How to Treat Chronic Dandruff, what is It, and Causes

Dandruff is a common scalp issue (1). The two main symptoms are scalp itchiness and flaking, which can be addressed with antifungal shampoos. However, dandruff might resurface and become a chronic issue. If you wonder how to treat chronic dandruff, we can help.

  • What Is Chronic Dandruff?
  • What Causes Chronic Dandruff?
  • How To Treat Chronic Dandruff

What Is Chronic Dandruff?

Increased skin flaking, scalp itching, and recurring dandruff is known as chronic dandruff (2). This form of dandruff may appear suddenly and become severe over a period.

There are three factors that cause chronic dandruff. Check them out in the next section.

How To Treat Chronic Dandruff

However, ingredients like coal tar must be avoided, especially by pregnant and lactating women. It can cause skin irritation, make the hair brittle and dry, and cause cancer (6).

Shutterstock

How To Use

  1. Mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with 200 ml of coconut oil.
  2. Apply this oil blend to your scalp.
  3. Wait for 30 minutes.
  4. Wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Note: Do a patch test before applying tea tree oil as it can irritate the skin.

Eucalyptus and Mexican mint oils are essential oils with antifungal properties. Adding these oils in anti-dandruff shampoos can be an effective OTC treatment for dandruff (9).

How To Use

  1. Mix 1 drop each of eucalyptus and Mexican mint oils with your anti-dandruff shampoo or 100 ml of coconut oil.
  2. Massage this oil blend onto your scalp gently without scratching.

Shikakai, amla (Indian gooseberry), and black cumin are Ayurvedic herbs that have medicinal properties. A study shows that mixing equal parts of shikakai, amla, and black cumin with a pinch of camphor in coconut oil is a great way to treat dandruff (10).

How To Use

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon of shikakai powder, amla powder, and black cumin powder in a bowl.
  2. Add a pinch of camphor. Transfer this mixture to a brown glass bottle.
  3. Add 200 ml of coconut oil and shake the bottle well.
  4. Apply the mixture to your scalp the next day.
  5. Wait for 30 minutes and wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Shutterstock

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and turmeric has antifungal properties. A study showed that mixing them and applying to the scalp is as effective as 2% ketoconazole shampoo for reducing scalp itching, scaling, and hair loss due to dandruff (11).

How To Use

  1. Mix 1 teaspoon of cosmetic-grade turmeric powder with 200 ml of coconut oil.
  2. Massage this mixture onto your scalp for 20 minutes.
  3. Shampoo your hair.

Lemon is loaded with vitamin C, flavonoids, zinc, and citric acid. These plant chemicals are effective against chronic dandruff. A study recommends mixing lemon juice with olive oil or using lemon peel with multani mitti (Fullers earth) and sandalwood powder as an anti-dandruff treatment (12).

How To Use

  1. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil.
  2. Massage this mixture onto your scalp.
  3. Wait for 20 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

Or,

  1. Mix equal parts of lemon peel, Fullers earth, and sandalwood powder with water.
  2. Apply this mixture as a hair mask.
  3. Let it be semi-dry. Do not scratch your scalp.
  4. Wash your hair thoroughly.

Fenugreek seeds contain proteins and nicotinic acid, which help reduce dandruff naturally (12). Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is a good medium for applying fenugreek to the scalp.

How To Use

  1. Mix 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds with 75 ml of coconut oil.
  2. Heat this mixture and let it cool until warm. Strain the oil.
  3. Massage your scalp with the oil for 20 minutes. Do not scratch.
  4. Wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Shutterstock

Neem has antifungal and antiviral properties. Scientists recommend using need powder, neem oil, and neem leaves with yogurt, shikakai powder, and amla powder to eliminate dandruff (12).

How To Use

  1. Mix 2 teaspoons of neem powder and 2 tablespoons of yogurt.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp.
  3. Wait for 30 minutes and wash your hair.

Or

  1. Mix equal parts of neem powder, shikakai powder, and amla powder with water.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and wash after 30 minutes.

You can also apply neem oil to your scalp and wash it after 30 minutes.

Aloe vera has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Amla is a good source of vitamin C, which helps get rid of dandruff (12).

How To Use

  1. Mix amla powder and aloe vera gel.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp.
  3. Wait for 30 minutes and wash your hair.

These are the most effective ways to treat chronic dandruff. Using anti- dandruff shampoos can make your hair dull. Hence, choose a shampoo that contains silicones. You can also apply argan oil after washing your hair to retain its shine.

Conclusion

Chronic dandruff can be treated with proper care. And to achieve this, maintaining scalp health is very important. Shampoo your hair twice a week and follow the home remedies mentioned above. You will get rid of this recurring problem and achieve flake-free hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wash my hair every day if I have dandruff?

No. Wash your hair every alternate day with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Is dandruff a fungus?

Yes, dandruff is mainly caused by Malassezia, a fungus.

Can dandruff cause baldness?

Yes, untreated dandruff can cause hair loss and baldness.

Is dandruff a fungal or bacterial infection?

Dandruff is a fungal infection characterized by itching and scaling of the scalp.

Read more on: treat