Dandruff has no bar! It attacks both children and adults alike. Many factors like hereditary, poor hair hygiene or certain health problems can pose a risk of dandruff in kids. Unfortunately, their scalps are too tender to expose them to harsh medications. While persistent itching and flaky scalps can make parent anxious, worrying along will do little to help the poor kids. Instead, check out these home remedies for dandruff in kids, which can offer instant relief from the pesky problem.
What Causes Dandruff in Children?
Dandruff is a condition which causes white flakes on the scalp, followed with severe itching. Sometimes, dandruff can also lead to hair loss due to blockage of pores. Here are some of the main factors that influence to Dandruff in children’s hair:
- Excess Sebum: Children or young adults may often end up oily scalps due to the production of excess sebum, causing dandruff.
- Malassezia: This is a fungus that thrives on excess oil and multiples in growth. The result is a flaky, itchy scalp.
- Dry Conditions: An extremely dry or dehydrated scalp may be filled with white flakes due to the accumulation of dead skin.
- Irregular Washing Of Hair: Not washing hair often can cover the scalp with product buildups, debris, oil and grime, leading to dandruff.
- Hair Products: Experimenting with products like dry shampoos are resulting in dandruff, particularly among growing children.
- Hormonal Changes: The imbalance of hormonal levels during puberty, menstruation can also lead to dandruff.
How to Treat Dandruff in Kids?
Before rushing to a doctor or trying out anti-dandruff shampoos designed for adults, it is recommended to try these safe methods of removing dandruff from children’s hair. These home remedies use the power of nature to keep dandruff at bay and help your child deal with its frustrating symptoms. Read on to learn how to use them.
Natural Remedies for Dandruff in Children:
1. Lemon Juice for Dandruff in Kids:
Lemon juice is a popular dandruff treatment for kids. It is rich in citric acid, which can balance the pH of your scalp and control the production of excess oil. Lemon juice also fights fungal growth and offers instant relief from persistent itching. It also reduces oxidative damage on your scalp cells and renews them. Adding a few drops of Coconut oil can reduce the potency of this acidic ingredient and make it suitable even for young kids.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil – 3 tbsp.
- Lemon Juice – 1-2 Tbsp.
- Time to Prepare: 5 Minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Warm the Coconut oil in a small cup.
- Add lemon juice to this oil.
How to Apply?
- Apply this oil mixture directly on your scalp.
- Massage well for 10-15 minutes.
- Leave for an additional 10 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Often Should I Do This? Weekly Once.
Precautions: If your child is allergic to citric acid, stay away from this remedy.
2. Aloe Vera Gel for Dandruff in Children:
One of the best ways for getting rid of dandruff in kids is by using Aloe vera gel. This gel can offer a soothing relief from the itching and burning sensation of dandruff. It can also reduce the inflammation on their scalp and bring down the severity of the condition. Besides, aloe vera can also reduce the fungal infections on your scalp and prevents future attacks.
Ingredients:
- Aloe Stems – 1 Big.
Preparation Method:
- Wash aloe stems with water.
- Take a knife and gently make a cross-section of the stem.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the pulp.
- You can use a blender to make it into a smooth gel.
- Time to Prepare: 10 minutes.
How to Apply?
- Section your hair and apply the gel directly on your scalp.
- Cover it with a shower cap.
- You can leave it for a couple of hours.
- Wash off with lukewarm water.
How Often Should I do This? Thrice a week.
Precautions: Always do a patch test before application and use only homemade aloe vera gel.
3. Eggs White to Treat Dandruff in Children:
Egg whites are known for their amazing benefits to hair. They are less smelly than the yellow yolks and are also rich in amino acids, which help in reconstituting damaged hair. Egg whites are also packed with vitamins and minerals to strengthen the follicles. Along with controlling the oil production on the scalp, egg whites can also fight dandruff-causing microbes, which makes it the best dandruff cure for kids.
Ingredients:
- Egg Whites – 1 or 2 Depending on the volume of hair.
- Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp.
Preparation Method:
- Whisk the egg whites in a bowl until they get frothy.
- Add some lemon juice and mix well.
- Time to Prepare: 5 minutes.
How to Apply?
- Apply the mixture directly on the scalp.
- Cover with a shower cap.
- Leave on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with cool water.
How Often Should I do This? Once a week.
Precautions: Washing the egg mask with hot water can “cook” the egg and make hair stink.
4. Amla or Indian Gooseberry:
Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant. It also contains antimicrobial properties that can stop the growth of bacterial and fungal infections. Amla can also strengthen the hair follicles and prevents hair loss due to dandruff. It also reduces scalp inflammation and itching sensation. Here’s how to use Amla as Dandruff cure for children.
Ingredients:
- Amla Powder – ½ Cup.
- Water – ½ Cup.
Preparation Method:
- Add water to Amla powder.
- Mix well to get a smooth consistency.
- Time to Prepare: 5 minutes.
How to Apply?
- Apply the mixture directly on the scalp.
- Cover with a shower cap.
- Leave on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with cool water.
How Often Should I do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: Sensitive scalps might experience stings with Amla powder due to Vitamin C.
5. Coconut Oil to Reduce Dandruff in Kids:
Coconut Oil is a safe and natural dandruff treatment in kids. Even young children can use this oil, as it is hypoallergic. Coconut oil is laden with fatty acids which moisturise a dry scalp and offers instant relief from itching and irritation. It also dissolves the white flakes and flushes them out from your scalp. Coconut oil can curb fungal growth and keep infections at bay.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil – 2tbsp.
- Time to Prepare: 1 min.
Preparation Method:
- Take some coconut oil in a cup and slightly warm it.
How to Apply:
- Use a cotton ball and soak in the coconut oil.
- Apply it directly on your scalp and cover the entire area.
- Gently massage for 15-20 minutes.
- Leave it on for an additional 30 minutes.
- Wash with a mild shampoo.
Precautions: This method works only if your kids have a dry scalp. Oily scalp problems can get aggravated with this treatment.
6. Tea Tree Oil to Treat Dandruff in Children:
Tea tree oil is a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent which can effectively remove dandruff from roots, without drying out the scalp. It also controls the production of excess sebum and maintains scalp health. Tea tree oil also works on itchiness and irritation and offers the best relief from the symptoms.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil – 2tbsp.
- Tea Tree Oil – 3-5 Drops.
- Cotton ball – 1.
- Time to Prepare: 1 min.
Preparation Method:
- Take some coconut oil in a cup and add tea tree oil to it.
How to Apply:
- Use a cotton ball and soak in the coconut oil.
- Apply it directly on your scalp and cover the entire area.
- Gently massage for 10 minutes.
- Leave it on for an additional 10 minutes.
- Wash with a mild shampoo.
Precautions: Never use undiluted tea tree oil on your kid’s scalp, as it leads to burns and inflammation.
7. Baking Soda to Remove Dandruff in Kids:
Baking Soda is a disinfectant which can fight fungal infections and keep your scalp in good condition. It also absorbs excess oil and grease on your scalp, along with balancing the pH levels. However, Baking Soda can dry out your hair and may even cause hair to fall in some instances. To prevent this problem, many mothers add a little olive oil to baking soda for extra hydration and nourishment.
Ingredients:
- Baking Soda – 2 teaspoons.
- Olive Oil – 2 tbsp.
- Water – To form a paste.
Preparation Method:
- Make a paste out of Baking Soda and water.
- Add Olive oil to this paste.
- Time To Prepare: 5 Minutes.
How to Apply?
- Apply this paste on the affected scalp.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often Should I do This? Twice a week
Precautions: Always do a patch test before trying out Baking Soda on larger areas. If your child experiences any reaction, avoid the remedy.
8. Onion Juice for Dandruff in Kids:
Onion juice is a safe, dandruff treatment for the child at home. It is loaded with Sulphur which can stimulate your scalp and impart new growth. Besides, Onion juice can also control fungal infections and greasy scalp problems. By mixing Onion juice with aloe vera gel, you can make it milder to suit the sensitive scalp of your kid.
Ingredients:
- Onion Juice – 2 tbsp.
- Aloe Vera Gel – 3 tbsp.
Preparation Method:
- Add Onion juice to aloe vera gel.
- Mix well for a smooth consistency.
- Time To Prepare: 5 Minutes.
How to Apply?
- Apply this mixture on the affected scalp.
- Leave it on for 20-25 minutes.
- Wash the hair with a mild cleanser.
How Often Should I do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: Onion juice may give out a pungent smell to your hair. Make sure to wash it off thoroughly with a cleanser.
9. Almond Oil for Dandruff in Children’s Hair :
Almond oil can keep your scalp moisturised and help in the prevention of dry dandruff in children. It soaks all the excess flakes, dirt and grime on your scalp and exfoliates the skin. Almond oil is also Vitamin E rich agent which strengthens the shafts and repairs them from within. You can use this treatment regularly for an increased volume of hair.
Ingredients:
- Almond Oil – 2tbsp.
- Cotton Ball.
- Time to Prepare: 1 min.
Preparation Method:
- Take some Almond oil in a cup and slightly warm it.
How to Apply:
- Use a cotton ball and soak in the coconut oil.
- Apply it directly on your scalp and cover the entire area.
- Gently massage for 15-20 minutes.
- Leave it on for an additional 30 minutes.
- Wash with a mild shampoo.
Precautions: This method works only if your kids have a dry scalp. Oily scalp problems can get aggravated with this treatment.
10. Neem Paste to Dandruff Treatment for Kids :
Neem paste is the most powerful antifungal ingredient that can kill even the most stubborn microbes in a zap. It can also fight many other scalp disorders like blisters, ringworms and even heat rashes. Neem paste, when combined with yoghurt, can soothe an itchy scalp and give a cooling sensation.
Ingredients:
- Neem Leaves – 1 Cup.
- Water – To Boil.
- Yoghurt – ½ Cup.
- Time to Prepare: 10 min.
Preparation Method:
- Boil some neem leaves in water.
- Cool them and blend to make a paste.
- Add yoghurt to this neem paste for a creamy consistency.
How to Apply:
- Apply the paste directly on the affected scalp.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with a mild cleanser.
Precautions: Neem paste can be a little difficult to remove from hair. Make sure to wash it well with water and shampoo.
Additional Tips to Prevent Dandruff in Kids:
Here are some expert tips to protect your child’s scalp from Dandruff:
- Analyse the root cause of dandruff in your child. This helps in offering the right course of treatment.
- Wash the child’s hair with a mild shampoo at least twice a week.
- Brush out all the dead flakes and dirt from the scalp.
- Give them a warm oil massage at least once a week to stimulate the cells.
- Don’t use very hot or very cold water to wash hair. Always stick to lukewarm water.
- Be cautious about medicated shampoos. Never use them on young kids’ hair without consulting a doctor.
- Choose hair products that are specially designed for kids, instead of trying out your products on them.
- Avoid sharing combs and hair accessories among children.
- Lastly, keep them hydrated and offer nutrition-rich food.
Dandruff in kids is not a dangerous problem. But, it can cause severe irritation in children and make them cranky. With itchiness on one side and flakes dropping off on their face on the other side, Dandruff can give them stress and discomfort. It is important to reassure them that all is well, and it is, after all, a minor problem. Keep trying these home remedies for dandruff, which will definitely bring back their lost smile. Do let us know which one worked for your child!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. What are The Main Sources of Dandruff in Kids?
There are many ways dandruff can attack your kid’s scalp. Poor personal hygiene like irregular washing of head or not combing the hair well is one of the top reasons why dandruff can occur. Other factors like oily scalp or sharing of combs and towels with a person infected with dandruff can easily spread the disease. You need to understand the cause before trying out a remedy to eliminate the problem from roots.
2. Does Dandruff in Kids Usually Go Away on Its Own?
The chances of a self-cure mechanism in case of dandruff are quite low. Dandruff is usually a stubborn problem and doesn’t go away that easily. If left untreated, dandruff can weaken your roots and cause hair fall. Acting as early as possible is the best way to deal with dandruff. Once it turns into a chronic problem, home remedies can do very little to treat it.
3. Why are Medicated Shampoos Not Safe on Kids?
Medicated shampoos contain strong agents like Tar, Sulfur or Selenium, which can cause permanent damage to your kid’s scalp. In case you think a medical intervention is required, out of products that are mild and specially designed for kids. Shampoos with Zinc or Salicylic acid can remove dandruff without harming the roots. However, they are not for everyday use.
