How to get rid of dandruff

Our expert Rima Soni suggests some remedies

I always find your columns very helpful. I have one problem - whenever I do anything to get rid of my dandruff, it goes away for some time but returns again. Do you have any advice?
- Name withheld
Thank you for your kind words. Dandruff becomes an on-going problem if the body is stressed. Learn to meditate or exercise to calm the mind. A healthy diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, is excellent. Avoid junk food. Drinking two litres of water daily can also help. Last, but not least, apply a mix of 1 tablespoon aloe vera and 1 tablespoon yoghurt on to the scalp. Twenty minutes later, rinse this off in the shower. Do this as often as you shampoo your hair. You will see an amazing difference.

I am a 24-year-old guy. I have a lot of dandruff that always falls on my shoulders. You can see it quite clearly when I wear black/dark shirts. It's quite embarrassing. Please suggest a remedy to get rid of this problem.
- Vikas
Thank you for your query. I like using apple cider vinegar to treat dandruff. It helps balance the pH level of the skin and fights dandruff. Simply follow this routine: put 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a bowl and dip a cotton ball in. Rub the scalp with this and leave on for one hour before shampooing. Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water daily and avoid excess coffee and tea intake. Watch your diet. Stress can increase dandruff, so try and avoid getting stressed out.

My hair is always frizzy after I blow-dry it. What can I do to make it sit properly and be more manageable?
- Leni
Treat frizzy hair by using this recipe. Add 2 tablespoons of avocado purée to 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix well and apply this to dry hair. Leave on for an hour and then shampoo. If you are a vegetarian, you can replace the egg with yoghurt. If this treatment is done three times a week, it will help you get soft, smooth and manageable hair.

I recently found out that the spots on my face are acne and not pimples, which sounds more serious. Is the remedy for acne and pimples the same? Can I use the regular solution for pimples?
- Udita
To answer that question, I would need to know which mask you usually use for your pimples and acne. However, I suggest you take half a teaspoon of bicarbonate soda and add half a teaspoon of honey together with one teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply this mask to the face and rinse with cold water after 30 minutes. Do this every day to treat your problem.

My nails don't look good as the skin around my cuticles is always peeling. Also, my nails are quite weak and always breaking. Is there a way to get nice, strong nails naturally?
- Name withheld
Healthy nails are an indication of a healthy body. Massage the nails twice a day with olive oil and lemon juice. Olive oil is nourishing and lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Even dipping your fingers into this solution will benefit your cuticles. You may massage your entire palm with this combination - your skin will be smooth and nourished and your nails will get stronger too. Take care of your diet - nuts, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables are all good for you. Drink 10-12 glasses of water daily.