Dandruff is a common scalp problem. Want to know how to manage dandruff the natural way? Here’s an easy oil recipe you can try at home to banish dandruff.
What is Dandruff?
A scalp condition that triggers flaking of scalp skin. It isn’t considered dangerous and neither contagious, according to experts. It can be embarrassing and is often hard to treat. However, it can be managed effectively and when mild, won’t need special care. Stubborn or moderate to severe dandruff will need specialized treatment and recipes meant to deal with dandruff.
Causes of Dandruff
Dry skin is a common cause. Flaky skin is one of the most commonly cited symptoms for dandruff. This is often called dry dandruff. It affects one’s skin and scalp and characterized by excessive dryness.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition marked by greasy or oily skin that’s covered with yellow or white flakes. The skin is irritated, red and oily and affects one’s scalp or other areas of the skin with increased oil glands like nose, behind the ears, groin, breast or even armpits. It is also called oily dandruff.
Not washing hair often enough can cause build-up or accumulation of dirt and grime and trigger dandruff.
Skin problems like psoriasis or eczema are often mistaken as dandruff.
Malassezia is a fungus similar to yeast and is found in scalps of adults. Though it doesn’t trouble usually, it can cause irritation in some and often leads to flaking of scalp. However, the cause for this isn’t known.
Contact dermatitis or sensitivity due to certain ingredients in hair care products like dyes or shampoos can cause scalp sensitivity and itching. This irritation may also trigger dandruff.
Symptoms
Generally, oily or white dead skin flakes around one’s shoulders or hair with or without scaly and itchy scalp are the most common symptoms. Fall or winter can worsen symptoms, so can indoor heating as it can cause skin dryness. The symptoms taper during summer usually.
Triggers
Age, gender, scalp oil levels, diet and even one’s health condition can cause or trigger dandruff. Let’s take a look at the recipe, shall we?
Ingredients
Coconut Oil – ½ Liter
Curry Leaves – 3 – 4 handfuls
Neem Leaves – 3 – 4 handfuls
Fenuegreek Seeds – 3 Tsp.
Cinnamon Sticks – 3 – 5 pieces
Instructions
In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the coconut oil and heat it.
Use medium – high flame for heating initially.
Once the oil becomes hot, reduce the flame. The oil temperature should be more than warm but not boiling hot.
Add the fenegreek seeds and wait till it starts changing color.
Now, add cinnamon sticks, followed by curry leaves and neem leaves.
Now the oil will start spluttering due to moisture content in leaves. Wait till the spluttering stops and there is no moisture left.
Remove the oil from flame and filter it using cheesecloth.
Transfer to a sterilized container and use as needed.
How to Use the Oil?
You can use this oil by warming it up before use and massaging your scalp liberally and letting it soak in for an hour, before washing off.
You can also use this as your regular oil because it isn’t greasy or smelly. It has a pleasant aroma and suitable for most.
Why These Ingredients?
Neem leaves can help eliminate or manage most skin and scalp problems like Dandruff, Itchy Scalp, Scalp Psoriasis, etc.
Cinnamon gives a nice aroma while battling scalp problems.
Curry Leaves and Fenugreek nourish hair and scalp and promote better hair health.
Coconut Oil moisturizes scalp and keeps dryness at bay.
Don’t have time for DIY Recipes? Try HY Vitamins Argan Hair Oil for getting rid of numerous hair and scalp problems including dandruff and hair loss.
