Are you suffering from chronic dandruff? Have you tried all sorts of medications, but in vain? Most anti-dandruff products are laden with chemicals, which can potentially damage your hair. Their effectiveness in arresting dandruff is also temporary. Fortunately for us, nature offers some of the best cures for this pesky problem. One such ingredient renowned for its cosmetic and medicinal properties is Aloe vera. This thorny plant is proven to be effective against yeast infections, which cause dandruff. In this article, we shall learn the many benefits of using aloe vera for dandruff (Ghritkumari).
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Dandruff?
Dandruff is a type of yeast infection, which is caused due to excess sebum on the scalp. Aloe vera offers many benefits in controlling this sebum and killing the yeast growth at the same time. Here are some of the top reasons why aloe vera is such a highly recommended anti-dandruff agent:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Aloe vera can reduce the inflammation of scalp caused by dandruff and controls the production of white flakes.
- Stimulates Growth of New Cells: Aloe vera contains an agent called Pectin, which can stimulate the scalp and encourage the growth of fresh, healthy cells.
- Soothing Benefits: Even severe itching and burning sensation of the scalp can be controlled with aloe vera gel, which is known for its natural cooling and healing properties.
- Anti-Fungal agents: Aloe gel fights fungal growth on your scalp and prevents future attacks.
- Cleanses Scalp: Aloe vera gently cleanses your scalp and remove extra sebum or grime. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and healthy.
- Moisturizes Hair: The best part of aloe is that it locks in the moisture of your hair and makes it shiny and soft.
How to Use Aloe Vera For Dandruff?
Aloe vera can be directly used on the scalp to attain relief from the symptoms of dandruff. You can also use an aloe vera shampoo for dandruff. However, it is often combined with certain chemicals and may not be as efficient as natural methods. This is why many people try adding a few powerful ingredients like lemon, ACV etc., to this gel for faster and effective results. These recipes have been specially formulated to help you get rid of dandruff and improve the health of your hair.
Let’s look at some of these top home remedies for dandruff using aloe vera:
1. Aloe Vera For Hair Dandruff:
Using aloe vera for dandruff treatment is a common practice in many Indian households. Aloe is widely grown in gardens and even in pots, making it easy to prepare and use. Although aloe vera gel for dandruff is readily available in the market, it is best to make use of organic, naturally sourced pulp. The anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties make aloe one of the best anti-dandruff treatments.
Ingredients:
- Aloe Stems – 1 Big
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes
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.
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 You Do This?
- Twice a week
Precautions:
- Make sure you use only organic gel for best results. Store-bought gels are usually filled with chemicals.
[See More: Home Remedy for Dandruff.]
2. Lemon Juice With Aloe Vera For Dandruff:
Lemon is a natural remedy for removal of dandruff. However, its acidic nature can irritate the scalp and result in inflammation and redness. Mixing lemon juice with aloe vera gel is the best way to get the benefits of both the ingredients. The anti-microbial properties of this mixture can eliminate the symptoms of dandruff in just one or two applications.
Ingredients:
- Freshly extracted aloe vera gel – ½ Cup.
- Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp.
Preparation Time:
- 5 minutes
Preparation Method:
- Mix Aloe vera gel with lemon juice.
- Blend well to get a smooth consistency.
How to Apply?
- Apply the mixture directly on the scalp.
- Cover the entire area for better results.
- Leave it for 30-40 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water.
How Often You Do This?
- Once a week.
Precautions:
- Do not use this treatment more than once a week, as it can dry out your hair. Lemon juice can also cause stings on a bruised scalp. You can add yoghurt to overcome this problem.
3. Aloe Vera Natural Shampoo With Reetha:
You can make your very own aloe vera natural shampoo using Reetha and Tea tree oil. Reetha is a natural cleansing agent, which gently cleans your scalp off extra sebum and dirt. Tea tree oil, on the other hand, is an anti-fungal agent which curbs the yeast growth on your scalp. This shampoo can be a perfect replacement for your harsh shampoos and is sure to give you effective results.
Ingredients:
- Reetha – 4.
- Tea Tree Oil – 10-12 drops.
- Aloe vera gel – 2 tbsps.
- Vitamin E – 2 capsules.
Preparation Time:
- 20 minutes (excluding soaking time).
Preparation Method:
- Soak Reetha seeds in warm water overnight.
- The next morning, boil them in 2 cups of water.
- After the quantity reduces by half, turn off the heat.
- Allow the solution to cool.
- Add tea tree oil drops, aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil.
- Give the mixture a good stir.
- Store it in a spray bottle.
How to Apply?
- Wet hair with water.
- Spray the solution on your hair.
- Use it as a normal shampoo by creating a lather.
- Gently massage it on your scalp using your fingers.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
How Often You Do This?
- Twice or Thrice a Week.
4. Aloe Vera With Curd And Olive Oil:
One of the best ways to use aloe vera for dandruff hair is to combine it with curd and olive oil. The moisturizing properties of these ingredients offer instant cooling effect on your itchy scalp. It also controls the production of excess sebum and fights fungal growth. Using this treatment regularly can give you visible results.
Ingredients:
- Freshly Squeezed Aloe vera gel – 2 tbsp.
- Olive Oil – 1 tbsp.
- Curd – 1 Cup.
Preparation Time:
- 5 minutes.
Preparation Method:
- Mix all the ingredients well in a cup.
How To Apply?
- Apply this mixture all over your scalp and hair, as a mask.
- Cover with a shower cap.
- Leave on for 30 minutes.
- Wash thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Precautions:
- If you have an oily scalp, this mask can make your hair feel heavy and greasy. You can add lemon juice to deal with this problem.
5. Acv And Aloe Vera To Cure Dandruff:
Apple Cider Vinegar, aka ACV, is one of the most popular ingredients to treat dandruff. It balances the pH levels of your scalp and controls the production of excess sebum. Combining this with aloe vera gel can offer both cleansing and moisturizing benefits to your hair. Adding a dollop of honey to this mixture enhances the properties of this mask.
Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp.
- Honey – 1tbsp.
- Aloe Vera Gel – 2tbsp.
Preparation Time:
- 5 minutes
Preparation Method:
- Mix all the ingredients well to achieve a good consistency.
How to Apply?
- Spread this mixture all over your scalp.
- Leave it for 30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
How Often You Do This?
- Once every fortnight.
Precautions:
- ACV is a powerful agent and can cause a stinging sensation on sensitive or bruised scalps. You must dilute it to lower its potency.
6. Acv And Aloe Vera To Cure Dandruff:
Another easy way to apply Aloe vera juice for dandruff is to mix it with coconut oil. This Aloe oil is wonderful for nourishing your hair and eliminating the symptoms of flakiness and itching. Coconut oil has anti-microbial properties which fight the growth of yeast cells on your scalp. It is also a mild cleansing agent, which also coats your strands with a protective layer.
Ingredients:
- Cold-Pressed, Virgin Coconut Oil – 1 Cup.
- Aloe Vera Gel – 2tbsp.
Preparation Time:
- 30 minutes
Preparation Method:
- Add aloe vera gel to coconut oil.
- Gently simmer on low flame for 20-30 minutes.
- Keep stirring to prevent it from burning.
- Turn off the heat and allow it to cool.
How to Apply?
- Massage the oil well on your scalp.
- Leave it for a couple of hours.
- Wash it with lukewarm water.
How Often You Do This?
- Twice or Thrice a week, for best results.
Precautions:
- Never boil coconut oil on high flame as it gets burnt easily.
Additional Tips and Suggestions To Use Aloe Vera For Dandruff:
If you are looking for permanent relief from dandruff, it is recommended to follow these simple tips:
- Always prepare your own aloe vera gel at home, to ensure superior quality.
- If you are planning to use aloe vera shampoos to cure dandruff, invest on products that are free from sulfates, parabens and silicones.
- Dandruff cannot be cured at one go. It is advisable to follow a strict routine using natural remedies to eliminate the problem from roots.
- Using overdoses of lemon and honey in your hair masks can lighten the colour of your hair.
- Avoid styling tools, direct heat, chemical products and hair dyes, as this can further aggravate dandruff.
- In case you do not find relief from these home remedies, consult a doctor to find out the root cause of your problem.
Now that you have learnt the many ways to use aloe vera for dandruff, it’s time to put them to practice. Instead of experimenting with all the methods at once, you can try one method at a time, for at least 2 consecutive weeks. Aloe vera gel is a natural healer, and so are all the ingredients mentioned in this article. They may work slowly, but the results are sure! Try them to say goodbye to Dandruff!