Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally

Dandruff, which is characterized by itchy, white flakes of skin on your scalp, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with. It may also cause other symptoms, such as greasy patches on your scalp and tingling skin.

However, it’s easy to treat and relatively common, with some reports estimating that this condition affects up to 42% of infants and 1–3% of adults worldwide.

Dandruff may be caused by multiple factors, including dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products, and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on the scalp.

Though there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) products designed to treat dandruff, natural remedies are often just as effective.

Here are few simple home remedies to naturally get rid of dandruff.

Coconut oil

Renowned for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil is also used as a natural remedy for dandruff.

It may work by improving skin hydration and preventing dryness, which can worsen dandruff.

According to some research, coconut oil may be as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration when applied as a moisturizer.

Other research suggests that coconut oil aids the treatment of eczema, a skin condition that may contribute to dandruff.

One older, 8-week study found that applying coconut oil to the skin reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis — a type of eczema characterized by itching and inflammation — by 68%.

In a 12-week study in 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp led to significant improvements in the scalp microbiome and certain markers of dandruff.

Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties in some test-tube studies, although researchers have not yet examined the effects on the specific strain of fungus that causes dandruff.

Tea tree oil

Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments such as acne and psoriasis.

It is also proven to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of dandruff.

In fact, according to one older review, tea tree oil is effective at fighting the specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Another study found that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription antifungal treatment at healing lesions caused by this fungus.

What’s more, in an older study, 126 people with dandruff used a shampoo containing either 5% tea tree oil or a placebo daily. After 4 weeks, tea tree oil reduced the severity of symptoms by 41% and improved greasiness and itchiness, compared with the placebo. Still, more high quality research is needed.

Additionally, tea tree oil may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s best to dilute it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits and is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff.

That’s because the vinegar’s acidity is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp. Apple cider vinegar is also said to balance the pH of your skin to reduce fungal growth and thus fight dandruff.

However, no studies support these claims. Many of the supposed benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff are based on anecdotal evidence.

If you’d like to give apple cider vinegar a try, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with essential oils and spray directly onto your hair.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent that’s often added to skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions.

When applied to the skin, it may help treat skin conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and cold sores.

According to one review, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera may also protect against dandruff.

Similarly, several test-tube studies show that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may help control certain fungal infections.

Test-tube studies have also found that aloe vera can reduce inflammation, which may relieve symptoms.

Aspirin

Salicylic acid is one of the primary compounds found in aspirin that’s responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. This acid is also an ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos.

It works by helping to get rid of scaly skin and loosening flakes so they can be removed. In an older, 4-week study, 19 people with dandruff used two shampoos containing either piroctone olamine and salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione. Both shampoos decreased dandruff, but the one containing salicylic acid was more effective in reducing the severity of scaling.

Another small study showed that a shampoo containing salicylic acid — along with other ingredients such as glycolic acid and urea — significantly improved irritation and itching in 10 people with scalp inflammation.

For an easy dandruff remedy, try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair.

Although many home remedies for dandruff are available, additional treatment may be necessary in some cases.

Many OTC medicated shampoos and scalp treatments contain antifungal or antibacterial ingredients designed to decrease dandruff.

If these products don’t work after 2–3 weeks, you may want to consult a dermatologist to determine whether other prescription shampoos or medications would be beneficial.

Healthcare professionals often prescribe topical antifungal medications, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators to treat dandruff and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

Final Note

Although dandruff can be a difficult problem to deal with, a variety of natural remedies may reduce symptoms and provide relief.

The next time you start spotting flakes, try a few of the natural remedies above to support scalp health and decrease dandruff naturally.

If these remedies don’t work, consult a dermatologist to find out whether other treatment options may be necessary to provide long lasting relief.