7 Natural Hair Mask To Treat Dandruff

Dandruff, a common scalp problem, is characterized by itchiness and flakiness of the scalp. It is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disorder that causes increased dryness, scaling, and shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.

Dandruff can occur due to various reasons, including weather, stress, hormone imbalance, and even infection of the scalp, particularly the hair follicles, with a yeast-like fungus known as Malassezia.

While it is generally a cosmetic problem, in some cases, dandruff may cause pain and severe itching, becoming a source of concern. Dandruff also makes the hair appear lifeless and dull, and the visible skin flakes on the scalp can cause social distress in some people.

# Neem hair masks

Neem is a popular dermatological agent, owing to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Therefore, neem can help in the treatment of different scalp problems, including dandruff and dryness. It is suggested to use neem masks in the summer months for higher efficacy.

You can try the following neem-based hair treatments-

- Plain neem rinse: Boil a few neem leaves in water for 10–15 minutes to make a neem rinse. Cool the solution and use it to rinse your hair shaft and scalp.
- Neem and coconut mask: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which helps increase moisture in the scalp. Moreover, the linoleic acid present in coconut oil is anti-inflammatory and helps soothe the scalp. You can prepare a neem and coconut mask by grinding 10–20 neem leaves with coconut oil to form a thick paste.
- Neem and henna mask: Henna is a natural antifungal agent. To prepare this mask, presoak 2 tbsp of henna powder in warm water. To this solution, add 20 clean neem leaves and grind to make a fine paste.

# Yogurt hair masks

Yogurt contains lactic acid bacteria that exhibit an antifungal effect on the skin. Moreover, yogurt is rich in proteins and is therefore considered to be an excellent conditioning agent.

In addition, yogurt acts as a natural exfoliant, owing to its lactic acid content, thus helping cleanse the scalp of dirt and dead skin cells.

- Yogurt and honey mask: Mix 1 tbsp of honey and 2 tbsp of fresh, plain yogurt to form a paste.
- Yogurt and lemon mask: Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice to 2 tbsp of fresh, plain yogurt. If the mask is too runny, mix in cornstarch or bentonite clay as required.

# Fenugreek hair masks

One study showed that fenugreek extracts are effective in controlling the growth of Malassezia.Another study concluded that fresh fenugreek seeds help fight dandruff, manage hair fall, and prevent hair thinning and baldness.

Fenugreek can be combined with different ingredients to form hair masks, such as

- Fenugreek and coconut oil mask: Soak 2 tbsp of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Grind the mixture to form a paste, and add 2 tbsp of coconut oil to it.
- Fenugreek and yogurt mask: Presoak fenugreek seeds in water and leave overnight. In the morning, strain the mixture and blend the fenugreek seeds with 2 tbsp of yogurt. Add a few drops of patchouli essential oil to the paste.
- Fenugreek and hibiscus mask: Soak 1 tbsp of fenugreek seeds overnight. Strain the seeds and blend them with hibiscus leaves. To this paste, add ½ cup yogurt and mix to form a smooth paste.

# Tea tree oil hair masks

Tea tree oil is a potent antibacterial and antifungal agent, owing to its different components,especially terpinen-4-ol. Therefore, it can be highly effective in the management of dandruff.

Tea tree oil can be used in the following ways

- Tea tree oil and oatmeal mask: Mix 2 tbsp of oatmeal with water to form a paste, and add a few drops of tea tree oil into it.
- Tea tree oil and carrier oil mask: Dilute a few drops of tea tree essential oil with 1–2 tbsp of carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Use this mixture to massage your scalp and roots.
- Tea tree oil and green tea rinse: To ½ cup of green tea, add 4–5 drops of tea tree oil. Mix in 1 tsp of white vinegar, and use this mixture as a rinse.

# Apple cider vinegar hair masks

A study demonstrated that apple cider vinegar (ACV) acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent, (10) owing to its phenolic content.

You can use ACV to combat dandruff in the following ways:

- ACV rinse: Dilute 4–5 tbsp of ACV with 1 cup of water. To this solution, add 3 drops of tea tree oil diluted with a carrier oil such as almond oil, and mix well.
- ACV and honey mask: Mix 2 tbsp each of ACV and honey. Add 2–3 tbsp of curd and a few drops of lemon juice, and mix well to form a paste.

# Aloe vera gel hair masks

Aloe vera gel is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent and can therefore help in the treatment of various inflammatory skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis.

The topical application of aloe vera helps lower scaliness, soothes itching, and also prevents the spread of infection with its antifungal properties.

You can try the following aloe-vera based remedies for dandruff control-

- Plain aloe vera gel mask: Simply extract some aloe vera gel from a freshly cut aloe vera leaf, and use it to massage your hair and scalp.
- Aloe vera gel and honey mask: Mix 4 tbsp of fresh aloe vera gel with 2 tbsp of honey. Crush one medium-sized garlic to extract the garlic juice and add it to the mixture.

# Lemon juice hair masks

Lemon is an anti-fungal agent and can therefore help fight dandruff problems. You can prepare the following hair mask using lemon:

- Lemon and egg mask: Whisk one egg and mix in the juice of half a lemon.