How To Use Neem To Cure Dandruff

The solution to those troublesome flakes may be simpler than you think.

Reviewed by Madison Dufour, Barber & Cosmetologist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Dandruff is a common hair problem and may keep recurring. But fret not – as neem for dandruff may help. The misconception that dandruff is caused due to poor hygiene may cause social embarrassment in many.

While many treatments for dandruff are available, one of the natural remedies could be neem-based products such as neem shampoo. Neem or Azadirachta indica is known to fight dandruff as it has potent antimicrobiali  XA substance or agent that kills or stops the growth of microorganisms, such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antiparasitics. properties. It is often used in many home remedies as an effective treatment to get rid of pesky dandruff and promote hair and scalp health.

Neem and its products have been used extensively in ancient ayurvedic medicine. This medicinal plant has powerful anti-inflammatoryi  XThe property of an agent or substance that is used to reduce swelling or inflammation in the body. properties that can help treat dandruff. The various parts of the plant, including the bark, are loaded with antifungali  XThe property of a substance or medication that prevents and kills fungal growth, thereby preventing any infection. ingredients that can prevent dandruff from recurring and keep your scalp clean and nourished.

Keep reading this article to learn how to thwart dandruff growth using neem.

Image: Shutterstock

Neem Water

Water and neem leaves for preparing neem water
Image: IStock

This is one of the popular herbal remedies endorsed by hair experts. It is easy to make and is extremely effective as well.

You Will Need

  • 40 neem leaves
  • 1 liter of water

Directions

  1. Boil the water; then take it off the heat.
  2. Add the neem leaves to the water, and allow the mixture to rest overnight.
  3. Wash your hair thoroughly with this neem hair rinse.

This will help you get rid of itchy scalp and discomfort that dandruff causes. Use it two to three times a week to get rid of the problem completely.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also eliminate dandruff by chewing neem leaves every morning. To avoid bitterness, eat them with honey.

Neem Leaf Hair Pack

A hair pack prepared using neem leaves is another great technique to combat dandruff. It is very easy to prepare this hair pack. 

You Will Need

  • 40 neem leaves
  • 1 liter of water
  • 1 tbsp of honey

Directions

  1. Boil the water; then take it off the heat.
  2. Add the neem leaves to the water, and allow it to rest overnight.
  3. Strain the water and use it to rinse your hair. And you can make a paste of the leaves by giving them a quick blitz in the mixer-grinder. Apply this paste on your scalp and hair. You could add some honey to this paste to help soften the hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off.

Do this at least once a week and you will notice dandruff reducing in no time. Your hair will be more manageable and frizz-free too.

Neem Yogurt And Fenugreek Hair Mask

Neem leaves and yogurt for dandruff remedy
Image: IStock

Just like neem leaves, fenugreek seeds too, have antifungal and antibacteriali  XAn antimicrobial agent or substance that kills or stops the growth of bacteria, suppressing their ability to reproduce. properties. They also give your scalp a cool, calming effect. Yogurt is a great conditioner for your hair and it helps in preventing scalp dryness that using neem can cause.

You Will Need

  • 2 tsp fenugreek seeds
  • 40 neem leaves
  • ½ cup of yogurt
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Directions

  1. Soak the fenugreek seeds in water for about three hours. Next, add the neem leaves to the seeds, along with a few drops of water, and give it a good blitz.
  2. Once the paste is smooth, add yogurt and lemon juice to it.
  3. Apply this paste to oiled hair, and leave it on for about an hour. Wash it off.

Use this mask twice a week for best results.

Neem And Coconut Oil Therapy

Coconut and neem leaves for dandruff remedy
Image: Shutterstock

Hot oil therapies work wonders for your hair. Not only do they help in soothing and relaxing nerves owing to the massage that follows the oil application, but they also enhance the health and texture of your hair. A mixture of neem leaves and coconut oil may work as an effective scalp treatment for dandruff.

You Will Need

  • 1 cup of coconut oil
  • 20 neem leaves
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • ¼ cup of castor oil

Directions

  1. Heat the coconut oil and add the neem leaves to it. Allow it to boil for about 15 minutes and then, take it off the heat.
  2. Once the oil cools down, strain it, and add the lemon juice and castor oil to it.
  3. Store the oil in a clean, dry bottle, and massage your hair at least twice a week with it. Make sure you allow the oil to stay in your hair for at least an hour before you wash it off.

Your hair is sure to become soft, smooth, and dandruff-free.

Neem Oil Therapy

Madison Dufor, Barber & Cosmetologist, suggests using neem oil to prevent and get rid of dandruff.

Neem oil is made from the seeds of the neem tree. It is effective in treating flaky scalp. Use it after diluting it; you can add it to shampoos or mix it with a carrier oil.

You Will Need

  • 1 cup of coconut oil
  • ¼ cup of neem oil

Directions

  1. Gently heat the coconut oil, and add the neem oil to it.
  2. Apply generously on the scalp. You could leave it on overnight for best results. Wash it off.

The neem oil therapy can be done twice or thrice a week for best results.

Besides treating dandruff, neem can also help improve your hair thickness. SheRea Delsol, a beauty and lifestyle content creator, used neem paste to improve her hair health and achieved great results. She said, “It’s super effective for thickening the hair and reducing hair loss (i).” Talking about her curls, she added, “I have definition from the roots to the ends.”

protip_icon Quick Tip
Avoid artificial neem oil with synthetic fragrances at all costs as they may cause allergic reactions. Instead, choose the unrefined, cold-pressedi  XThe process of extracting oil or juices without applying heat from an external source. This is done using a hydraulic press machine. version.

Infographic: 4 Neem Leaf Blends For Dandruff Control

Neem leaves are rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties. This makes them a great remedy for scalp treatment. There are multiple combinations of neem leaves that you can use to get rid of persistent dandruff. Check out the infographic below to know how to make them.

4 neem leaf blends for dandruff control (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Neem is a safe and efficient treatment for dandruff. Neem leaves have antibacterial and antifungal properties that help treat scalp infections. They also have anti-inflammatory and blood purifying properties, which can help keep your scalp free of dandruff and allow your hair to grow long. Make sure you apply a neem hair mask daily to get the best benefits. Apart from these remedies, keep your scalp clean, practice a good hair care routine, eat healthy food, work out, drink lots of water, and avoid stress to prevent dandruff. You can also take neem supplements along with a nutritious diet for better results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does neem cause hair loss?

No, neem does not cause hair loss. On the contrary, it is used in Ayurveda as a hairfall remedy.

Can we mix onion juice with neem?

Yes, you may mix onion juice with neem powder, neem tea, or neem extract for dandruff removal.

How do I get neem oil smell out of my hair?

You may try washing your hair with a mild shampoo and rinsing thoroughly. You can also try adding a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner to mask the scent.

Can I use neem in combination with other dandruff treatments?

Neem can be used in combination with other dandruff treatments, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist before using multiple treatments at once.

Are there any side effects of using neem for dandruff?

There may be some potential side effects, such as skin irritation, redness, and itching. It’s important to patch test a small area of skin before applying neem oil to your scalp to check for any adverse reactions.

Can I ingest neem to treat dandruff?

It is not recommended to ingest neem oil to treat dandruff or any other condition. Neem oil can be toxic if ingested in large quantities and can cause serious side effects. It’s important to only use neem oil externally, and under the guidance of a dermatologist.

Key Takeaways

  • Neem is frequently used in home remedies to get rid of dandruff and promote scalp and hair health as it has antimicrobial properties.
  • It may help treat recurring dandruff as it contains anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
  • Neem oil is an effective treatment against dandruff and works extremely well in eliminating the flaking on the scalp.
  • You can take neem capsules or try using neem water, neem leaf hair pack, or neem fenugreek hair mask to eliminate dandruff.
neem for dandruff

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Do you want to know how to get rid of dandruff? Watch the video below to know how to use neem to remove dandruff and keep your scalp healthy.

Personal Experience: Source

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