Dandruff is a common skin condition that affects the scalp and often causes the skin to become itchy followed by buildup of flakes of dead skin. The severity of dandruff can differ from person to person. Some cases are less severe and easy to treat and cure while others might require a proper medicated approach to fix.

Underlying causes of dandruff include dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products, skin conditions, and not shampooing enough, but the most common cause is dry skin. While there are lots of over-the-counter products which can treat dandruff, natural remedies are both safe and just as effective.

How to get rid of dandruff then? Well, below are some natural and easy remedies to treat and get rid of dandruff quickly.

1. Coconut Oil Remedy

Popular for its several health benefits, coconut oil is often used as a safe natural remedy to get rid of dandruff issues as it helps improve skin hydration and prevents dryness, which can worsen it.

A small study indicated that coconut oil was same as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration. Other researches have found that coconut oil could help in the treatment of eczema, a skin condition that may contribute to dandruff.

Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties which may help with dandruff and dry skin significantly.

Before taking a shower, massage as much coconut oil as needed to cover your scalp well and let it sit for about an hour. Wash you hair then with a mild natural shampoo. Do not apply any conditioner and try to air dry your hair. You can also look for a shampoo that contains coconut oil for added nutrition.

2. Baking Soda Remedy

Easily available in our kitchens, baking soda is a quick, convenient and readily available remedy to help treat  and eradicate dandruff.

The anti-fungal properties of baking soda could be very beneficial in the treatment of dandruff. It acts as a gentle exfoliant and removes dead skin cells thus reducing scaling and itchiness.

Note that for some other skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, baking soda baths can help provide relief from itchiness.

For best results, try applying baking soda directly to wet hair and massaging it into your scalp. Let it sit for a minute or two, then wash your hair with a mild natural shampoo.

3. Tea Tree Oil Remedy

Tea tree oil has both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that helps to treat dandruff.

It is greatly effective at fighting a type of fungus that can cause seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

A study examined the effects of tea tree oil on dandruff by treating few people daily with a shampoo containing either 5% tea tree oil or a placebo. It is found that tea tree oil reduced the severity of symptoms by about 41% and improved greasiness and itchiness.

One thing to note is that tea tree oil may cause irritation in people with sensitive skin. So it is best to dilute it by adding a few drops to other oils before applying it directly to the skin.

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo and wash your hair gently. You can also add a few drops of the oil to a gentle oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and then apply directly to your scalp for 5-6 minutes. Then wash your hair with a natural, chemical free shampoo.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy

Apple cider vinegar is linked with a variety of health benefits like improving insulin sensitivity and accelerating weight loss. It is also often used as a natural remedy to get rid of dandruff.

The acidity of the vinegar is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp. It also helps to balance the pH of the skin to reduce the growth of fungus and thus fight dandruff. Moreover, studies show that it may prevent the growth of certain types of fungus.

Add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your shampoo or combine it with other essential oils and spray directly onto hair for effective results. Also, you can dilute the vinegar with equal parts of water and use this mixture as a substitute for your shampoo. Apple cider vinegar can kill the fungus that may cause dandruff. It provides relief from itchiness and can help subside the dandruff.

5. Aloe Vera Remedy

Aloe vera has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties due to these properties it may help reduce inflammation and decrease the symptoms of dandruff. It is a type of succulent that is frequently added to skin ointments, cosmetics and lotions for its amazing benefits.

When applied to the skin, aloe vera treats skin conditions like burns, psoriasis and cold sores. It may also be beneficial in the treatment of dandruff.

According to one review, the antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of aloe vera could help protect against dandruff. Similarly, a study found that aloe vera is effective against several species of fungi and may help control fungal infections that cause hair loss from the scalp.

Stop yourself from scratching your head by massaging amazing aloe vera directly into your scalp before shampooing. The cooling effects of aloe vera will soothe down the itching.

6. Lemon Juice Remedy

Lemon juice can be a great remedy for the annoying dandruff problem as it has been known to be an effective remedy against dandruff for a long time. The citric acid present in lemon helps fight dandruff from at the level of root and its strong antimicrobial properties helps to curb the fungal activity occurring on your scalp. It also aids in eliminating excess oils in the scalp that lead to buildup and cause flakes.

Massage 2 tablespoons of lemon juice onto your scalp and let it sit for a minute or two. Then, mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 cup of water. Rinse your hair with the mixture. Repeat this remedy daily before your shower for best results. 

Also you can apply the lemon juice to the scalp as a pre-shampoo treatment. Leave it on for a few minutes to allow the lemon to penetrate the hair follicles and skin. Later, rinse it out with warm water, and wash your hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo. You can repeat this routine every few days for consistent results.

7. Green Tea Remedy

Green tea is an excellent rinse for fighting dandruff and stimulating growth as it offers lots of antioxidants and nutrients. It is proven to treat hair loss too. The caffeine present in green tea, penetrates the hair follicles and encourages growth. It also nourishes your scalp and protects it from dandruff, sun damage, bacteria and fungus.

Make a strong cup of caffeinated green tea using 2 tea bags and 2 cups of boiling water. Allow it to cool down to lukewarm temperature before using. Store in a spray bottle. Cleanse your hair with a mild shampoo and then leave the hair damp. Next, spray the tea onto your scalp and massage throughout the hair. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and let the tea sit in your hair for up to 30 minutes. Rinse with normal water.

Alternately, you can mix green tea, peppermint essential oil and white vinegar and massage it on your scalp for about five minutes. Then, rinse it off with a natural shampoo. 

8. Egg Remedy

Raw eggs are very effective in treatment and elimination of dandruff. The vitamin A found in eggs work with your hair to produce more sebum, which will help to prevent dandruff. An egg hair mask cleanses the scalp of excess oils, strengthens hair, promotes growth, and fights dandruff effectively.

In a small bowl, break 2 eggs and whip well. Next apply this to the scalp area. Cover your head with a shower cap. After about an hour, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

9. Honey Remedy

Raw honey has been proven to have a lot of benefits for both the body and hair. It is full of vitamins and minerals and can help to keep ailments at bay. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds helps keep the fungal activity beneath the skin clear. The humectant keeps the scalp hydrated, thereby putting an end to problems like dryness and itchiness caused due to dandruff. 

Make a paste with raw honey and warm water (in 9:1 ratio). Massage this into scalp for 5 to 10 minutes. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Repeat twice a week until dandruff is gone.

You can also take 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and add about 3 tablespoons of honey to it. Mix the ingredients well and apply it on to your scalp for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off with a mild shampoo. For best result, repeat the hair care routine once in every 3-4 days.

10. Olive Oil Remedy

Olive oil is one of the best natural ingredients for your hair and also one of the easiest ways to treat dandruff. This oil has amazing health benefits for your body, skin and hair, so you can apply it to just your scalp, or all over your hair for added goodness. Not only is this oil healthy and full of essential nutrients and antioxidants, but it also offers exceptional benefits when used as hair oil.

Apply generous amount of olive oil to your scalp. Wait for about 10-20 minutes, and then wash it out with a mild shampoo. Also, you can try to massage olive oil into your dry scalp and comb out dandruff flakes. Then leave olive oil in your hair and cover with a shower cap for extra conditioning. Wash your hair after 30-40 minutes with a mild shampoo.

11. Banana Remedy

Banana can help condition your hair and control dandruff effectively. It is an excellent treatment for addressing the problem of dandruff and is helpful in retaining moisture on your scalp. Apart from that, bananas also contain minerals and other nutrients that promote hair recovery and rehabilitation for silky smooth and healthy hair.

Peel one banana and mix it with 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix together until it forms a paste. Then massage into your scalp, covering all of your hair. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo. Repeat this remedy daily for at about 1 week for good results.

12. Avocado Remedy

Avocados are rich in antioxidants that help maintain scalp health. They are great dandruff remedies as they are extremely moisturizing and can help reduce those dry flakes and inflammation. This deep conditioning mask soothes the scalp and restores luster to hair. 

Mash two bananas and one avocado together and apply all over your scalp. Leave it in for at least 30-40 minutes. Rinse it out with cold water and repeat this regularly until the itchiness is gone.

Alternatively, you can mash a ripe avocado with a fork in a bowl until it is completely free of lumps. Then add two tablespoons of honey and olive oil to the mashed avocado. Mix the ingredients well. Apply this hair pack to your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the tips. Once your scalp and hair are completely covered, wait for about an hour for it to work. Wash the hair mask off with a mild natural shampoo.

13. Garlic Remedy

Garlic’s anti-microbial properties are amazing for eliminating bacteria which causes dandruff.

Crush garlic and rub it into your scalp thoroughly. To avoid that pungent smell, try mixing crushed garlic with honey and then massaging the mixture into your scalp before washing with a natural shampoo.

14. Omega-3s for Treating Dandruff

Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in the proper functioning of our body. They are vital for the normal functioning of your heart, lungs and immune system and also make up the cell membranes that surround your cells.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also pivotal to skin health. They help in managing oil production, provide hydration, promote wound healing and also prevent premature aging.

A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can cause lots of health issues, including dry skin, hair and dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acids may help relieve irritation and dandruff symptoms as they can reduce inflammation.

Salmon, trout and mackerel and some other fishes are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You can increase your intake of omega-3-rich foods like flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts or take fish oil supplements.

15. Washing and Exfoliating Your Hair More Often

Oils, dirt and dead skin cells accumulate as a result of infrequent hair washing. People prone to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis should regularly wash their hair a few times a week at minimum to reduce build up and keep dandruff at bay.

Exfoliating your scalp gently removes the dry skin present on the top layer. Scalp exfoliators aids in removing dead skin with either small amounts of salicylic acid (more commonly found in acne products), or granules that dissolve. It is helpful at breaking down the dead skin cells that accumulate on the scalp and lead to flaking and itchiness.

16. Probiotics for Treating Dandruff

Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria that are good for your health. There are many benefits of taking probiotics, including protection against allergies, lower cholesterol levels and increased weight loss.

Probiotics can also help the body fight against the fungal infections that cause dandruff as they enhance immune function. It also helps to decrease symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, especially in infants and children.

17. Water Remedy

Though this is not an immediate solution, but if you have dandruff because of dry skin, the best thing you can do to eliminate dandruff in the long run is to make sure your body is properly hydrated. The inside of your body is not the only part of you that will benefit from drinking the right amount of water; your skin, scalp and hair will thank you as well. If drinking water is hard for you, try adding a little lemon juice for a refreshing tasty drink. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day for your hair health.

18. Change Your Hair Care Products

Shampoos and hair products can irritate your scalp and cause it to be dry, itchy, and in some cases flakey. If you have dandruff, look for shampoos with:

• Coal tar (slows the development of dead skin cells on your scalp)
• Zinc pyrithione (an antifungal and antibacterial agent)
• Salicylic acid (this helps to eliminate any scale build up) 
• Ketoconazole (this is an agent that kills fungi that causes dandruff)
• Selenium Sulfide (an antifungal agent that needs to be rinsed out well after showering as it can discolour your locks) 

 

It is also a good idea to look for shampoos with deep moisturizing properties that won’t dehydrate your scalp. Try to identify the right shampoo for your hair type.

19. Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress plays a major role in your overall health, including your hair health. It can influence everything from chronic conditions to mental health. When you manage your stress, you can better protect yourself from conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and other skin-related illnesses.

Stress can aggravate symptoms like dryness and itching which can cause dandruff. Sustaining high levels of stress long-term may suppress the activity of the immune system.

A weakened immune system can reduce your body’s ability to fight off some fungal infections and skin conditions that contribute to dandruff. So make sure to keep stress and tension far away from your life.

20. Change Your Diet

Poor nutrition can lead to dandruff. High-carb foods can result in the buildup of glycogen in the skin, which yeast feeds on. Sugary foods and dairy stimulate the sebaceous glands, which produce more oil on the skin. So unfortunately, you might need to try laying off the carbs and sugars if you’re prone to dandruff.

To Summarize 

Although dandruff can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem, there are plenty of safe and natural remedies available that can reduce symptoms and provide relief quickly.

Next time you start spotting flakes, definitely give a few of these natural remedies a try. You can use these remedies on their own or pair them with over-the-counter products like anti-dandruff shampoos to maximize treatment effectiveness.