Hair is simply an extension of your body and needs to be cleaned often with the proper products -- whether you have long locks or spiky stubs. Dirt and oil arise on the scalp and hair strands due to sweat and the environment, and this in turn creates an odor. If you have a stinky head, take heart. Get your scalp clean by washing frequently, using oil-reduction products and possibly visiting your doctor. You can wipe out that stench without it becoming a hair-raising situation.
Reasons Hair Smells
People with
smelly hair usually have one of two things: a dirty scalp from either lack of
washing or an imbalance of hormones that causes an over-production of oil, or a
bacterial skin infection. An oily, dirty scalp is easy to fix by sticking to a
strict cleansing routine. If the smell continues after a couple weeks or you
have other symptoms such as excess hair or sudden acne, visit your primary care
physician or dermatologist. A hair or skin scalp test can check for a fungal
infection; your doctor may also check for other medical conditions.
Remedies
to Get Rid of Smelly Hair
1. Tomato
Juice
Tomatoes are
natural pH balancers that act as cleansers and give you odor-free hair. Extract
the juice of as many tomatoes as required, depending upon the length of your
hair. Massage it all over your hair. Leave it on for about 20-30 minutes. Then
wash with a mild shampoo. It can be applied twice a week.
Note –
Tomato juice lightens your hair color.
2. Baking
Soda
Baking soda
helps neutralize fetid smell and also reduces oiliness. It is an effective
remedy. Blend water and baking soda in 3: 1 proportion. Douse your hair with
water and apply this paste on your wet hair. Wait for 5 minutes and then rinse.
Use this remedy once in a week.
3. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar reinstates your hair’s normal pH, averts frizzes and adds luster. It
cleanses your hair and eradicates all those elements that may cause smell. Mix
½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water. Then simply rinse your
hair with this solution. Leave it for a minute before washing it out.
- Alternatively, mix ½ cup of organic
apple cider vinegar to 2 cups of water and add 3 drops of an essential oil
such as rose, lavender, or any other. Spray the solution on your hair.
Wash off after a few minutes with cold water.
4. Lemon
Juice
Lemon juice
works incredibly great for both skin and hair. It not only cleanses hair and
scalp, but also renders a pleasing fragrance to your hair and makes them smooth
and shiny. Lemon helps you get rid of dandruff and scalp infections.
- Get two lemons and squeeze the juice
in a cup of water. Spray this mixture on your hair after rinsing them with
a shampoo. Leave it for a few minutes and then wash off with plain water.
Use this remedy once or twice a week.
- If you have fungal infection on scalp,
mix the juice of one lemon in one cup of plain yogurt. Apply it on your
hair and wash after 30 minutes. Do this once in a week.
- Alternatively, combine lemon juice
with rosemary or lavender oil. Massage with this solution and leave it
overnight. Do this 2-3 times a week.
Note- Lemon
juice can lighten the color of your hair, if used for a long time period.
5. Honey
and Cinnamon
Honey and
cinnamon possess antibacterial and antifungal properties which keep you from
infections. Just add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of boiling water.
Let it steep for about 30 minutes. Then mix 1 teaspoon of honey in it. Spread
this on your scalp and leave it for 45 minutes. Rinse off with water. Later on,
wash with a shampoo.
- Moreover, you can also consume a
mixture of honey and cinnamon powder. Take one tablespoon of honey and a
quarter teaspoon of cinnamon powder and blend them properly to make a
paste. It will make your tresses stronger.
Note- Honey
and cinnamon hair mask may lighten your hair.
6. Olive
Oil
Apply olive
oil all over the scalp and massage gently before washing your hair. Olive oil
has incredible soothing properties which will lessen itchiness and bad odor.
7. Onion
Juice
Onion
contains powerful antiseptic and antifungal properties that are ample to dump
all your hair woes. Grind some onions in a juicer and gently apply the onion
juice on your scalp. Wait for 30 minutes and then rinse off with a shampoo.
8.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Add 8-10
drops of grapefruit seed extract in your shampoo and massage it on your scalp.
Then, wash your hair as usual.
9. Milk
of Magnesia
Milk of
magnesia will cut down excess oil present in your hair which, generally, adds
up to the bad smell. Directly apply milk of magnesia on your scalp. Wait for an
hour. Then, shampoo your hair.
10.
Orange Juice
Orange juice
checks the excess oil present in your hair and sloughs off dandruff. Besides,
the peels of orange deodorize your hair.
- Fill a jar with orange peels and pour
in apple cider vinegar. Store this in cupboard for 2 weeks. Thereafter,
strain this infusion and store it in the refrigerator. Put two tablespoons
of this liquid in a 12-16 ounce spray bottle containing water. Spray it on
your hair after washing with a shampoo. Rinse it off after a few minutes.
- Alternatively, boil orange peel powder
in water. Let it cool. Rinse your hair with this solution. Let it sit for
10 minutes and then wash.
- You can also apply orange juice
directly on your hair, and then rinse it out after five minutes.
11. Vodka
Use vodka to
clean your locks and get rid of smelly hair. It also stimulates hair growth.
Mix one tbsp of vodka in a bottle of water. Spray this solution after
shampooing your strands. Don’t rinse afterwards. Repeat this once in a week.
12.
Garlic Oil
Garlic oil
is loaded with powerful antiseptic and antifungal compounds. It also contains
sulfur which kills the smell producing yeast and bacteria. It is easily
available at drug stores or beauty stores. However, it can be prepared at home
as well, by heating coconut oil with some garlic cloves.
13. Egg
White
Take yogurt
according to the length of your hair. Add egg yolk to it. Mix well and spread
it on your strands. Rinse off with cold water after 20-25 minutes.
REMEMBER
- Wash your hair regularly.
- Change your pillow cover, towel and
hair brush frequently.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Use a shampoo that contains salicylic
acid and sulfur.
- Spray your body perfume on combs to
give fragrance to your locks.
DON’T
- Minimize consumption of foods like
garlic and onion, as they have pungent smells.
- Do not tie your locks until they get
completely dry.
- Don’t use conditioner in your roots.
- Don’t over brush your hair because it pulls out the oil from the scalp.