In this article, I bring to you a list of top home remedies for dandruff that are effective and long-lasting. But, before we delve into those, let us look at the source and causes of dandruff.
Causes and Home Remedies for Dandruff
Dandruff is caused when a fungus called Malassezia grows on your scalp. This results in shedding of the scalp skin. There are two types of dandruff – one occurs due to the dryness of the scalp, while the other occurs due to the excessive production of oil on the scalp. Some of the known causes of dandruff are:
- Improper and irregular brushing of hair
- Infrequent shampooing
- Improper diet
- Stress and certain illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis (1)
Dandruff can be easily combated with natural home solutions. Here are the top 38 remedies for dandruff:
How To Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally
1. Neem And Olive Oil
What You Need
- A few dried neem leaves
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
What You Need To Do
- Crush the neem leaves to a powder.
- Mix the powder and olive oil in a bowl.
- Apply the paste to your scalp.
- Leave it on for about an hour. Then, wash your hair with shampoo and apply conditioner.
Alternate Method
This method requires only neem leaves.
- Boil neem leaves for about half an hour. Make a paste and apply it to your scalp.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash off with water.
You can apply the paste on your scalp in the morning, before having a bath. Or, you could even use it at night, and shampoo your hair in the morning.Neem leaves (especially their extracts) have excellent antifungal properties that can be used in the treatment of dandruff (2). They also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (3).
2. Coconut And Honey Scalp Scrub
What You Need
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 3 teaspoons yogurt
What You Need To Do
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl to get a paste of medium consistency. In case the paste is still runny, you can add a little more of yogurt or honey to thicken it.
- Apply the paste to your scalp and gently massage it. Rub it from the roots to the tips of your hair.
- Continue massaging for about 10 minutes.
- Leave it on for about 30-45 minutes, and then rinse it out using shampoo.
- Once done, pat your hair dry with a soft towel and apply a few drops of coconut oil to your hair and scalp.
In the morning, before bath. Coconut helps in preserving the hair’s natural proteins and is also known to eliminate dandruff (4). According to an Italian study, honey is a suitable ingredient for treating dandruff, owing to its antimicrobial properties (5).
3. Aspirin
What You Need
- 2 aspirin tablets
What You Need To Do
- Crush the aspirin tablets and add the powder to a bowl.
- Mix a little amount of your regular shampoo with the powder.
- Shampoo as usual using this mixture. Leave the shampoo on your hair for two minutes, after which you can rinse with water.
In the morning, while having a bath. Aspirin contains salicylates that exfoliate the scalp and help treat dandruff (6).
4. Baking Soda And Lemon
What You Need
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- A bowl of apple cider vinegar
What You Need To Do
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl and apply the paste to your scalp.
- Leave it as it is for about 10 minutes, or until the scalp starts to itch.
- Wash your hair with water.
- You can use apple cider vinegar as a conditioner.
In the morning, before taking a bath. Baking soda works by reducing the overactive fungi that are responsible for dandruff (7).
5. Listerine Mouthwash
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon Listerine mouthwash
- 9 tablespoons water
What You Need To Do
- Mix the mouthwash with water in a bowl.
- Wash your hair with regular shampoo. Then, rinse your hair with the mouthwash mixture.
- You can leave the mixture as it is and style your hair as you normally do.
In the morning, before taking a bath. Listerine mouthwash possesses antifungal properties that fight the dandruff-causing yeast and prevent its growth (8).
6. Banana And Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Need
- 1 whole banana
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
What You Need To Do
- Peel the banana and put it in a tumbler. To this, add the apple cider vinegar.
- Stir thoroughly till you get a smooth paste.
- Apply the mixture to your hair. Massage the mixture into your scalp and ensure it completely covers your hair.
- Leave it on for about 20 minutes, after which you can rinse your hair completely with water.
In the morning, every day for a week. Post that, you can follow this remedy once every week.Bananas are excellent sources of B vitamins – the nutrients that improve circulation and keep your skin healthy. Apple cider vinegar is a known fungicide and germ killer, and it helps treat dandruff (9).
7. Yogurt
What You Need
- 1 cup plain yogurt
What You Need To Do
- A few dried neem leaves
- Shampoo your hair and rinse.
- Apply the yogurt to your scalp and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse your hair, and wash again using a small amount of shampoo.
In the morning, while taking a bath. The yeast within our bodies triggers inflammation. This results in the build-up of yeast on the skin. Boosting the friendly bacteria inside our digestive systems can reduce the yeast within our bodies. Yogurt is one of the best sources of friendly bacteria, and it prevents scaling of the scalp. Since it is a good source of probiotics, it could be one of the ideal remedies for dandruff .
8. Fuller’s Earth
What You Need
- 1 cup Fuller’s earth
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Water
What You Need To Do
- Mix the Fuller’s earth with enough water till you get a smooth paste. Add the lemon juice.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp.
- Leave it on for about 20 minutes, after which you can wash it off with water.
In the morning, before you take a bath. Fuller’s earth absorbs the oil, grease, and dirt – all of which cause dandruff. It also improves blood circulation to the scalp, thereby keeping it clean and dandruff-free (12).
9. Orange Peel Pack
What You Need
- A few dry orange peels
- 5-6 tablespoons lemon juice
What You Need To Do
- Put the orange peels and lemon juice into a food processor. Blend the ingredients till you get a smooth paste.
- Gently apply the paste to your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
- Post that, rinse it off with your usual shampoo.
In the morning, while you have a bath. You can follow this remedy twice to thrice every week. The orange peel has acidic properties that help reduce excess oil and condition the scalp (13). This eventually helps treat dandruff.
10. Lemon Juice And Yogurt
What You Need
- A bowl of curd
- A half-cut lemon
What You Need To Do
- Squeeze the lemon into the curd and mix well.
- Apply the mixture to your hair. You can use the lemon peel for this purpose.
- You can also massage your scalp with the inside of the lemon peel.
- Leave the mixture on for about 10 minutes. Wash your hair as usual with shampoo.
In the morning, while taking a bath. You can repeat this remedy three to four times a week. As we know, lemon juice is rich in citric acid, which plays a major role in eliminating dandruff from the roots of the hair. It is also antimicrobial in nature (14).
11. Baking Soda
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
What You Need To Do
- Wet your hair, and rub the baking soda into your hair and scalp.
- Leave it on for a minute, and then wash your hair thoroughly with water.
- You could also mix it with your shampoo and use it to wash your hair.
In the morning, while taking a bath. Do this twice a week. The baking soda scrub is a mild exfoliant that helps remove dead skin. It reduces excess oil on the scalp (another reason for dandruff) (15). Though your hair might get dried initially, within two weeks, your scalp will start producing natural oils to combat the dryness. Baking soda is also known to reduce the overactive fungi that can cause dandruff.
12. Coconut Oil
What You Need
- Coconut oil
What You Need To Do
- Simply wash your hair with shampoo and let your hair dry completely. Do not use a conditioner.
- Apply the coconut oil directly to your scalp and leave it on for a few minutes.
- Wash your hair thoroughly with water.
In the morning, after taking a bath. Try this remedy once a week till your dandruff is gone. Coconut oil penetrates deep into the epidermis and works from within. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, which have regenerative properties that can help treat dandruff (16).
13. Apple Cider Vinegar
What You Need
- Apple cider vinegar
- Water
What You Need To Do
- Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Wash your hair as usual, and then pour the vinegar-water mixture onto your hair and scrub it into your scalp.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then wash it off with water.
In the morning, while taking a bath. You can repeat the remedy daily for about a week.The acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH levels of your scalp, thereby hampering the growth of yeast (17).
14. Tea Tree Oil
What You Need
- A few drops of tea tree oil
What You Need To Do
- Take a little amount of shampoo in a cup, and add a few drops of tea tree oil to it.
- Mix well and rub the shampoo-oil mixture into your scalp.
- Rinse it out after five minutes.
In the morning, while bathing. You can repeat this remedy once a day every day for about a week. Different studies have supported the efficacy of tea tree oil shampoo in treating dandruff (18). Tea tree oil has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and a higher rate of dermal penetration, which makes it one of the best remedies for dandruff (19). Tea tree oil originates from an Australian tree and is known for its antifungal properties. In one study, participants who used five percent tea tree oil shampoo for four weeks saw a 41 percent reduction in dandruff, whereas those who used shampoo alone showed an 11 percent reduction (20). Tea tree oil has also been found to work as an antiseptic.
15. Cedarwood Oil
What You Need
- 7 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 10 drops cypress essential oil
- 10 drops juniper essential oil
- 50ml carrier oil
What You Need To Do
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl, and rub the mixture into your scalp.
- Leave it on for about an hour.
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and rinse with warm water.
- Mix the same quantities of the oils in two cups of water, and use this solution as a final rinse.
In the morning, while taking a bath. Cedarwood oil has anti-seborrheic properties that treat dandruff and other inflammatory scalp conditions (21).
16. Fenugreek Seeds
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
- 2 cups hot water
What You Need To Do
- Crush the fenugreek seeds with a pestle.
- Take two cups of hot water and soak the seeds in the water overnight.
- Strain the mixture, and use the water to rinse your hair in the morning.
In the morning, before taking a bath. The presence of several vitamins and minerals makes fenugreek seeds one of the ideal home remedies for dandruff (22).
17. Egg Yolks
What You Need
- 1-2 egg yolks
What You Need To Do
- Mix the yolks of the eggs in a bowl.
- Ensure your hair is dry. Then, apply the yolk to the scalp.
- Once done, cover your hair with a plastic bag and keep it on for about an hour.
- Wash your hair thoroughly with a good shampoo. You might need to wash your hair twice to remove the odor.
In the morning, while taking a bath. Biotin is one of those vitamins that can help treat dandruff . Egg yolks, being great sources of biotin, can be a great remedy in this case. They also condition your hair and make it healthier (24).
18. Olive Oil
What You Need
- A few drops of olive oil
What You Need To Do
- A bowl of curd
- Apply the olive oil to your scalp. Do this about 10 minutes before you wash your hair.
- Post that, you can wash your hair normally with shampoo.
You can also apply olive oil before going to bed. Wrap your head in a towel to absorb the extra oil. You can wash your hair as usual in the morning. In the morning before taking a bath, or in the night before going to bed. There are two ways in which olive oil can cure dandruff. One, olive oil moisturizes the dry areas of the scalp and prevents them from flaking. A little amount of olive oil can help loosen those stubborn dandruff scales (25). They will eventually fall off your scalp, leaving it healthy and rejuvenated. Two, olive oil is easily absorbed into the thick and scaly areas of the scalp that cause continuous dandruff issues. Due to this, the scaly areas fall away as one large piece instead of separate flakes. This helps put an end to dandruff as the affected spot can finally heal (26).
19. Egg Oil
What You Need
- A few drops of egg oil (Eyova)
What You Need To Do
- Massage the egg oil into your scalp and leave it on overnight.
- In the morning, shampoo as usual using a mild herbal shampoo.
In the night before going to bed. Do this twice or thrice a week for about 12 weeks. Egg oil is rich in long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen the hair follicles. The oil also contains cholesterol that can eliminate dandruff.
20. Garlic
What You Need
- A few garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon honey
What You Need To Do
- A bowl of curd
- Crush the garlic cloves and mix it with honey till you get a smooth paste.
- Massage this paste into your scalp and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Shampoo your hair as usual.
In the morning, while taking a bath. Garlic has excellent antifungal properties that can eliminate the microbes that cause dandruff (27).
21. Salt
What You Need
- 2–3 tablespoons table salt
What You Need To Do
- Rub the salt onto your scalp (ensure your scalp is dry when you do this).
- Work the salt through your hair, giving your scalp a good massage.
- Do this for about 10 minutes, or until you have worked out the dry and flaky skin.
- Shampoo your hair as usual.
In the morning, before you take a bath. The abrasive nature of table salt plays a significant role in scrubbing off the dandruff flakes before you shampoo your hair.
22. Baby Oil
What You Need
- Baby oil
What You Need To Do
- A bowl of curd
- Massage your scalp with the baby oil.
- Cover your hair with a towel and leave it on overnight.
- In the morning, wash your hair with a good anti-dandruff shampoo.
In the night, before going to bed. Baby oil doesn’t contain fats that can be consumed by the fungi and hence, helps in the elimination of dandruff.
23. Vinegar
What You Need
- 2 cups vinegar
- 1 cup water
What You Need To Do
- Boil two cups of vinegar and let it cool. Mix one-eighth of it with a cup of water.
- Use this mixture to massage your scalp.
- Shampoo your hair.
- You can also add one tablespoon of vinegar in the last mug of water while washing your hair.
In the morning, before shampooing your hair. Vinegar is capable of killing scalp fungus and bacteria. It also helps in treating dry skin and reducing dandruff not caused by a fungus (28). The acid content in vinegar reduces the itchiness of the scalp and drastically brings down flaking.
24. Lemon Juice (With Coconut Oil)
What You Need
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 5 teaspoons coconut oil
What You Need To Do
- A bowl of curd
- Mix one part lemon juice with five parts coconut oil.
- Apply the mixture gently to your scalp and leave it on for about half an hour.
- Wash using a mild shampoo.
In the morning, while taking a bath. One cause of dandruff is the imbalance in the pH levels of the scalp. The acidity of lemon juice helps in balancing the pH levels of the scalp, thereby keeping dandruff at bay. Coconut oil contains conditioning agents and antibacterial properties, and these can make your hair stronger.
25. Aloe Vera
What You Need
- A bowl of curdA small amount of aloe vera gel
What You Need To Do
- Collect the aloe vera gel that is directly obtained from the plant and apply it on your scalp.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then rinse using a mild shampoo.
In the morning, while taking a bath. Do this regularly for best results. Aloe vera has natural antibacterial and fungicidal properties. It also has proteolytic enzyme characteristics, which means it can break down proteins, including dead skin cells. This quality of aloe vera makes it act as an exfoliant and removes the dead skin so that it doesn’t appear later as dandruff (29).
26. Apples
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons apple juice
- 2 tablespoons water
What You Need To Do
- Add two tablespoons of apple juice to an equal amount of water and apply the mixture to your scalp.
- Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash your scalp with a mild shampoo.
In the morning, while taking a bath. Unripe apples contain procyanidin B-2, a natural compound that has been found to promote hair growth (30). Since untreated dandruff ultimately leads to hair fall, apples do play a role in keeping your hair healthy.
27. Ginger
What You Need
- A small amount of ginger
- 4 ounces sesame oil
What You Need To Do
- A bowl of curd
- Peel the ginger and grate it. Squeeze it in a cheesecloth to get the oil.
- Mix the ginger oil and sesame oil.
- Massage your scalp gently with the mixture.
Leave it on for some time, and then wash it with a mild shampoo. You can try this in the morning while taking a bath. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can also stimulate hair growth. The active components of ginger, like volatile oils, help prevent dandruff (31).
28. Henna
What You Need
- 1 teaspoon henna
- 1 teaspoon amla powder
- 1 teaspoon tea powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hair oil (preferably coconut oil)
What You Need To Do
- Mix all the ingredients in a cup till you get a paste.
- Apply the paste thoroughly to the scalp and leave it on for a few minutes.
- Wash with a mild shampoo.
In the morning while taking a bath. The dried leaves of henna are extensively used in treating many hair conditions, including dandruff. The active constituents of henna like tannic and gallic acids, lawsone, and mucilage play a major role in its dyeing effect (32). Henna has the ability to bind to the keratin in the hair, which creates a protective layer and relieves scalp irritation. It also reduces oiliness of the scalp and acts as a conditioner. This property of henna helps reduce dandruff (33).
29. Basil Leaves
What You Need
- A few basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons amla powder
- 2 teaspoons water
What You Need To Do
- Mix all the ingredients till you get a smooth paste.
- Apply the paste meticulously to your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes.
- Rinse your hair with fresh water.
In the morning before taking a bath. Basil leaves are one of the many natural ingredients that can cure dandruff. Known for their extensive antibacterial and antifungal properties, they help treat dandruff and also improve the strength of the scalp (34).
30. Castor Oil
What You Need
- 3-4 tablespoons castor oil
What You Need To Do
- Lightly warm up the oil and apply it on your scalp and hair.
- Massage your scalp for a couple of minutes so that the oil gets absorbed easily.
- Leave it on overnight and rinse your hair as usual in the morning.
Before going to bed. Ricinoleic acid and ricin present in castor oil possess antimicrobial properties that treat scalp infections such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Castor oil is also a humectant and keeps both the scalp and the hair moisturized (35, 36). You can get rid of dandruff and also get silky, shiny hair with this remedy.
31. Witch Hazel
What You Need
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 1/2 cup water
- Spray bottle
What You Need To Do
- Pour the water and witch hazel liquid into the spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle well and spritz this solution on your hair and scalp.
- Massage your scalp with your fingertips for a minute or two.
- Rinse and condition your hair as usual after 15 minutes.
- For oily scalp, apply witch hazel with a cotton ball on your scalp along with the spray for better dandruff control.
Any time of the day, before washing your hair. Witch hazel is an astringent and antibacterial agent. These properties help in bringing the dandruff fungus growth under control. It is also anti-inflammatory in nature and will help in relieving itching (37).
32. Jojoba Oil
What You Need
- 2-3 tablespoons jojoba oil
- Shower cap
What You Need To Do
- Take some oil in between your fingers and rub them together to warm it up.
- Apply it to your scalp and massage for a few minutes.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap for 20 minutes.
- Rinse your hair as usual.
Do this before taking a bath. Jojoba oil contains vitamin E that nourishes the dry, flaky skin on your scalp and keeps it hydrated (38). It also promotes hair growth (39).
33. Neem Oil
What You Need
- 1 teaspoon neem oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
What You Need To Do
- Mix the oils and apply the mixture to your scalp.
- Rinse your hair after 20 minutes.
In the morning or evening, before washing your hair. Neem contains a potent antimicrobial compound called nimonol that helps in treating dandruff (40).
34. Lavender Oil
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or almond oil or coconut oil
- 10-12 drops lavender essential oil
What You Need To Do
- Mix the oils and apply the mixture to your scalp.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes and then rinse.
Before taking a shower. Lavender oil is antifungal in nature, and it also soothes and calms the skin (41).
35. Green Tea
What You Need
- 2 green tea bags
- A cup of hot water
What You Need To Do
- Steep the green tea for about 20 minutes and let the decoction cool down.
- Apply this on your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
In the morning, before taking a bath. Green tea catechins have antifungal properties. Its polyphenols are antioxidants that can help restore the health of your scalp (42).
36. Fish Oil
What You Need
- Fish oil supplements
What You Need To Do
- Take 1-2 capsules in a day.
Have the capsules once in the morning and once at night. Fish oils supply the body with essential omega-3 fatty acids. These possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal a dry scalp and eliminate dandruff (43).
37. Rosemary Oil
What You Need
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil
- 4-5 drops rosemary essential oil
- Hot towel
What You Need To Do
- Add the rosemary essential oil to a carrier oil of your choice. You can use olive oil, almond oil or coconut oil.
- Apply this mixture on the scalp and wrap a hot towel around your head and hair.
- Let the towel come down to room temperature. Then, take it off and rinse your hair.
Do this in the evening so that you can relax while indulging in the hot towel treatment. Rosemary oil is excellent for dry and flaky scalp and dandruff control. It enhances blood circulation to the scalp and also promotes hair growth (44).
38. Oregano Oil
What You Need
- 3-4 drops oregano oil
- 1 tablespoon shampoo
What You Need To Do
- For every tablespoon of shampoo, add 3-4 drops of oregano essential oil.
- Rinse your hair and scalp with this.
Do this while taking a bath. Repeat it every time you shampoo your hair until the dandruff goes away.Being antifungal in nature, oregano oil will help in the elimination of the fungus that is causing dandruff (45).
Tips To Prevent Dandruff
- Use The Right Shampoo – Having a clean scalp and hair is important to prevent dandruff. There are many anti-dandruff shampoos that work wonders. It is best to choose something mild unless your case is severe. You need to prevent the accumulation of dead cells, and the best way to do this is to keep your hair and scalp immaculately clean.
- Hair Brushing – Brushing out an oily, dandruff-affected scalp before a hair wash can also help reduce dandruff.
- Adequate Rest – Lack of proper sleep and stress can increase the chances of dandruff.
- Traveling – Ensure you always cover your hair while traveling. This will help reduce the risk of dandruff as your hair will not be exposed to the harsh, polluted environment.
- Swimming – While swimming, make sure you oil your hair and wear a shower cap. This will help reduce the risk of chlorine in the water spoiling your hair.
- Sunrays – Do not expose your hair to the harsh sun rays, especially because the harmful UVA and UVB rays can dry the hair out.
- Chemicals – Make sure you use herbal products to remove dandruff as most products available in the market contain harmful parabens, sulfates, and silicones. Look out for ingredients such as ZPT and Pro-V Complex – these help reduce dandruff to a great extent.
- Never share your combs and hair brushes – Clean them regularly and keep them in a neat and tidy place.
- Unhygienic living conditions – hormonal imbalances, and a few other factors, such as sharing combs and lack of hair maintenance, can also cause dandruff.
- If you see the first symptoms of dandruff – use a dandruff relief shampoo and conditioner immediately. Switch over to different shampoos to see what suits you best.
- Also, if you generally use a hair dryer to dry your hair, ensure you do it on a low setting. Applying too much heat directly to your scalp can damage the hair roots.
References
- “Dandruff: the most commercially exploited skin disease”. Indian journal of dermatology. 55 (2): 130–4. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.62734. PMC 2887514 . PMID 20606879.
- Dandruff: How to treat”. American Academy of Dermatology. Archived from the original on 21 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
- The Encyclopedia of Skin and Skin Disorders(Third ed.). Facts On File, Inc. p. 100. ISBN 0-8160-6403-2. Archived from the original on 19 May 2016.
- “Stratum corneum dysfunction in dandruff”. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 34 (4): 298–306. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2012.00723.x. PMC 3494381 . PMID 22515370.
- What Is Dandruff? Learn All About Dandruff”. Medical News Today. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015.
- Symptoms and causes – Dandruff – Mayo Clinic”. www.mayoclinic.org. Archived from the original on 2 February
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- https://wellnessmama.com/
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