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5 Homemade Anti-Dandruff Shampoos: Get Clean & Clear Scalp

Homemade shampoo for Dandruff

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I got rid of Dandruff after switching to homemade shampoo.

Just the first use made a noticeable difference.

And I couldnโ€™t believe I had put up with dandruff for so many years and the cure was right at my home.

I thought the yeast โ€“ which is what the dandruff literature puts down to โ€“ was the cause of my dandruff. So I was trying just about every anti-dandruff shampoo on the planet.

To remove the yeast, I even took probiotics supplements and ate yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir and what not till my system gave up and revolted by making me sick.

But dandruff stayed, until I switched to homemade shampoo.

But the reason I moved to homemade shampoo was not dandruff, but hair loss (I was losing massive amounts of hair then). My instincts told me to switch to homemade shampoo.

And that really saved my hair as well as got rid of dandruff. Not just that, my hair became more bounce, more shine and after a few months, many new hair started to grow on my scalp.

Switching to homemade shampoo is the best thing that I did for my hair. It fixed so many problems. And I also realised later on that it was not the yeast that was causing dandruff but I was having an allergic reaction to the store-bought shampoo.

Problems with store-bought shampoo

  • Most of them contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) โ€“ which is a detergent used to remove the grease and dirt. But SLS is a known skin irritant and can cause itchy scalp, dry skin, eczema and even pollute the environment by getting into the ground water.
  • The preservatives they contain may not agree with your skin and cause an allergic reaction.
  • Due to the presence of harsh detergents, it strips the natural protective oils from the scalp, leaving it dry and exposed to the elements.
  • Even the so called natural shampoos may not help. This is because the natural detergents in them tend to have a higher pH, whereas our scalp has a lower pH (between 4.5 and 5.5). And this pH imbalance affects the skin function, making it prone to dry skin, rashes and inflammation.
  • This whole thing has an effect on hair follicles, causing dull and brittle hair.ย When the scalpโ€”which is the foundation of hairโ€”is unhealthy, it will not grow healthy hair.

Bottom line: if you have been suffering from dandruff and nothing seem to help, give your store bought shampoo a break and try these natural alternatives.ย Just by switching to homemade shampoo you can expect a big difference in your dandruff.

I have 5 options for you. You can try them all and see what works for you:

  1. Cucumber and Lime Scalp Detox
  2. Honey Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
  3. Egg Yolk Shampoo for Greasy Hairย 
  4. Shikakai pH Balanced Shampoo
  5. Rhassoul Clay Deep Cleanser

Here are Homemade Shampoos for Dandruff that will remove the flakes and make your hair shiny and beautifulโ€ฆ.

5 Homemade Anti-Dandruff Shampoos: Get Clean & Clear Scalp

1. Cucumber and Lime Scalp Detox

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This is a mild, soothing cleanser for your flaky scalp. Cucumber contains anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which help reduce skin irritation, redness and itching.

Cucumber naturally soften, soothe and moisturises the scalp โ€“ this will get rid of the dryness and flakes. And for your hair, cucumber offers lots of antioxidants, minerals, biotin, vitamin C and other micro-nutrients, all of which nourish hair follicles and improve growth.

The role of lime is also very important. Because of its acidic nature, lime works to remove oil, dirt and dead skin cells from your scalp. Lime is rich in vitamin C, and offers detoxifying and antiseptic benefits. It will not only make your scalp healthy but also adds shine and silkiness to your hair.

You will need:

  • 1 cup cucumber (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 3 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)

First, blend the cucumber to a fine paste. Strain using a fine sieve or muslin cloth.ย 

Next, add lime juice (and rosemary oil if you like) and mix well. Your shampoo is ready to use.

How to use:

Apply this mixture to your scalp. You can use your fingers or a cotton piece and apply section by section. Massage gently for a couple of minutes, and let it soak in for 5-15 minutes. Then wash it out.

Your hair will be cleansed, nourished, and moisturized.

Extra notes:

If you have long or curly hair, use cucumber juice instead of pulp. After you blend the cucumber to a fine paste, squeeze out the cucumber juice using a fine sieve or muslin cloth (handkerchief also works fine). Then discard the pulp and use just the juice. This will prevent the cucumber bits hanging on to your hair.

2. Honey Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Honey anti-dandruff shampoo

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Honey is a mild cleanser and works very well as an anti-dandruff shampoo. All thanks to its incredible healing properties. There are a number of studies to prove that honey is useful in relieving dandruff,ย  seborrheic dermatitis as well as psoriasis. (1,2)

Besides, the slightly acidic nature of honey balances the scalp pH โ€“ this helps to maintain a healthy scalp and keeps nasty bacteria and fungus in check.

Honey is also a great moisturiser. Due to its humectant nature, honey hydrates and conditions the scalp and makes hair soft, shiny and frizz-free.

You will need:

Combine honey and water in a mug/squeeze bottle and shake well. Honey shampoo is ready.

How to use

Wet hair. Then massage the honey shampoo for about a minute, and rinse thoroughly. Let your hair dry naturally.

Another way you can use honey shampoo is Not as a shampoo, but as a last rinse. Doing this will also help with dandruff.

Extra notes:

  • Always buy unprocessed raw honey as it retains maximum antioxidants, enzyme, vitamins, minerals and healing properties. Such honey will bring great results.
  • Some people like to follow up with apple cider vinegar (acv) or lime juice rinse. Mix 1 tablespoon acv with 1 cup of water, pour over your hair and rinse thoroughly. This adds shine and removes any hard water build up.

3. Egg Yolkย  Shampoo for Greasy Scalp

Egg Yolk shampoo

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I find egg yolk the best part about eating egg. But did you know itโ€™s also a superb hair cleanser.ย 

Hereโ€™s the chemistry behind it: Egg yolk contains lecithin, which is an emulsifier. It works to emulsify the oil with water. And when you wash out your hair, the dirt and grease get rinsed out. So basically the yolk cuts through the grease and dirt and makes your hair squeaky clean.

Even though you get squeaky clean hair, itโ€™s not at the expense of your scalp. This shampoo will not strip the scalp of its natural oils, so your scalp will stay hydrated and moisturised โ€” this will ensure that the dandruff flakes disappear soon after washing.ย 

Plus, the yolk is rich in essential fatty acids, protein, vitamin D, B12, folate and zinc. All of these give your hair an extra boost to grow strong and healthy.

You will need:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1-2 teaspoons water
  • 2 tablespoon coconut milk (optional, moisturises scalp and softens hair)
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek powder (optional, removes dryness and dandruff)
  • 5 drop of peppermint essential oil (optional, adds refreshing smell and tingle to the scalp)
  • 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel or lime juice (optional, use for extra cleansing and shine)

First, separate the egg yolk from the white. Place the yolk in a bowl, add 1-2 teaspoons water and mix well.ย 

Add the other optionals as desired.ย  If you are using fenugreek powder, add some water to it and make it into a paste before adding to the egg yolk (as it can form lumps).ย 

How to Use:ย 

You can apply the egg shampoo in wet or dry hair. If you have oil massaged your hair and want a squeaky clean effect apply to dry hair or else wet hair as you would normally do.ย 

Pour about a ยฝ tablespoon of mixture into your hand and apply to your scalp. I normally start at the top of the head, do the sides, then work at the back.

Massage your scalp for a couple of minutes and work through your hair. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse with cool/lukewarm water. Done.

This shampoo gently cleans the hair and adds amazing volume and bounce to it

Conditioning is optional. But if you think the egg smell lingers, use a conditioning rinse. Herbs likeย green tea, rosemary, sage, amla, shikakai, hibiscus and nettle make fantastic tea rinses for hair. Hereโ€™s how to use

4. Shikakai pH Balanced Shampooimg-6

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This is my go to shampoo when I have itchy, flaky scalp. But you can also use this as an everyday shampoo. It cleans the scalp beautifully, without stripping it of its natural protective oils. This natural shampoo is also a treat for your hair. Because of its moisturising and conditioning effects, it will leave your hair feeling soft, shiny and bouncy.

The good thing is that it works for all hair types.

I use whole herbs โ€“ shikakai, reetha (soap nut), and fenugreek seeds โ€“ to make this anti-dandruff shampoo. Hereโ€™s what each ingredient has to offer.

Shikakaiย is pH balancing and works to keep the scalp healthy and dandruff free. It also gently cleans the hair and increases silkiness and bounciness of hair.

Fenugreek seedsย has wonderful soothing properties that calm the dry irritated scalp. Plus it makes hair soft and shiny.

Reetha (soap nut)ย not only cleans the hair but also strengthens the hair roots, as well as adds body and thickness to your hair. While itโ€™s anti-microbial properties help with scalp conditions such as dandruff and eczema.

You will need:

Method:

Combine the herbs with water in a stainless-steel pan. Bring to a boil, and continue boiling for 10-12 minutes.

Add more water if needed. Turn off the heat, cover the pot and leave it to โ€˜steepโ€™ until it cools. Strain out the herbs. Done. (You can pour the liquid into aย squeeze bottle for easy use.)

To use:

Wet your hair. Pour the shampoo slowly over hair and massage the scalp and work through your hair.

Let it sit for 4-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let your hair dry naturally. Your scalp will be clean and clear, and hair will be soft and bouncy.

Extra Notes:

  1. You can make large quantities of this shampoo and freeze them in ice cube tray. More instructions here.
  2. Shikakai may darken your hair over time.

5.ย Rhassoul Clay Deep CleanserRhassoul Clay Deep Cleanse Shampoo

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This brown coloured clay, with its smooth silky texture, is a superb natural cleanser. Rhassoul clay is known for its ability to draw out impurities that can build up on scalp and hair. Rich in natural minerals, rhassoul clay moisturises hair, improves elasticity, and makes hair super soft. Itโ€™s also very soothing on the scalp and helps calm skin irritation.

You will need:

To make this mud cleanser, simply add waterย to the clay to make a runny paste.ย Thatโ€™s it and youโ€™re ready to use.

Tip: If your hair is dry, stir in a few drops of oil (such asย almond oil) to make the mixture more moisturising.

How to use:

Massage the rhassoul mixture into the scalp and hair, and leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Enjoy your dandruff-free scalp and beautiful hair.

Extra notes:

  1. You can make this shampoo more exotic by replacing water with floral water (rose, chamomile) or blend in herbal teasย such as rosemary, mint, shikakai or chamomile.
  2. If your hair doesnโ€™t feel clean enough, follow up with apple cider vinegar (acv) or lime juice rinse. Mix 1 tablespoon acv with 1 cup of water, pour over your hair and rinse well. This adds shine and removes any hard water build up.

More Tips for Getting Rid of Dandruff

1. Eat Yogurt.ย Live or homemade yogurt contains tons of healthy bacteria โ€“ which helps to keep dandruff causing yeast/fungus in check.

2. Take a daily dose of Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are anti-inflammatory and they will slow down the production of flaky skin as well as soothe irritated skin. Good fats are ghee, butter, avocados, nuts (cashew,ย almonds, walnut), and seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower).

3. Stay happy: Stress is the root of most illness, and it can even make your dandruff worse. Someย proven ways to stay happyย all the time are: exercise, write a gratitude journal, own less stuff, practice mindfulness (live in the present moment), help others, and go out and do something that scares you (try a new recipe, talk to a stranger, ask for a raise).

4. Apply miracle hair maskย 

This homemade hair mask contains just 2 common kitchen ingredients but is extremely effective in getting rid of dandruff. Give it a try.

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I would love to hear how the dandruff shampoo/s worked for youโ€ฆ. Share in the comment box belowโ€ฆย 

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