Dandruff is my all year long companion. It intensifies mostly in the winter with the dry weather and the rest of the year, it is pretty much in control. But the fact is that it stays. Dandruff is a common scalp condition that affects many people. Blame it on improper hair care, use of too many styling tools, not using the right products, no oiling or a plain genetic issue.
One of the most important things is sticking to a regime for hair care. I ensure that I use a good hair oil and let it stay overnight at least twice a week. I discovered homemade dandruff masks last year and not only are these super easy to make but they also help to keep the intensity of dandruff under control.
Homemade Dandruff Masks
It is always better to opt for homemade dandruff masks because these are tried and tested remedies. You can choose the ingredients according to your hair type. Most of the ingredients are readily available in the Indian household, so you do not need to make the extra effort of stepping out to pick up something in particular.
Fenugreek mask
Use fenugreek seeds as a hair mask. Soak a handful of fenugreek seeds in water overnight, In the morning grind it to s smooth paste. Apply on the scalp and let it stay for 30 mins. Wash off with warm water and a shampoo that is free of SLS and parebens. Follow it up with a natural conditioner.
A tip: Fenugreek seeds can be used in your regular hair oiling process as well. Yes, methi seeds. Heat pure coconut oil to just short of a smoking point and add fenugreek seeds. Let the oil cool down completely before you can store it in a glass bottle along with the fenugreek seeds. Applying this oil at least twice a week will reduce the intensity of dandruff, reduce hair fall and get rid of any itchiness.
Banana and Olive Oil mask
Yes, bananas are an awesome ingredient for your hair. All you need to do is blend together two almost ripe bananas with two tablespoons of olive oil. Whip this up and then add to it juice of one lemon and one teaspoon of honey. Mix this well till it is a smooth creamy paste. Apply this on the scalp and your hair. Cover with a shower cap and let the mask soak in for 30 minutes. Since the juice of the lemon is acidic in nature, you need to add natural conditioners to the mask. Wash off with warm water and mild shampoo and conditioner. If you have frizzy hair, you will notice a tamer mane as well.
Note: The olive oil can be replaced with coconut oil, but I find that olive oil works the best!
Almond oil and Aloe gel
Take about 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (I use the one from Rustic Art) and mix it with equal amount of almond oil. Whip this mixture with a fork till they blend completely. Apply this on your scalp and hair and leave it in for at least an hour. After an hour wrap a hot towel around your head and let it stay for a few minutes. Wash off with warm water and mild shampoo and conditioner. This mask is more effective if you used fresh aloe vera gel.
Additional Info
I have been using the Omved Sukeshant Keram Hair oil from Omved for over 6 months now. It has not made the dandruff disappear, but the intensity of the dandruff has certainly reduced. I have a less itchy scalp now! I have been using this oil at least twice a week and I like to leave it overnight. I use mild SLS and paraben free shampoos and conditioners.
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*All of my reviews are based on my own personal experiences with the brand/products. If it is a sponsored post, it is indicated. Most of the brands and products reviewed are what I have tried and tested and truly recommend! All Photographs are (C) Pratibha unless stated otherwise.*
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