Dandruff is a common problem that affects a lot of people. But in my case, these little white flakes of dandruff were falling on my clothes, making me feel uneasy and uncomfortable. I tried a lot of anti-dandruff shampoos, but my condition didn't improve. Seeing me scratch my scalp mercilessly, my mom recommended that I use aloe vera for dandruff. She believes that it is one of the best home remedies for dandruff. While I was sceptical at first, using it to get rid of dandruff changed my mind. However, to make sure this home remedy is effective and safe for everyone, Health Shots asked a dermatologist about the benefits and ways to incorporate aloe vera gel in your hair care routine to keep dandruff at bay.

How does aloe vera help to get relief from dandruff?

Sebaceous glands on our scalp, like those on our face and skin, secrete sebum, a waxy oil that coats and shields our hair and scalp from damage. While it is good for your skin and hair, overproduction of sebum can lead to an accumulation of the naturally occurring fungus Malassezia globosa on the scalp. This can lead to itching, redness, and flaking of dead skin cells, causing dandruff.

Using aloe vera for hair is an effective treatment. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock.

“Aloe vera gel can help reduce scalp oil build-up due to its zinc content. It also helps maintain the moisture of the scalp and slows down the growth of microbes that cause dandruff. Aloe vera also contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce scalp itching, and its antioxidant properties prevent cell damage,” says cosmetologist and trichologist Dr Priti Mahire.

According to a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, aloe vera was shown to help reduce the irritation of the scalp caused by dandruff. The aloe vera plant contains fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects, which makes it a good remedy to get rid of dandruff.

How to use aloe vera gel to get rid of dandruff?

Here are simple and effective home remedies for dandruff, as explained by the expert.

1. Aloe vera gel with coconut oil

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 cup of coconut oil

Process:

• Take two tablespoons of aloe vera gel, and mix one cup of coconut oil in it.
• Gently massage this mixture into your scalp and hair.
• Keep it for 1 to 2 hours, and then wash with lukewarm water.

2. Aloe vera with lemon

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• ½ tablespoon of aloe vera gel

Process:

• Take two tablespoons of lemon juice, and add half a tablespoon of aloe vera gel to it.
• Mix it well.
• Apply this to the scalp
• Rinse with lukewarm water after 30 to 40 minutes

3. Aloe vera with apple cider vinegar

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of aloe vera gel
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

Process:

• Take one cup of aloe vera gel, one teaspoon of honey, and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
• Mix all these well together and apply to the scalp and hair strands
• Keep it for 20 minutes before rinsing it with lukewarm water.

4. Aloe vera with olive oil and curd

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• One cup of curd

Process:

• Take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and one cup of curd.
• Mix them well to prepare a paste.
• Apply on the hair and scalp.
• Wash with lukewarm water after 30 minutes.

5. Aloe vera with tea tree oil

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 6 to 7 drops of tea tree oil

Process:

• Take two tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
• Add 6 to 7 drops of tea tree oil to it and apply on the scalp.
• Leave it for one hour and wash it off with water.

Get rid of dandruff by using aloe vera. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Are there any side effects of using aloe vera for dandruff?

While using aloe vera gel is not harmful, you should always do a patch test before applying it to your scalp.

The best time to use aloe vera to get rid of dandruff

It is always preferable to use aloe vera (with any other combination mentioned) in the morning time so that you can keep it for half an hour to 2 hours, and then wash it off.

For centuries, numerous cultures have utilised aloe vera for therapeutic purposes. Using aloe vera gel is an effective and easy home remedy to remove dandruff at an ease. However, you must do a patch test or consult a doctor before including it in your diet.

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