Dandruff can make the scalp greasy or flaky and cause it to itch and become irritable. Dandruff develops when the scalp is too dry, or a certain fungus induces it. This makes it essential to clean and hydrate the scalp regularly. Few home remedies can nourish the scalp and ward off dandruff from your hair. Using these remedies, you can also prevent itchiness and dryness. Here are 5 five home remedies for dandruff.

• Apply aloe vera

Aloe vera is replete with health benefits that can help treat dandruff. Aloe vera, being a succulent, has hydrating qualities and fights fungi and bacteria. These qualities of aloe vera can prevent fungal infections while keeping the scalp nourished and healthy. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe the scalp and reduce irritation. Try this home remedy immediately, extract the gel from an aloe vera plant, and apply it on your scalp to fight dandruff.

• Massage coconut oil

A scalp massage using coconut oil can be deeply nourishing and beneficial to treat dandruff. It improves hydration and curbs irritation of the scalp. You can choose to apply coconut oil directly to your scalp or, alternatively, use a shampoo which has coconut oil. Either way, it can help reduce dryness and flakiness of the scalp. Moreover, coconut oil can over time reduce hair fall caused by dandruff as well.

• Scrub baking soda

Baking soda is a quick go-to remedy to treat dandruff. For best results, massage baking soda into your wet hair and let it rest only for a minute, then shampoo and rinse your hair thoroughly. Baking soda has antibacterial properties that clean the scalp and stop fungal growth. It is also an exfoliant that can remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the scalp. This reduces itchiness that occurs due to dandruff.

• Use shampoo containing tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has powerful anti-microbial properties that can reduce symptoms of dandruff. Applying tea tree oil shampoo can soothe the scalp and prevent flakiness. It can also fight a specific strain of fungus that leads to seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes dandruff and scaly patches. If you can’t find a shampoo that has tea tree oil, simply buy them separately. Mix tea tree oil in a dollop of shampoo and use it to wash your scalp.

• Try lemongrass oil

Lemongrass oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can fight symptoms of dandruff. It shouldn’t be applied directly to the scalp as it can cause sensitive skin to burn. Instead, add it to a dollop of shampoo while taking a shower. Lather the scalp and let it rest for five minutes and rinse it off. Lemongrass oil can be easily ordered online or brought from a store. You can also add it to coconut oil to make a hair mask that will further prevent the scalp from turning flaky.