How To Get Rid Of Dandruff In Winter Naturally

Enjoy flake and itch-free scalp in the cold weather with these DIY and natural remedies.

Reviewed by Tiffany Young, Certified Trichology Practitioner
July 15, 2022 By Arshiya Syeda

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff In Winter Naturally

The winter might bring snow, but it also brings flakes to our scalp! Research shows that dandruff tends to worsen during winter. But, here are the best DIY hair masks to help you get rid of dandruff in winter. These masks contain natural ingredients that relieve and protect the scalp and strengthen and moisturize your hair. Scroll down to check out how to say goodbye to dandruff this cold season!

In This Article

5 Easy DIY Hair Masks For Dandruff In Winter

1. Coconut Oil And Lime Juice

The moisturizing properties of coconut oil and the acidic pH of lime juice are perfect for winter dandruff. Lime juice cleanses the scalp and contains citric acid that adjusts the pH of the scalp (1). This prevents the dandruff fungus from growing and thriving. Coconut oil hydrates the scalp and hair strands and keeps the hair healthy and shiny.

You Will Need

Coconut oil
1 teaspoon of lime juice
6 teaspoons of water
Cotton ball

Directions

Massage coconut oil onto your scalp in circular motions.
Dilute the lime juice and water.
Use the cotton ball to dab this mixture on the scalp.
Leave it on for 20 minutes.
Wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Note: Lime juice can cause irritation if not diluted. If it itches even after diluting, wash it off immediately and apply another coat of coconut oil.

2. Aloe Vera And Neem

Aloe vera decreases itching, scaling, and the areas affected by dandruff, while neem has antibacterial and antifungal properties (2), (3). When used in combination, they make for an excellent DIY mask to get rid of dandruff in winter.

You Will Need

2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
10-15 fresh neem leaves

Directions

Blend the aloe vera gel and neem leaves.
Blitz for 6-7 seconds.
Apply this mixture to the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
Wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

3. Apple Cider And Fenugreek

Apple cider vinegar has a low pH (acidic pH), which prevents growth of the fungus. It also helps cleanse the scalp. The high protein content and nicotinic acid in fenugreek seeds help strengthen the hair roots and prevent dandruff (4).

You Will Need

2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds
½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

Directions

Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight.
Blend the apple cider vinegar and 10-12 tablespoons of the fenugreek seed water.
Apply this mixture to the scalp.
Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing.

4. Tea Tree Oil And Almond Oil

The antifungal properties of tea tree oil and nourishing properties of almond oil makes this concoction perfect for removing dandruff and treating dry and itchy scalp (5), (6).

You Will Need

2 drops of tea tree oil
50 ml of almond oil

Directions

Dilute the tea tree oil in almond oil.
Shake this mixture well and massage it onto your scalp.
Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing.

Note: Tea tree oil must be diluted before using, as it can irritate the skin. If you have a sensitive scalp, avoid using tea tree oil.

5. Green Tea And Orange Juice

Green tea treats dandruff by reducing excess sebum production in the scalp (7). The acidic pH and vitamin C content of orange juice makes it a good combination to get rid of winter dandruff.

You Will Need

4 tablespoons of green tea
2 tablespoons of orange juice

Directions

Mix the green tea and orange juice.
Apply this mixture to the scalp.
Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

These are the home remedies to get rid of dandruff in winter. There are other tricks that can help eliminate winter dandruff quickly. Here’s what you can do.

Other Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Winter Dandruff

Use An Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Anti-dandruff shampoos contain selenium sulfide, coal tar, zinc pyrithione, or ketoconazole (8). These ingredients help remove dandruff and prevent fungal growth on the scalp. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week for at least four weeks for visible results. However, do not overuse these shampoos as this can prompt dandruff regrowth.

Avoid Scratching

Dry scalp with dandruff is really itchy, and scratching your scalp will only make it worse. The flakes fall on your shoulders and make your hair dirty. Press your index finger on the scalp to control the urge to itch.

Avoid Using Hot Water

Winters can prompt you to use hot water to wash your hair. But using hot/warm water will make your hair frizzy and dry out the scalp. This becomes an ideal environment for dandruff growth. Hence, use lukewarm water for your shower.

Massage Oil Before Shampooing

Massage coconut or almond oils every time you shampoo your hair. This helps hydrate the strands and nourish the hair roots. It improves blood circulation to the scalp and fights dandruff.

Avoid Styling Products With Alcohol

Any hairstyling product, such as hairspray, dry shampoo, or mousse, may contain alcohol, which dries out the scalp and makes dandruff worse. Thus, avoid hairstyling products with alcohol.

Clean Your Hair Brush

Clean your hair brush twice a week. You do not want to transfer dandruff from the hair brush to your clean scalp. That’s why it is essential to clean your hair brush every time you shampoo.

Do Not Tie Wet Hair

Tying wet hair creates a humid environment for dandruff growth. Use a blow dryer on the warm setting to dry your hair during winters. You can also wear a scarf, muffler, or hoodie to keep your hair protected from the cold.

De-stress Your Mind

Stress increases the cortisol level of your body, which affects scalp health. Set aside time to de-stress yourself. You may workout, take a walk, run, read, write, listen to music, or meditate.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

You must also boost your scalp health from the inside. Consume foods that help reduce inflammation, such as omega-3-rich fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna, etc.), nuts, and seeds. Include protein-rich foods like legumes, eggs, mushrooms, and soy in your diet. Consume green leafy veggies and fruits for vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Incorporate these habits to keep dandruff at bay during winters and improve the health of your hair, skin, and nails.

Dandruff is common in the winter, causing itching, irritation, and discomfort! However, you may rely on natural ingredients from your kitchen to combat dandruff in the winter and get a healthy, clean scalp. Furthermore, your pantry ingredients get the job done without burning a hole in your wallet. Is not that fantastic? You can get rid of winter dandruff with these DIY hair masks and the methods mentioned above. So, start your anti-dandruff routine right now! This winter, a little extra care will go a long way towards preventing dandruff.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prevent dry scalp in the winter?

Massage your scalp with coconut or almond oils twice a week to prevent dryness. You can get a hair spa treatment once a month. Also, drink 2-3 liters of water daily.

Why does my dandruff get worse in winter?

The cold and dry weather during the winter season triggers dandruff. The best way to control it is to massage oil onto your scalp, use DIY hair masks, eat healthy, and stay stress-free.

Key Takeaways

Applying hair masks made of certain ingredients with acidic pH helps check the growth of dandruff fungus and cleanse the scalp.
These masks are a combination of antibacterial/antifungal and nourishing ingredients. Example: Tea tree oil (antifungal) and almond oil (for nourishment).
If home remedies do not work for you, using shampoos containing selenium sulfide, coal tar, etc. can help.

Sources

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