If you have a dry scalp, you may have noticed tiny snowflake type substances on your shoulders or your dresses often. These small snowflake type substances, also called dandruff, bring with it other issues like an itchy scalp and flakiness. This might lead to embarrassing situations and a hit to self-esteem.
Do those white flaky patches instill a sense of embarrassment when you are in public? Does your self-esteem go down the rail due to dandruff? Well, a lot of men, more than you can even imagine, have dandruff.
And, no, it is not a hygiene issue at all. Although the exact reasons are not yet known, there could be many contributing factors. It includes stress, food habits, selection of shampoo, among others. Dear men, no matter what your cause of dandruff is, neem can work wonders for you. So, no more restricting yourself from gliding your hands through your hair. Let's read on to learn more!
Dandruff and Its Causes
Dandruff is a common condition that causes a flaky scalp. Dandruff is not limited to the scalp; it can extend to other areas of the skin too.
The causes of dandruff include dry skin, sensitivity to particular products and in some cases, it can result from yeast buildup on the scalp.
It is really important to get rid of dandruff because dandruff can cause hair loss, an even bigger problem.
What is neem?
The neem tree, also called Azadirachta indica, is native to India. Various parts of the neem tree such as the fruit, root, and leaves have medicinal properties and are used for multiple purposes Neem water, a concoction made from water and neem leaves, is used for bathing to get rid of skin problems such as itchy skin and rashes.
Neem is rich in:
- Fatty acids
- Limonoids
- Vitamin E
- Triglycerides
- Antioxidants
- Calcium
Neem is a home remedy for dandruff. The topical application delivers these nutrients directly to your hair, potentially resulting in healthier locks.
It's also worth noting that vitamin E and other antioxidants can help skin cells regenerate. This may promote a healthier scalp, subsequently minimizing dandruff and resulting in healthier hair.
Neem is used for various skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis and other issues related to the digestive system due to its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It also eliminates worms from the digestive tract; hence, neem has been prescribed by Ayurveda since ancient times.
Ways to Use Neem for Dandruff
Due to the antibacterial and antifungal properties of neem, it can be used to get rid of dandruff on the scalp.
Here are some ways to know if you wonder how to get rid of dandruff with neem leaves:
Consumption of Neem Leaves
Neem leaves have immense health benefits. The antibacterial properties help treat skin disorders. When chewed regularly, neem leaves boosts healthy cell division, which benefits the scalp and the hair follicles. The neem leaves have antioxidant properties, which act as a protectant against free radicals. Consuming neem leaves will also purify your blood.
Using Neem Oil for dandruff
Want to know how to use neem oil for hair dandruff?
Neem oil works wonder on the hair, as it boosts collagen due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
The question arises, is neem oil safe for hair? The answer is yes, it is, but it should be used with carrier oils with a bit of camphor to get rid of dandruff. There are other ways to know how to use neem oil for hair too; you can add a few drops of neem oil to your shampoo and conditioner, and your neem oil shampoo and conditioner is ready.
Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree.
Neem oil contains the active ingredient nimbidin. Some older research suggests that it can help suppress inflammation; therefore, it's good to use neem oil for dandruff.
Neem Hair Mask
Using a hair mask is also a great way to introduce neem to your hair care regime.
All you have to do is :
- Take 15-20 neem leaves and blend them to make a fine paste.
- Add coconut oil to the paste.
- Put the bowl containing the mixture over boiling water.
- Once the mixture turns dark, cool it and apply all over your hair, starting from the root to the tip and also the scalp.
- Leave it for 30-40 minutes and then wash it off with mild shampoo.
Coconut oil keeps dandruff at bay by maintaining scalp health and nourishing your hair. Neem improves elasticity. This mask will boost collagen production, thereby providing healthy, well-nourished, and strong hair without any dandruff.
Mixing Neem Oil with Tea Tree Oil
Another potent ingredient to treat dandruff is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and a growth stimulant. You might be wondering, can I mix neem oil and tea tree oil?
Yes, you can. Here is the way how to apply neem oil on the hair:
- Take any carrier oil such as the coconut oil.
- Mix 1-2 teaspoon of neem oil and 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil.
- After mixing it properly, apply it to the scalp and give a good massage to the scalp. Leave it for one hour and wash it off with a mild shampoo.
You can also mix coconut oil, neem oil and castor oil for hair growth.
Neem as a Hair Conditioner
Neem can also be used as a hair conditioner. Using shampoos and conditioners can lead to damaged hair over time. Giving hair a break from all the chemical shampoos and conditioners is necessary.
In that case, one can use neem as a conditioner; it will not only make your hair look healthy, shiny and conditioned but also help you to treat dandruff.
Here is the way neem can be used as a conditioner:
- We have to take 2-3 handfuls of neem leaves.
- Boil the neem leaves in water for a few minutes.
- Cooldown the concoction and strain the liquid.
- After shampooing your hair, use this neem water to wash the hair in place of a chemical conditioner. Blow-dry the hair and watch how your hair turns out to be healthy, shiny, and bouncy, without any dandruff.
Conclusion
These are some ways to apply neem oil to your hair. You can also buy shampoos and conditioners with neem extracts, else follow the methods given to introduce neem into your hair care regime and say goodbye to dandruff.
