Dandruff is one of the most common hair concern globally yet there’s hardly anything that actually helps with it. It's not just an annoying problem that you have to deal with every day but it also impacts your confidence. While commercial anti-dandruff products might work for a bit in the short term, they contain harsh chemicals that strip your scalp and leave you with other, more serious hair problems in the long run.
At Sacred Grove, we believe in raw herbs for healthy & happy hair. So, for today’s edition, we’ve bundled up some of the most effective Raw Herb solutions that actually control Dandruff. Here we go!
But wait, where does dandruff even come from?
Dandruff, when not stemming from dry skin, is an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, which naturally lives on our scalps. When it multiplies, it irritates the scalp, leading to increased skin cell turnover and those familiar flakes. Other factors like oily scalp, stress, poor hygiene, and even certain hair products can aggravate it.
The good news? Many raw herbs possess antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that directly address these root causes.
So without further ado, let's dive in!
5 Powerful Raw Herbs for Ultimate Dandruff Control:
1. Neem (Azadirachta Indica)
In India, Neem is revered as "the village pharmacy" and rightfully so. Its potent antifungal and antibacterial properties make it a superfood for the hair.
- Neem works wonderfully as a scalp cleanser by removing dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities that can contribute to dandruff.
- Neem's potent antifungal and antibacterial compounds (nimbidin and azadirachtin) effectively target and inhibit the growth of fungal & bacterial microbes.
- Massaging neem on the scalp hydrates & nourishes it and curbs dryness by soothing an irritated scalp and purifying it.
How to use: Neem Leaf Paste
Grind a handful of fresh neem leaves with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply it directly to your scalp. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and shampoo. Use 1-2 times a week.
2. Fenugreek/Methi Seeds (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum)
Fenugreek seeds are an Ayurvedic essential for hair care. They contain unique compounds that are extremely beneficial for dandruff removal.
- Lecithin found in Methi helps to moisturize the scalp and hair, nourishing the follicles and preventing hair loss due to dryness or breakage.
- Methi is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent that helps combat scalp infections, including those that cause dandruff by cleansing the scalp and preventing microbial growth.
- Its anti-inflammatory properties are extremely effective at soothing an itchy, irritated, or inflamed scalp.
How to use: Fenugreek Seed Paste
Soak 2-3 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight. In the morning, grind them into a fine paste (add a little water if needed). Apply this paste to your scalp and hair, leave for 30-45 minutes, then rinse well and shampoo. Use weekly.
3. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
Aloe Vera is widely known for its medicinal properties, especially for skin and hair. Its gel, extracted directly from the leaves, is a potent natural remedy for various scalp issues, including dandruff.
- Contains compounds like lupeol, salicylic acid, and saponins that are natural antifungal and antibacterial agents that directly combat dandruff-producing fungi.
- Its gel-like nature provides immediate relief from scalp itching, irritation, and inflammation often associated with dandruff by inducing a cooling effect.
- Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes that break down dead skin cells and excess sebum on the scalp that mainly contribute to dandruff flakes and leaves you with a healthier, cleaner scalp.
How to use: Fresh Aloe Vera Gel Scalp Treatment
Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel, blend it slightly and apply directly to your scalp. Massage gently. Leave it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour (or even overnight for intense treatment). Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water & wash with a gentle hair shampoo. Use 2-3 times a week for best results.
4. Sweet Neem/Curry Leaves (Murraya Koenigii)
Curry Leaves, often called 'sweet neem’, have potent antifungal and antibacterial properties beneficial for scalp health. This herb, in particular, is rich in antioxidants and helps prevent scalp infections.
- Curry leaves contain compounds, particularly carbazole alkaloids, which have been shown to possess significant antifungal activity.
- Beyond just fungi, curry leaves also have natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that keep the scalp clean and free from other harmful bacteria that lead to scalp infections, itching, and inflammation.
- Curry leaves aid in removing excess oil, dead skin cells, and product build-up that can clog follicles and exacerbate dandruff. A clean scalp is less prone to flaking and irritation.
How to use: Curry Leaf Hair Mask
Grind a handful of fresh curry leaves with a little plain yogurt or buttermilk to form a paste. Apply to the scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then rinse and shampoo.
5. Lemon (Citrus Limon)
Lemon is the most popular natural ingredient often used in hair care due to its acidic nature and rich content of vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals.
- Lemon contains citric acid and other compounds that have natural antifungal and antibacterial properties which makes it effective against dandruff.
- The acidic nature of lemon juice balances the pH level of the scalp. An imbalanced pH (too alkaline or too acidic) leads to dryness, oiliness, and dandruff.
- Citric acid is a natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and product build-up that might clog hair follicles & contribute to flaking and irritation.
How to use: Diluted Scalp Rinse
This is the most common and safest method. Mix fresh lemon juice with an equal amount of water (or more water if you have a sensitive scalp). After shampooing, pour this mixture over your scalp and hair, massaging gently. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
A scalp condition like dandruff takes consistent efforts, care and attention to be eradicated completely. Some hair rituals need to be carried out for the long term benefit but some should be followed to achieve instant relief.
7 Things To Do Every Day For Instant Dandruff Control
- Wash Regularly: Don't let oil and product build-up create a breeding ground for fungus. Use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo- Sacred Grove’s Gentle Hair Shampoo
- Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure no shampoo or conditioner residue is left on your scalp.
- Avoid Hot Water: Use lukewarm water for washing your hair as hot water can dry out the scalp.
- Don't Scratch: While tempting, scratching can worsen irritation and damage your scalp.
- Clean Hair Tools: Regularly clean your combs, brushes, and pillowcases.
- Manage Stress: Stress can worsen dandruff, hence it’s essential to practice relaxation techniques.
- Anti Dandruff Hair Mask: We’ve concocted a 100% Raw Herb hair mask to specifically target dandruff control for men and women. Made from 7 potent Raw herbs- Lemon, Flaxseed, Neem, Shikakai, Fenugreek, Amla & Karanj oil- that have been slowly infused for over 48 hours to give complete dandruff control & hydration to the scalp. Click here to check out its benefits in detail.
Each hair type & texture is different. So, what may work for one of you may not work for the others. But don’t give up, because we’re sure one of these will definitely work for you. And if you want the power of all of these herbs, then you can always check out our Anti-dandruff Hair Mask here.
Which haircare problem would you like to see addressed next? Tell us in the comments below!
