With the onset of winter, we all wait for pretty white snowflakes to surround us. But, imagine, covered up with white, itchy scalp flakes instead? Gross! Winter is the worst enemy for dandruff and can end up giving you frustrating times. Lack of humidity in the weather can flare up the skin condition and aggravate the itchiness. Fortunately, you can handle dandruff in winter with some amazingly simple dandruff removal home remedies. Read on to find out about these methods in detail.
What Causes Dandruff in Winter?
Here are the main winter dandruff causes and factors that contribute to the problem:
- Dandruff is caused by extreme dryness of the scalp and flaky skin.
- Winter cold air and winter dryness causes dry, itchy and flaky skin causing dandruff.
- Even the use of heaters during cold winters can cause dandruff.
- Fungal infections.
- Excessive use of hair products.
- Hair Colouring.
Tips to Prevent Dandruff in Winter:
In this article, we discuss how to deal with dandruff in winter home remedies to the rescue.
1. Aloe Vera and Lemon for Dandruff:
Dryness of scalp is the main reason for dandruff in winter. Using Aloe vera is a very effective home remedy for dealing with this condition. Aloe Vera has natural moisturising agents that prevent your scalp from drying and lemon has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tbsp.
- Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp.
Time to Prepare: 5 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Mix fresh Aloe Vera gel with lemon juice.
How to Apply?
- Apply this mixture to the scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with water or a gentle cleanser.
How Often Should I Do This? Weekly once.
Precautions: This remedy can cause a stinging sensation on bruised skin.
2. Ginger to Reduce Dandruff:
Ginger has many benefits that include anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that fight dandruff and other scalp conditions. It can remove itchy, white flakes on your scalp and also stimulate the growth of new follicles. No wonder why Ginger is one of the best home remedies for dandruff and hair fall in winter.
Ingredients:
- Ginger – 2 Large pieces.
- Cotton Ball.
Time to Prepare: 5 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Grate two pieces of ginger and make some juice out of it.
How to Apply?
- Apply this ginger extract to your scalp using a cotton ball.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Often Should I Do This? Twice a month.
Precautions: This remedy may not suit sensitive scalps.
3. Baking Soda to Remove Dandruff:
Baking Soda is a natural disinfectant which can fight fungal infections on your scalp. It can even control excess sebum and grease that lead to dandruff. Besides, Baking Soda also balances the pH of your scalp and removes any product build-ups and dead skin. This is one of the best remedies for dandruff in winter.
Ingredients:
- Baking Soda – 3 tbsp.
- Water.
Time to Prepare: 5 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Add water to baking soda and make it into a thick paste.
How to Apply?
- Apply this paste on your scalp.
- Using circular movements, massage well to loosen up your flakes.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Often Should I Do This? Once a month.
Precautions: This remedy may not suit sensitive scalps.
See More: Home Remedies For Dandruff In Kids
4. Fenugreek Seeds to Prevent Dandruff:
Fenugreek seeds are known for their anti-fungal properties. It can effectively curb yeast infection, along with removing other scalp disorders. Fenugreek seeds can also nourish your hair and replenish it with required moisture levels. This is one of the best winter dandruff solutions.
Ingredients:
- Fenugreek Seeds – 3 tbsp.
- Water.
Time to Prepare: 5 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Soak fenugreek seeds in water.
- Blend well to form into a smooth paste.
How to Apply?
- Apply this paste on your scalp.
- Using circular movements, massage well to loosen up your flakes.
- Leave it on for 90 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Often Should I Do This? Once a month.
Precautions: Fenugreek paste can be difficult to remove. Make sure to wash off thoroughly to remove any build-ups.
5. Tea Tree Oil to Treat Dandruff:
Conditioners and a number of hair care products that are prepared from tea tree oil really assist you to keep the dampness in your scalp and to evade the development of dandruff. You can even try applying tea tree oil for increased efficiency. Here’s how to try this dandruff treatment in winter:
Ingredients:
- Tea tree oil – 3-4 Drops.
- Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp.
Time to Prepare: 5 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Mix tea tree oil and coconut oil.
- Blend well.
How to Apply?
- Apply this oil on your scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash it off with a mild shampoo.
How Often Should I Do This? Twice a week.
Precautions: Don’t apply undiluted tea tree oil directly on your scalp.
Other Remedies to Treat Dandruff in Winter:
Read More: Using Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff
6. Humidifier to Remove Dandruff:
It is very useful for maintaining the air humid during winter. By this, your skin achieves sufficient moisture to continue it hydrated plus prevent it from getting dry. While you use a humidifier, you must clean it every 2 or 3 days.
7. Massage With Oil Prevent to Dandruff:
Mix lukewarm olive oil and coconut oil plus give massage gently on the scalp by the warm oil moreover wash it off following an hour. Then apply mild shampoo as well as conditioner. You can also add lavender oil into this. This helps to remove dandruff and give strong and silky hair.
8. Avoid Use Of Styling Products:
Styling involves lots of chemicals that worsen your scalp, and in winter, it is already dry. This can cause irritation to the scalp and create it dry, plus direct to the arrangement of dandruff.
9. Avoid Frequent Hair Colouring:
Hair colour affects the scalp as well as causes dandruff, so stay away from colouring hair in winter otherwise confirm that you choose a hair colour which guarantees to keep the damp levels of your hair.
See More: What Are The Causes Of Dandruff
10. Avoid Frequent Washing of Your Hair:
Avoid washing your hairs regularly in winter season because repeated wash of the hair might turn your scalp dry as well as it leads to dandruff. Also, avoid the use of hot water for washing your hairs. It dries out your hairs and washes natural oil.
11. Vitamins:
A sufficient amount of Zinc and vitamin B in your diet is of huge significance for maintaining superior scalp health. Omega 3 fatty acids are present in eggs, walnuts, and leafy vegetables etc. So, eat plenty of salad prepared from green vegetables.
12. Apply Special Shampoos:
You can use a product, which has coal tar that slows down the rate of flaking of dead skin cells. Several of these shampoos are to be applied on the scalp and left for 4 to 5 minutes. This counters dandruff and wipes them out. Wait for a few minutes plus then wash off with water for the desired results of getting rid of dandruff.
Additional Winter Hair Care for Dandruff Control:
If you are wondering how to prevent dandruff in winter, Follow these tips:
- During winter, your scalp is usually dry. Avoid shampoos that have SLS or SLEs as they could further dry your scalp. Use a mild cleanser/shampoo.
- Avoid styling your hair using chemicals that could cause further damage and dry out your scalp.
- Keep your hair covered using a winter cap or hat as it prevents further drying, dandruff and other hair problems.
- Wash your hair using lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water strips the hair of its natural oils.
- Ensure your pillow is also dandruff free. Keep changing your pillow covers and wash your towels often.
- Combs and brushes are some of the common causes of dandruff in winter. Wash them also with an anti-dandruff shampoo. Don’t share your comb with anyone.
See More: What Are The Symptoms of Dandruff
Now that you have learnt the many methods and tip to overcome dandruff in winter, why not give them a try? These remedies are safe and natural, so you don’t have to worry about their side effects. Also, maintaining a good scalp personal hygiene and investing in good hair products can prevent this pesky problem from coming back. Do share your experiences of dealing with winter dandruff and let us know if you have any special ways to combat the problem.
