What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a skin condition that involves flaking of the scalp. It is sometimes accompanied by itchiness. Sometimes, the condition may intensify and lead to seborrheic dermatitis. It is not clear what causes it- because studies show no correlation between the occurrence of dandruff and hygiene. Depending on your skin type and genetic conditions, dandruff becomes more pronounced during certain seasons. It is a fairly common problem, and everyone has suffered from it at some point in their lives. Dandruff is more common among male, and there is no known cure for it. Scientists generally recommend the use of anti-fungal cream or shampoos for topical application.

What causes dandruff
Dandruff is basically dead skin cells sticking to your scalp. It is caused due to overgrowth of skin cells on your scalp and often results in the itchy scalp. It is more pronounced in dry scalps. Though dandruff is not harmful per se, it can cause serious self-esteem issues. Nobody wants a smattering of white skin flakes on their suit when going to an office, or visible dandruff shining in their hair while dressing for a party. Sometimes, dandruff may indicate the occurrence of some internal problem. Dandruff often results in hair fall.

Treating dandruff
There is no known cure for dandruff. However, there are many anecdotes about home remedies, and there are some medicated products that are used to treat dandruff.

3. Tea Tree Oil For Dandruff
Among essential oils, tea tree oil is famous for its anti-microbial and soothing properties. Studies show that treating dandruff with tea tree oil presented encouraging results.

4. Aloe Vera For Dandruff
Aloe vera is not only a good antibiotic, but it is also known for its cooling and soothing effect. It can soothe the scalp and reduce itchiness. Moreover, it can fight scalp infections, thereby reducing the chance of dandruff and preventing hair fall.

5. Coconut Oil And Lemon For Dandruff
Coconut oil and lemon juice for dandruff are beneficial.

For normal scalp –
To use Coconut oil and lemon juice for dandruff, squeeze a big lemon. Mix it with coconut oil and apply to your scalp. Wash off with a mild shampoo after two hours.
You can also use the lemon juice directly to your scalp.

For dry scalp –
Make a hair masque with lemon juice, yoghurt and coconut oil if your scalp is very dry.
Apply on the scalp and hair, and wash off after an hour.

For oily scalp –
Take dry amla powder, mix it will lemon juice and apply on your scalp. Keep it overnight.
Next day, you can wash it off directly, or apply coconut oil on the hair strands for extra conditioning.
The main thing to remember here is that dandruff is the flaking of the scalp, and so, it requires that you get rid of the dead skin cells regularly.

Hence, shampoo your hair at least twice a week. Otherwise, your scalp will get dirty and oily, which increases chances of infection. This can increase dandruff and also lead to hair loss. Washing it regularly will also reduce itchiness, which is a common side-effect of dandruff occurrence.

In Indian households, lemon juice, onion juice, neem and tulsi extracts are widely used to treat dandruff. The main reason for this is that these natural ingredients are rich in vitamins and are known for their anti-microbial properties. However, these are used only after dandruff becomes prominent. If you want to get rid of the problem, you can use anti-dandruff hair products from reputed brands. While using anti-dandruff shampoos is more common, it is also helpful if you use hair oil that prevents dandruff occurrence.

Home remedies for treating dandruff
1. Coconut Oil For Dandruff
Coconut oil’s conditioning and moisturising properties are well known. It also may reduce the severity of dandruff. Since dandruff is flaking of the scalp, it often worsens when the weather is dry. This is the reason that most people with dandruff see excess flaking in winters. Studies indicate that regular application of coconut oil may prevent irritation and flaking of the scalp.

2. Olive Oil For Dandruff
Olive oil is a good option if you want to remove dandruff temporarily. Massage a bit of lukewarm olive oil on your scalp. Pay special attention to areas where there is more flaking. Now, use a brush to brush your scalp to remove the dead skin cells gently.

3. Tea Tree Oil For Dandruff
Among essential oils, tea tree oil is famous for its anti-microbial and soothing properties. Studies show that treating dandruff with tea tree oil presented encouraging results.

4. Aloe Vera For Dandruff
Aloe vera is not only a good antibiotic, but it is also known for its cooling and soothing effect. It can soothe the scalp and reduce itchiness. Moreover, it can fight scalp infections, thereby reducing the chance of dandruff and preventing hair fall.

5. Coconut Oil And Lemon For Dandruff
Coconut oil and lemon juice for dandruff are beneficial.

For normal scalp –
To use Coconut oil and lemon juice for dandruff, squeeze a big lemon.
Mix it with coconut oil and apply to your scalp.
Wash off with a mild shampoo after two hours.
You can also use the lemon juice directly to your scalp.

For dry scalp –
Make a hair masque with lemon juice, yoghurt and coconut oil if your scalp is very dry.
Apply on the scalp and hair, and wash off after an hour.

For oily scalp –
Take dry amla powder, mix it will lemon juice and apply on your scalp.
Keep it overnight.
Next day, you can wash it off directly, or apply coconut oil on the hair strands for extra conditioning.

The main thing to remember here is that dandruff is the flaking of the scalp, and so, it requires that you get rid of the dead skin cells regularly.

Hence, shampoo your hair at least twice a week. Otherwise, your scalp will get dirty and oily, which increases chances of infection. This can increase dandruff and also lead to hair loss. Washing it regularly will also reduce itchiness, which is a common side-effect of dandruff occurrence.

Best Anti-Dandruff Hair Oil
Here are some hair oils that are well known for controlling dandruff and are considered as the best hair oils for dandruff.

1. LifeLong Best Hair Oil For Men & Women
Lifelong Hair Oil is an advanced Ayurvedic hair product that is totally natural and free from side effects.

It contains Brahmi, neem, bhringraj, rosemary, camphor, aloe vera, methi and other natural ingredients that make your hair thick, shiny and healthy.

The base is of coconut oil, which is proven to be the most effective natural oil for enhancing the quality of your hair. Lifelong Hair Oil fights all common hair problems- hair fall, frizziness, dryness, dull hair, itchy scalp, dandruff, premature greying and damage from pollution.

The natural active agents in the product ensure that your hair and scalp get all the nourishment they need and makes your hair grow visibly longer in just a few weeks.

It also helps prevent scalp infections. The antibiotic properties of the natural ingredients protect and heal your scalp from problems like psoriasis and other infections.

2. Himalaya Anti-Dandruff Hair Oil
This is probably the most popular in the category. Himalaya Anti-Dandruff Hair Oil contains tea tress oil and rosemary- which fight scalp infections, reduce dandruff and strengthen hair roots. While tea tree extracts keep your scalp free of dandruff, massaging it also increases blood circulation, which prevents hair fall.

3. Khadi Naturals Tea Tree Oil
If you want to treat dandruff directly with tea tree extracts, you can go for Khadi Natural’s Tea Tree Oil. It is the only known natural treatment for dandruff, and it is excellent at curing and preventing fungal infections.

4. Soulflower Tea Tree Oil For Scalp And Dandruff Care
This is a vitamin-enriched5. Sesa Oil Anti Dandruff Therapy
This is another mass favourite. The product is blended with a mixture of 18 active herbs, eight nourishing oils & milk processed through “Kshirpak Vidhi”- an Ayurvedic process. Sesa Oil Anti Dandruff Therapy helps reduce itching, controls fungal infection and flaky dandruff, and revitalises hair & scalp. hair oil that is a complete scalp care formulation. It cleanses the scalp, removes flakes, relieves scalp irritation & dryness while providing extra conditioning to your hair. Soulflower Tea Tree Oil for Scalp and Dandruff Care also contains sesame, jojoba and castor oil, which nourishes hair and prevents hair fall.

5. Sesa Oil Anti Dandruff Therapy
This is another mass favourite. The product is blended with a mixture of 18 active herbs, eight nourishing oils & milk processed through “Kshirpak Vidhi”- an Ayurvedic process. Sesa Oil Anti Dandruff Therapy helps reduce itching, controls fungal infection and flaky dandruff, and revitalises hair & scalp.

6. Aroma Magic Flaky Hair Oil
Aroma Magic Flaky Hair Oil is a leave-in anti-dandruff product that can be applied every night. You can add a few drops of the oil in a spoonful of water and gently massage it into your scalp. It is light and non-sticky and acts as a revitalising serum. For best results, use it with Aroma Magic Dandruff Control Treatment Kit.

7. Trichup Anti Dandruff Oil
Enriched with the goodness of rosemary and lemon oil, Trichup’s Anti Dandruff Oil is your best bet to get rid of dandruff effectively and protect your hair from damage.
Armed with natural ingredients that were specifically developed to combat dandruff and improve scalp health, Trichup’s Anti Dandruff Oil enriches the scalp, hair and roots, control skin exfoliation and facilitates natural hair growth.

8. TVAM Neem Anti-Dandruff Hair Oil
It contains Neem and basil, well known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties. This hair oil fights dandruff, soothes itching and nourishes hair roots.

9. Earth Organic Amla Hair Oil
This is an ayurvedic oil that contains amla, hibiscus and aloe vera extracts in a sesame oil base. Sesame oil nourishes the scalp, protecting it from dryness and hair fall, hibiscus provides deep conditioning, methi nourishes the root of the hair and helps reduce hair fall. Amla strengthens hair roots and promotes hair growth. It also helps prevents split ends and dryness, increases blood circulation and delays greying.

This product helps control dandruff while preventing split ends and dryness. All the products used in it are organic, as certified by USDA. Gently massage it to cover the entire scalp, and keep it overnight. You can also use Earth Organic Amla Hair Oil as a natural conditioner. Keep it for 20 minutes after applying. Wash with mild herbal shampoo and warm water.

10. Moha Anti Dandruff Oil
This is a herbal anti-dandruff oil. The product contains neem, hibiscus and rosemary oil. It effectively fights dandruff while healthy hair is naturally strengthening the roots and preventing split ends.

11. Morpheme Remedies Anti Dandruff Hair Oil
Morpheme Remedies Anti Dandruff Hair Oil is free of mineral oil, paraben, sulphate, silicone, colours and fragrance, and is a perfectly natural product. All the products used are organic and are cold-pressed. It contains the goodness of castor, rosemary, bhringraj, olive, neem and tea tree oil. It helps fight dandruff and keeps your scalp clean. The nourishing ingredients strengthen hair roots, prevent scalp infection and reduce hair fall.