirin exfoliate the scalp and fight off dandruff. If you have dandruff, and don’t want to bother with too much effort, crush two aspirin pills and mix them with your shampoo. One of the most hassle-free home remedies for dandruff.

Additional tips for hair care at home:

1. If you wash your hair frequently, make sure you use a mild shampoo that leaves no residue on the scalp.

2. Indulge in an overnight hair care routine to give your hair seven to eight hours of nourishment while you snooze.

3. Choose medicated shampoos as opposed to cosmetic ones.

4. Give your scalp significant exposure to the sun, but don’t overdo it.

5. Protect your hair from pollution and dirt by using scarves.

6. Avoid leaving your scalp wet for too long after washing your hair.