Sooth Your Itchy Scalp with These 10 DIY Hair Masks
- Urvashi Kaushal
- Jan 22
- 6 min read
Simple ingredients for effective hair treatment against dandruff
One of the major hair care concerns is dandruff. Around 50% of the population is affected by dandruff and itchy scalp in the world. It is easily identified through itchiness and scalp brittleness. It is a common form of seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that makes the scalp more dry, itchy, and prone to dead skin cell shedding.
Generally, it’s not easy to get rid of dandruff quickly on its own. Especially in winters when such problems can get worse. You may try using DIY hair masks rather than solely rely on chemical treatments and harsh shampoos. Moreover, these DIY hair masks will not harm your hair or scalp if you keep using them long-term. In fact, they offer various other advantages for hair care.
First, let's look up the causes which leads to dandruff and itchy scalp.
What Causes Dandruff? 6 Reason You Should Know
Treating dandruff is challenging, by knowing the root cause of dandruff will help you to come up with better solutions.
1. Scalp’s Natural Fungus May Cause Trouble
Most of us believe that dandruff is caused due to dryness, however, there is more to it. It often happens due to excess growth of natural yeast (called Malassezia) on the scalp. This yeast feeds on the oils in your scalp, which is why people with oily hair are more likely to deal with dandruff.
2. Stress Can Make Dandruff Worse
Stress impairs your immune system, which makes it more difficult for your body to prevent flare-ups of dandruff. Although it can be controlled by relaxing methods like deep breathing or meditation.
3. Improper Shampooing May Cause Build-Up
If you often skip the shampoo, it helps in generating excess oil and dead skin which might foster the growth of flakes. Regular hair wash minimizes dandruff and keeps your scalp clean.
4. Your Diet Plays a Crucial Role Too
You may develop skin or scalp problems if you neglect taking proper nutrients. To maintain a healthy scalp you must take a balanced healthy diet which is rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.
5. Over Use of Styling Products
Styling products such as sprays, gel, or pompades can make dandruff worse. As these products provide extra oils that yeast thrives on. One must try cutting on using heavy styling products. To keep dandruff in check.
6. Say ‘No” To Hot Shower
Although the hot shower might feel relaxing, they can strip off your scalp’s natural oil, leaving it dry and irritated. Which can make dandruff worse. Further, the heat can weaken your hair and make it prone to breakage and fizziness. Instead, go for lukewarm water which protects your scalp and hair.
Moreover, there are several skin conditions (such as eczema or psoriasis) which may make your scalp and skin prone to dandruff.
Also Read: 7 Incredible Home Made Remedies for Hair Fall: Say Goodbye to Worries, Hello to Healthy Hair!
Can Hair Masks Cure Dandruff Naturally?
There are various anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments buzzing in the market, however, most of them are laden with harsh chemicals which may damage your hair. Besides natural hair hair masks offer gentler options to tackle dandruff and hair fall while nourishing and conditioning your tresses.
Home-made or natural hair masks don’t just reduce flakes, they also soothe the itchiness and brittleness that come with dandruff. Further, they work on root causes—like dryness, or excess oil without leaving any side-effects like chemical based products do. Unlike most store-bought shampoos, DIY hair masks are free of harmful ingredients, making them safer, viable long-term solutions for hair and scalp care.
10 Effective DIY Hair Masks for Healthy, Flake-Free Scalp & Nourished Hair
1. Yogurt, Honey, and Lemon Hair Mask
This mask combines the pH-balancing properties of lemon, the moisturizing benefits of honey, and the nourishing effects of yogurt. It soothes your scalp, reduces dryness, and fights dandruff effectively.
How to Use: Mix ½ cup of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to your scalp and hair, leave for 30 minutes, and rinse with a sulfate-free shampoo.
2. Green Tea, Peppermint Oil, and Aloe Vera Rinse
Green tea fights dandruff-causing bacteria, peppermint oil soothes irritation, and aloe vera hydrates the scalp to reduce itchiness and flaking.
How to Use: Mix 1 cup of brewed green tea, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and a few drops of peppermint oil. After washing your hair, pour the mixture over your scalp, massage gently, leave for 5 minutes, and rinse with mild shampoo.
3. Hibiscus, Neem, and Fenugreek Hair Pack
Hibiscus nourishes the scalp and promotes hair health, neem fights dandruff-causing microbes, and fenugreek cleanses and strengthens hair roots.
How to Use: Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight and make a thick paste next morning. Mix with 1 tablespoon of neem powder and 2 tablespoons of hibiscus powder. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil for a smooth paste. Apply to your scalp and hair, leave for 30 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.
4. Banana, Honey, Lemon, and Olive Oil Mask
Bananas condition hair, honey locks in moisture, lemon balances pH, and olive oil strengthens strands while reducing dandruff.
How to Use: Mash 2 ripe bananas and mix with 1 tablespoon each of honey, lemon juice, and olive oil. Apply evenly, leave for 30 minutes, and rinse with a mild shampoo.
5. Avocado Hair Mask for Dandruff
Avocado hydrates and revitalizes your scalp while promoting healthy hair growth and reducing dandruff.
How to Use: Mash 1 ripe avocado and mix with 2 tablespoons of honey and olive oil. Apply from roots to tips, leave for 45 minutes, and wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
6. Coconut Oil and Taramira Oil Treatment
Coconut oil nourishes your scalp and reduces dandruff, while taramira (mustard rocket seed) oil is rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that fight dandruff-causing fungi and bacteria. It also strengthens hair roots and prevents flaking.
How to Use: Warm 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of taramira oil. Massage this blend on your scalp for around 10 minutes. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash with a gentle shampoo.
7. Egg and Yogurt Hair Mask
Eggs provide protein to strengthen hair, and yogurt exfoliates the scalp while fighting dandruff.
How to Use: Mix 1 egg and ½ cup of yogurt until smooth. Apply to your scalp and hair, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse with cool water and shampoo.
8. Fenugreek, Horsetail Oil and Lemon Hair Mask
Fenugreek is rich in proteins and antioxidants that help reduce dandruff and strengthen hair, while lemon juice cleanses the scalp and balances pH levels. Horsetail oil, extracted from the horsetail plant, is packed with silica, which strengthens hair, promotes growth, and prevents flaking. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also help soothe the scalp and reduce dandruff.
How to Use: Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight and grind them into a smooth paste. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of horsetail oil to the paste. Mix well and apply it to your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar balances the scalp's pH, reduces flakiness, and leaves hair shiny.
How to Use: Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray on your scalp, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse with shampoo.
10. Egg Yolk and Olive Oil Mask
Egg yolks hydrate and add shine, while olive oil soothes the scalp and fights dandruff.
How to Use: Whisk 1 egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Apply to your scalp and hair, leave for 1 hour, and rinse with cool water and shampoo.
Scalp issues like dandruff may occur due to poor diet, infection, stress or problems with internal glands (such as sebaceous gland which generates sebum oil). This may lead to constant irritation, itching and discomfort. With these natural hair mask remedies dandruff can be easily managed. Plus, they are chemical free, cheaper and easy to prepare at the comfort of home. However, if you don't see any visible result or face any discomfort stop using and consult your doctor.
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