Parents of adolescents and dandruff have something in common: They both bring tremendous embarrassment. If you’ve been a teenager or have one in your house, you likely know the routine. In public, you are to pretend the adults do not exist. Sure, we all know they do, but for the sake of saving face, we pretend they don’t. The same is true for dandruff. Although half the population suffers from itchy skin conditions, few want to admit it.
While you can’t cure seborrhoeic dermatitis, you can control it. Surprisingly, one of the most potent antidotes available may be sitting in your pantry. Turmeric, a common, golden spice used for curries and mustard, has a lengthy resume. It boasts being able to fight disease, heal wounds, alleviate stretch marks, and reduce dandruff.
So before you head to the drugstore in search of medicinal shampoo, give these turmeric-infused recipes a chance. They are natural without any harsh chemicals and they are far less expensive than the store-bought contenders. For best results, use the mask at least once a week.
Homemade Turmeric Hair Mask to Treat Dandruff
This is the most complicated of the recipes listed, but possibly the most effective. You can substitute fresh leaves for dry powders, which are available in most grocery stores. If you choose this option, select high-quality ones, mix them with yogurt and utilize them in the same way you would for the fresh leaves. In either case, don’t skip out on the yogurt since it conditions hair quite well and ensures that the henna doesn’t turn your hair red.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 cup each of henna leaves, neem leaves, and tulsi leaves
- Yogurt, as needed
Wash the leaves together and drain the water completely. Without adding water, grind the leaves in a blender. Add yogurt and blend until it reaches a smooth, thick consistency. Apply it to your scalp and hair, then wait at least 20 minutes before washing it off.
Hair Mask Against Dandruff
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons cold-pressed coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
Mix the ingredients together and apply them all over the scalp. Leave on for 1 to 3 hours, then rinse with your normal shampoo. For best results, avoid conditioning hair the day prior to treatment.
Turmeric and Oil Hair Wash
- Pinches of turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons of your favorite oil
- Plastic wrap
Using a microwave, heat your preferred oil for 10 to 20 seconds. Drop the turmeric powder into the warm oil and mix well. Comb through your hair in order to detangle it and then use your fingers to massage the treatment into your scalp and hair. Cover your hair in plastic wrap for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.
Alternately, you can steam your hair using a towel and mild heat. Keep in mind that turmeric stains, so set aside a towel that you don’t mind having a golden yellow color.
Why Turmeric?
Turmeric contains antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It naturally cleanses the scalp and reduces dandruff by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp. The spice also provides nutrients to the hair follicles.
Cause of Dandruff
Many people associate dandruff with a dry scalp. However, this is not the cause of the skin condition. In fact, very little is known about what causes it. The primary reason for its existence seems to be the presence of a yeast called Pityrosporum ovale or a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. Its metabolites can draw an inflammatory reaction and lead to increased skin growth. Other causes may include not shampooing hair often enough and irritated, oily skin.
Consider turmeric the superhero of the health and beauty aisle. Though underutilized, its ability to help is noteworthy.
There are also many other effective home remedies to this condition: read here.
Rick Kaselj MS, is a leading kinesiologist and injury specialist as well as co-creator of the best-selling Unlock Your Hip Flexors program. Rick creates exercise programs that help people heal injuries and eliminate pain, so they can go back to living a full, active, healthy life.
