10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally – Healthline
Tea tree oil, crushed aspirins, baking soda, and aloe vera are some of the many natural remedies you may try for dandruff. If they don’t work after 2 weeks, consider consulting a healthcare professional.
Dandruff is characterized by itchy, white flakes of skin on your scalp that may be uncomfortable.
Nearly
It may be caused by multiple factors, including:
Though there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) products designed to treat dandruff, these 10 simple home remedies may be just as effective.
Historically, tea tree oil has been used to help treat skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.
It may also have
One
Another
Despite these studies, more high quality research is needed to fully claim tea tree oil’s benefits.
Tea tree oil may also 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 jojoba or coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin.
Renowned for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil may be used as a natural remedy for dandruff.
Research
One older, 8-week study found that applying coconut oil to the skin reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis by
In a 16-week study of 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp may have helped improve
Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have
Aloe vera is a succulent that’s often added to skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions.
When applied to the skin, it may help treat
An older review suggests that aloe vera’s antibacterial and antifungal properties may help
Similarly, test-tube studies suggest that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may help control
Other test-tube studies suggest that aloe vera may
Despite these promising results, additional studies are needed.
Stress is believed to affect
While stress itself doesn’t cause dandruff, it may
One older
In another older study of 166 people with seborrheic dermatitis, approximately
Many different types of techniques may help you keep stress levels under control, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.
Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits and may be used as a natural remedy for dandruff.
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.
One small study of 22 people found that applying diluted apple cider vinegar to the skin topically didn’t improve eczema or skin barrier integrity. It even
That said, older
If you’d like to try using apple cider vinegar, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with just a few drops of essential oils and spray directly onto your hair.
This acid is also an ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos. It may help to get rid of scaly skin and
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
Another small study showed that a shampoo containing salicylic acid 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.
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in your body.
Not only do they make up the cell membranes that surround your cells, but they’re also crucial for the
Omega-3s are also important for your skin health since they help manage oil production and hydration, promote wound healing, and prevent premature aging. A deficiency may cause a scaly, itchy, or rough rash to appear.
Although more research is needed, omega-3 fatty acids may also help
Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:
You could also take a fish oil supplement to help increase your intake.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that have been linked to
These bacteria may also enhance immune function, which might help your body fight the fungal infections that cause dandruff.
One study suggests that taking probiotics for
Probiotics have also been shown to help treat and prevent skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis, especially in
Probiotic supplements are widely available. They may also be found in fermented foods, such as kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
Baking soda is a quick, convenient, and readily available dandruff remedy.
It may act as a gentle exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells and reduce scaling and itchiness. It also has antifungal properties that may benefit dandruff treatment.
An older test-tube study measured the antifungal effects of baking soda on some of the most common strains of fungus that cause skin infections. It suggests that baking soda completely inhibited fungal growth in
Another older study looked at the effects of baking soda on 31 people with psoriasis. Treatment with baking soda baths significantly reduced both itchiness and irritation after just
However, more research is needed, as one study found that baking soda had
For best results, apply baking soda directly to wet hair and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes, and then continue shampooing your hair as usual.
Some people may find that limiting the consumption of certain foods could help relieve inflammation, which might help improve scalp health. However, more research is needed on the relationship between diet and dandruff.
Dietary modifications may
Some foods that you may
Additionally, certain foods may also trigger flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema, which may contribute to dandruff.
While specific trigger foods vary from person to person, some of the
Additional treatment methods may be necessary if home remedies don’t help treat your dandruff.
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 doctor to determine whether other prescription shampoos or medications would be beneficial.
Healthcare professionals may prescribe topical antifungal medications, corticosteroids, or immunomodulators to help treat dandruff and other skin conditions.
The best approach to manage dandruff is to use specialized shampoo and scalp treatments.
Ingredients in dandruff shampoos that help eliminate dandruff include zinc, selenium, and ketoconazole. If the cause is a fungal infection, you may need specialized medicine.
Using things like baking soda, probiotics, or some oils like coconut oils can help reduce dandruff naturally. Sometimes changing your diet or reducing your stress levels may also help.
Some types of dandruff may come and go, but dandruff caused by a fungal infection will need medication to treat.
Dandruff can be an itchy, irritating problem to deal with. However a variety of natural remedies may help reduce symptoms and provide relief.
If these natural remedies don’t help treat your symptoms of dandruff, speak with a doctor to find out whether other treatment options may be necessary to provide long-lasting relief.
Last medically reviewed on September 12, 2023
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Jan 29, 2024
Written By
Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD
Edited By
Alina Sharon
Copy Edited By
Copy Editors
Sep 12, 2023
Medically Reviewed By
Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN
VIEW ALL HISTORY
Share this article
OUR BRANDS
