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Yogurt is the one thing you will find in every household. You open the door to the fridge, and you can be almost certain to come across a bowl of yogurt. This may be because everyone loves to eat yogurt as a quick little snack.
However, some people also keep yogurt at their place because of its use in their hair care routine.
Yogurt is a pretty commonly used ingredient in homemade hair masks as it is a probiotic. According to researchers, probiotics have antifungal activity, which makes a possible remedy for dandruff.
In fact, a good amount of anecdotal evidence supports the use of yogurt on the hair for fighting dandruff and its related symptoms. (1)(2)
Similarly, there is also research that showcases yogurt’s high content of antioxidants that can nurture the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. (3)
Plus, some ingredients can be added to your yogurt – no, not to make a smoothie! – but to make a DIY hair mask. Continue reading to learn more about these ingredients.
Ingredients to Mix with Yogurt for Dandruff
Here are some ingredients you can add to yogurt to make a mask for dandruff treatment.
1. Coconut Oil
One of the most amazing things you can put in your yogurt is coconut oil. A whole lot of user evidence and expert opinions endorse the favorable impacts of coconut oil on your tresses and hair roots.
In a study, women who utilized coconut oil in their hair care routine exhibited well-improved scalp health as the oil boosted the number of good bacteria on the scalp, which is incredibly crucial to oppose the growth of bad bacteria, even the ones that cause dandruff. (4)
How to use it:
- Mix 1 tbsp of coconut oil and 2 tbsp of yogurt to form a paste. It is better to heat the coconut oil before adding it in.
- Apply the hair mask and leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Do this remedy two times per week.
2. Avocados
Avocado oil is one of the best oils for your hair. Avocado(Persea americana) is a common fruit and is famously grown in Central America. (5) Experts claim that avocado oil can prevent dandruff formation because of its antifungal activity.
Avocado is an amazing ingredient to promote hair growth because of its high content of a compound called linoleic acid, which stimulates hair growth factors in the body. (6)(7)
How to use it:
- Cut an avocado and take out the seed.
- Scoop out the pulp and use a fork to mash it.
- To this mashed avocado, add 2 tbsp of yogurt.
- Mix them well using a spoon.
- Apply the mixture to your roots.
- Wash it off after 30 minutes.
3. Sandalwood
From the plant called S. album comes a great-smelling product called sandalwood oil. It is abundant in santalol, a famous medical component known to stimulate hair growth and also eliminate dandruff. (8)
How to use it:
- In a bowl, blend 2-3 tbsp of yogurt with 1 tbsp of sandalwood powder.
- Stir them well gently.
- Gently spread the mixture across your scalp.
- Leave it for about 40-45 minutes, then rinse it off.
4. Rosemary Oil
The flowers of the R. officinalis produce rosemary oil upon distillation. This oil is rich in chemical constituents that have a lot of beneficial effects on your hair and body, such as eucalyptol and limonene.
Rosemary oil has even become a well-known compound in the cosmetic world, where it is used in hair care rituals because of its ability to facilitate hair growth and fight dandruff.
In fact, researchers often compare rosemary oil to minoxidil, which is a very famous anti-hair loss agent. (9)(10)
How to use it:
- Select a high-quality yogurt bowl.
- Meticulously combine 3-4 tbsp of yogurt and 20-25 drops of rosemary oil to create a paste.
- Apply this mixture evenly to your scalp.
- Leave it on your scalp for 20-30 minutes.
- Use lukewarm water to remove the paste from your hair and scalp.
5. Witch Hazel Extract
Witch hazel is another common ingredient that has been famously offering relief from the discomfort of itching and soreness. It effectively alleviates scalp irritation and serves as a natural remedy to ease various scalp issues, such as dandruff and dryness. (10)(11)
How to use it:
- In a mixing cauldron bowl, combine ½ cup of yogurt and 2 tbsp of witch hazel extract.
- Stir them together until you have a smooth mixture.
- Massage it in your scalp gently, focusing on areas affected by dandruff.
- Leave the mixture on your scalp for 20-30 minutes.
- Head to the shower and rinse your hair thoroughly.
6. Neem
Dandruff is often caused by a fungus called Malassezia, but neem (Azadirachta indica) can help fight it due to its strong antifungal properties.
Many hair experts, especially in India, love neem oil for hair care because it keeps the scalp clean and controls excess oil, stimulating proper hair growth. (12)(13)
How to use it:
- Mix 2 tbsp of neem powder with 3-4 tbsp of plain yogurt in a bowl. You can use 1-2 tsp of neem oil in place of neem powder.
- Apply this neem and yogurt mixture evenly to your scalp.
- Let the mixture sit on your scalp for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.
Most-Asked Questions
Can yogurt alone treat dandruff?
While yogurt can be beneficial all by itself, it’s usually more useful when integrated with other ingredients.
Is yogurt suitable for all hair types?
Yogurt is generally safe for all hair types.
How frequently should I use yogurt masks to treat dandruff?
You can use yogurt masks for dandruff control once or twice a week.
Are there adverse impacts of using yogurt to treat dandruff?
There are typically no severe adverse effects of using yogurt for dandruff treatment.
Can you leave a yogurt mask on your scalp for an entire night?
It’s not required to leave yogurt mixtures on your scalp for the night; 20-30 minutes is generally adequate to get the desired benefits.
Final Word
Yogurt is a universal household ingredient that is used beyond cooking. It is a powerful ally in hair care.
With probiotic properties, yogurt fights dandruff by balancing the scalp’s microbiome. It boasts antioxidants that aid healthy hair growth.
However, yogurt is even better when used with other beneficial ingredients.
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