10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally

Tea tree oil, crushed aspirin, baking soda, and aloe vera are some of the many natural remedies you might try to treat dandruff.

Nearly 50% of the global population will experience dandruff at least once. Several conditions may cause it, including:

• dry skin
• seborrheic dermatitis
• sensitivity to hair products
• the growth of a Malassezia yeast

Though plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) products treat dandruff, home remedies may be just as effective.

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used to treat skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. It may also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which may help alleviate dandruff.

A 2020 study of treating a skin pigmentation disorder found that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription antifungal treatment for healing lesions caused by the fungus Malassezia.

Although this study showed improvement in decreasing the fungus, it may not have the same result for dandruff. More high quality research is needed to fully claim tea tree oil’s benefits.

Tea tree oil may irritate sensitive skin. Try diluting it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin.

2. Coconut oil

Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) may be used as a natural remedy for dandruff.

Test tube studies suggest coconut oil may improve:

• skin hydration
• skin barrier function and protection
• decrease inflammation

Test-tube studies also suggest coconut oil and its compounds may have antimicrobial properties.

In a 16-week study of 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp may have improved the scalp microbiome and certain markers of dandruff. More research, however, is needed.

3. Aloe vera

When applied to skin, Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) may treat skin conditions such as:

• burns
• psoriasis
• cold sores

Test-tube studies suggest that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and control certain fungal infections.

Other test-tube studies suggest that aloe vera may reduce inflammation, which could relieve dandruff symptoms. Despite promising results, additional studies are needed.

4. Manage stress

While stress doesn’t cause dandruff, it may worsen symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as dryness and itching.

A 2023 cross-sectional study of 629 questionnaires found that the general population of Saudi Arabia associated stress with skin conditions such as:

• hair loss
• eczema
• acne

5. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar (Malus pumila Mill) is associated with various health benefits and may be used as a natural remedy for dandruff, although research doesn’t support it for this use. Many of the supposed benefits of ACV for dandruff are based on anecdotal evidence.

ACV is acidic, which may reduce dryness on your scalp. ACV may also balance the pH of your skin to reduce fungal growth and fight dandruff.

One 2022 study of 22 people found that applying diluted ACV topically to the skin didn’t improve eczema or skin barrier integrity — it even worsened skin irritation.

6. Aspirin

Salicylic acid (SA) is one of the primary compounds in aspirin responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos.

SA may help get rid of scaly skin and loosen flakes so they can be removed. A small 2018 study shows that a shampoo containing SA significantly improved irritation and itching in 10 people with scalp inflammation.

Try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair for a dandruff remedy.

7. Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids make up the membranes that surround your cells, and they’re crucial for the functioning of many of your body’s systems.

A deficiency of omega-3s may cause a scaly, itchy, or rough rash to appear. They’re important for your skin health since they help:

• maintain your skin’s moisture barrier
• prevent premature aging
• promote wound healing

Omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce inflammation, which may relieve:

• scalp irritation
• psoriasis
• dandruff symptoms

8. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria linked to numerous health benefits, including:

• allergy protection
• lower cholesterol levels
• increased weight loss

These bacteria may also enhance immune function, which may help your body fight the fungal infections that cause dandruff.

One 2017 study suggests that taking probiotics for 56 days significantly reduced dandruff severity in 60 people.

Probiotics may also help treat and prevent skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis, especially in infants and children.

9. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Baking soda may act as a gentle exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells and reduce scaling and itchiness. It may also have antifungal properties.

A 2024 analysis of baking soda’s use as a natural antifungal found that it improved dandruff symptoms in people without the harmful side effects of systemic antifungal treatment.

More research is needed, as one 2019 study found that baking soda didn’t affect:

• psoriasis
• skin hydration
• skin redness or other discoloration

Apply baking soda directly to wet hair and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes and then continue shampooing your hair as usual for best results.

10. Avoid certain foods

Dietary modifications may prevent fungal infections by controlling yeast growth and improving your gut microbiome, which may aid in treating dandruff. More research is needed, however, on the relationship between diet and dandruff.

Limiting your consumption of certain foods that trigger skin flare-ups may also help relieve inflammation and improve scalp health. Some foods that you may want to limit are:

• refined carbs
• gluten products
• red meat
• ultra-processed foods
• fried foods
• sugary foods and beverages
• nightshade vegetables such as eggplants, peppers, tomatoes

Reference: www.healthline.com

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