Home Remedies for Dandruff

Noticing tiny white flakes on and around your shoulders on a constant basis? Can’t find a way to get rid of the problem and too scared to trust cosmetic solutions that may do more harm to your hair than good?

Well, you have come to the right place! For the condition you are suffering from is dandruff and this article offers you solace from this unpleasant, itchy problem via simple, easy to use home remedies.

What is dandruff and what does it look like?

Before starting out on the home remedies for dandruff, let’s take a brief look into what dandruff actually is and how it looks, aka its symptoms.

Dandruff is a skin condition that affects your scalp. The condition develops over a period of time to create an itchy scalp which looks dry and flaky.

These white, oily flakes start dropping off soon, landing up on your hair, shoulders and everywhere around you, much to your embarrassment.

What causes dandruff?

Dandruff may have numerous reasons behind it, including hereditary traits and medical conditions.

Some of the other common causes of dandruff include dry skin, yeast sensitivity, improper hygiene (nor brushing or cleaning hair regularly), oily skin, and inadequate shampooing, etc.

Some other reasons for the occurrence of dandruff on your scalp can include skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, malassezia, HIV, improper diet, reaction to hair/skin care products and mental stress, etc.

Home Remedies for Dandruff to Treat Naturally and Effectively

While dandruff is not a serious condition, it can be quite an embarrassing issue to handle. That said and done, dandruff can be easily treated at home using simple ingredients.

So before heading out to the nearest salon and shelling out a lot of money on anti-dandruff treatments, consider using these home remedies to get rid of those pesky flakes on your scalp.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dandruff

If you have some apple cider vinegar at home, trust it to take care of your dandruff issues effectively. Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits and it works by restoring the pH balance of your scalp, preventing the growth and spread of dandruff causing yeast.

Here are some ways in which you can use apple cider vinegar to take care of dandruff.

Method I: Apple Cider Vinegar and Water Toner

This toner will be very effective in cleansing your scalp of any dirt that may be clogging up the hair follicles and pores.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – ¼ cup
• Water – ¼ cup

What you need to do:

• Mix the apple cider vinegar and water. Store the solution in a bottle.
• Wash your hair using your regular shampoo. Following that, apply this solution to your hair and massage it into the scalp nicely.
• Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Do this twice a week to get rid of dandruff effectively.

Method II: Apple Cider Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil and Water Toner

This is another simple home remedy for dandruff which incorporates the anti- bacterial properties of tea tree oil to ensure that the dandruff causing yeast is removed from your scalp completely.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp.
• Water – 2 tbsp.
• Tea Tree Oil – 15 drops

What you need to do:

• Mix all the three ingredients together and store the mix in a bottle.
• Apply a few drops of this mix onto your scalp and massage nicely. Wait for about 15 minutes and rinse off the mix with lukewarm water.
• Do this thrice a week after you shower for quick results.

Method III: Apple Cider Vinegar and Banana Paste

Why not try some apple cider vinegar and banana paste on your scalp to take care of the dandruff?

While the apple cider vinegar works as a natural fungicide in eradicating the germs on your scalp, the high B vitamin content in bananas improves blood circulation to the scalp, keeping it healthy and hydrated. Apple Cider Vinegar can also helps you to get rid of Hair loss now.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 cups
• Bananas – 1

What you need to do:

• Peel the banana and place it in a mixing bowl.
• Add the apple cider vinegar to the bowl and mix nicely to get a fine paste.
• Rinse your hair with water and apply the mix to the scalp. Massage the scalp nicely and wait for about 20 minutes before washing off the paste with lukewarm water.
• Repeat this remedy every morning for about a week followed by once a week after the dandruff on your scalp reduces to an extent.

2. Aloe Vera for Dandruff

Aloe Vera is a very effective natural remedy for dandruff owing to its cooling properties that not only hydrate the scalp but prevent the formation of dry skin which eventually peels and falls of as flakes.

Here are some ways you can use Aloe Vera to curb your dandruff problem.

Method I: Aloe Vera Gel and Olive Oil Mix

Let’s start with the simplest of the remedies, plain Aloe Vera gel. You can use the gel along with your regular shampoo for best results.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera Gel – 3 tbsp.
• Olive Oil – l tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the Aloe Vera gel and the olive oil to get a smooth, consistent mix.
• Rinse your hair slightly and apply this mix directly on to the scalp.
• Let it sit on the skin for about 15 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Wash your hair with your regular shampoo. Follow this remedy once every two days for desirable results.

Method II: Aloe Vera Gel and Hibiscus Powder Paste

Like Aloe Vera, hibiscus is able to sooth an irritated scalp. It works with the gel to reduce inflammation and itchiness caused by dandruff.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera Gel – 1 cup
• Hibiscus Powder – 2 tsp.
• Water – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the water and the hibiscus powder to form a fine paste.
• Add the Aloe Vera gel to this paste and mix nicely.
• Wash your hair with your regular shampoo. After washing off the shampoo, apply a good amount of this paste to your scalp. Massage it in nicely, covering the roots of the hair completely while doing so.
• Wait for about 10 minutes and wash off the paste with cold water. You will be surprised as to how fast the dandruff disappears from your scalp with just a few washes (once every three days or so).

[ Also Read: How to Stop Hair Breakage Naturally at Home]

3. Baking Soda for Dandruff

Another great kitchen ingredient that can do wonders for your scalp is baking soda. This rather simple ingredient is backed by many skin healing properties that make it a miracle healer of sorts.

You can also use it to make your dandruff problems non-existent. Check out these remedies for the same purpose.

Method I: Baking Soda

So how does baking soda curb dandruff? For starters, baking soda is an exfoliating agent and does a great job in removing dead skin cells as well as excess oil from the scalp.

What you need:

• Baking Soda – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Wet the baking soda slightly with water.
• Apply the resulting paste onto your scalp. Wait for a minute or two before rinsing out the paste with lukewarm water.
• Do this once every week until the flakes on your scalp and hair disappear completely.

Note: Do not apply shampoo to your hair immediately after following this remedy as it may dry out the hair follicles, making your hair dry and brittle.

Method II: Baking Soda and Lemon Paste

Another way to use baking soda to treat dandruff is to use it along with lemon whose natural anti-fungal properties will fight off the dandruff causing fungi from your scalp effectively.

Throw in some apple cider vinegar to retain the pH level of the scalp as you battle it out with the dandruff.

What you need:

• Baking Soda – 3 tbsp.
• Lemon Juice – 3 tbsp.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 bowl

What you need to do:

• Mix all three ingredients nicely in a bowl to form a paste.
• Apply this paste onto your scalp and wait for about 10 minutes (move to the next step if you feel your scalp starts itching before the time ends).
• Rinse off the paste with cold water. Repeat this remedy first thing in the morning before your regular shower.

4. Ginger for Dandruff

Ever tried ginger for dandruff? If no, then you will be surprised to note its effectiveness in taking down dandruff and keeping recurrences at bay.

If you have some ginger in the house, consider using it to treat your dandruff issues via this simple remedy.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger as well as the volatile oils present in it prevent dandruff and stimulate hair growth.

What you need:

• Ginger – 2 tbsp.
• Sesame Oil – 3 tbsp.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Grate the ginger. Add it to the sesame oil and lemon juice. Mix nicely.
• Apply this mix to the scalp and massage the area nicely. Wait for about 15 minutes and rinse of the mix with lukewarm water.
• Wash your hair with a regular shampoo.
• Follow this remedy thrice a week to get rid of dandruff.

[ Also Read: Great Ways in Which You Can Use Mayonnaise for Hair Treatment]

5. Lemon for Dandruff

This vital ingredient can help cure the dandruff on your scalp in a very short span of time.

The acids present in lemon juice helps fight off the fungi that causes dandruff while also relieving itchiness and inflammation effectively.

Here are some ways in which you can use lemon juice for dandruff.

Method I: Fresh Lemon Juice

This simple remedy can help you treat the dandruff on your scalp with ease.

What you need:

• Fresh Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp. and 1 tsp.
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Mix 1 tsp. of lemon juice with the water and keep aside.
• Apply the 2 tbsp. of lemon juice on the palm of your hands and massage it nicely on the scalp.
• Wait for a minute or so before rinsing the scalp with the lemon juice, water mix.
• Follow this remedy every morning until the dandruff disappears.

Method II: Lemon Juice and Coconut Oil

Lemon and coconut make a lethal combination for dandruff. While the lemon flushes off the fungi from the scalp, the coconut oil nourishes the hair, making it smoother and shinier with time.

What you need:

• Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp.
• Coconut Oil – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Heat the coconut oil and mix it with the lemon juice.
• Apply this mix to the scalp and massage nicely.
• Wait for about 20 minutes and rinse off the mix with your regular shampoo. Repeat this remedy twice a week or so until the dandruff disappears completely.

Method III: Lemon Juice and Yogurt

The citric acid in lemon juice helps remove the dry flakes from the scalp while yogurt acts as a natural conditioner and nourishes the hair from the roots to the tips.

What you need:

• Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp.
• Yogurt (plain unsweetened variety) – ¼ cup

What you need to do:

• Mix the lemon juice with the yogurt. Let the mix sit for about 10 minutes.
• Rinse your hair with some water and apply the mix onto the scalp. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes and rinse off the mix with lukewarm water. Follow it up with your regular shampoo.
• Follow this remedy thrice a week or so for desirable results.

Note: Make sure you shampoo your hair after applying this mix as curd can leave behind an unpleasant smell otherwise.

[ Also Read: Powerful Remedies Using Tea Tree Oil for Lice]

6. Oil for Dandruff

There are a number of oils that can help fight off dandruff as well. Let us focus on two of the more common oils used for the same purpose: coconut oil and olive oil.

i. Coconut Oil

The anti-fungal properties of coconut oil make it a great natural remedy for dandruff. Coconut oil is the only oil that can penetrate deep into the epidermal layer of the skin, moisturizing the scalp from deep within. Take note of these remedies you can use to treat dandruff using coconut oil.

Method I: Plain Coconut Oil

The regenerative properties of coconut oil have been found to be extremely beneficial for the scalp as well as the hair. In addition to this, coconut oil helps curb the itchiness caused by dandruff.

What you need:

• Coconut Oil – 3 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Wash your hair with a regular shampoo. Rinse out the shampoo and let your hair dry properly.
• Apply the coconut oil to the scalp and wait for a few minutes (about 20 minutes or so).
• Rinse the oil off your hair using cold water. Repeat this remedy every time you shower to get dandruff free hair quickly.

Method II: Coconut Oil, Honey, Olive Oil and Yogurt

Another interesting factor about coconut oil is the presence of medium chain fatty acids in it.

These fatty acids can help treat dandruff easily and effectively. Honey for its part, nourishes the scalp and keeps it hydrated for long periods.

What you need:

• Coconut Oil – 2 tsp.
• Honey – 2 tsp.
• Olive Oil – 2 tsp.
• Yogurt – 3 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until you get fine paste with uniform consistency.
• Rinse your hair and apply this mix to your scalp. Massage the area gently for about 15 minutes.
• Cover your hair from root to tip with this mix.
• Wait for an additional 45 minutes before rinsing out this mix from your hair.
• Follow this remedy every morning before you take a bath. You will notice the dandruff disappearing after only a few applications.

ii. Olive Oil for Dandruff

Olive oil is a great natural moisturizer that can work wonders for your scalp and hair. It is one of the most effective natural cures for scalp dryness and keeps the scalp hydrated for long periods, thus curbing dandruff quickly. Here are some ways you can use olive oil to treat dandruff.

Method I: Plain Olive Oil

Sometimes massaging some olive oil onto your scalp may be all that is needed to stop dandruff in its tracks.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – 2 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Heat the olive oil until it becomes warm.
• Massage the warm oil onto the scalp and follow it up by wrapping your hair in a lukewarm towel.
• Wait for about 45 minutes (you can also choose to leave it on overnight) and then wash your hair with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
• Follow this simple remedy thrice a week or so until the dandruff disappears completely.

Method II: Olive Oil and Neem Powder

You can combine the nourishing properties of olive oil with the potent anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of neem leaves to create a potent cure for dandruff which will have your scalp flake free in no time at all.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – 4 tbsp.
• Dried Neem Leaves – A handful

What you need to do:

• Powder the dried neem leaves. Add the olive oil to this powder and mix nicely.
• Apply this paste directly on the scalp and wait for about 30 minutes. Wash off the paste with regular shampoo and conditioner.
• Follow the same process every day before taking a bath. The flakes will start to disappear soon.

Note: It is normal to experience a slight itching sensation on the scalp after applying this remedy. There is no need to worry about this sensation which will go away when you rinse your hair afterwards.

7. Vinegar for Dandruff

Talk about vinegar and you know you have found one of the best natural treatment options for dandruff.

Vinegar is a rich source of acetic acid that can curb the growth of the fungi that causes dandruff. You can use vinegar in conjunction with water and olive oil to create a mix that is beneficial for your scalp and hair in more ways than one.

What you need:

• Vinegar – ½ cup
• Water – 2 cups
• Olive Oil – ¼ cup

What you need to do:

• Mix all the ingredients nicely to form a consistent mix.
• Rinse your hair with water and apply this mix onto the scalp.
• Wait for anywhere between 10 and 15 minutes, following which you can rinse off the mix with lukewarm water.
• Shampoo and condition your hair using regular shampoo and conditioner afterwards. Do this twice a week or so to get rid of dandruff completely.

General guidelines to prevent dandruff

Now that you have a fair idea of how to deal with the dandruff on your head using these home remedies, here are some guidelines that can be of use in keeping dandruff away from your scalp permanently by following a Hair Care Routine for Healthy Hair

.Don’t keep oil on your hair for long intervals: While it would be impossible to stop oiling your hair completely, it is considered wise to oil your hair a few minutes before you head for a shower.

Excess oil on the scalp has been known to aggravate skin conditions like Malazzesia which, in turn, causes dandruff.

Stand in the sun for some time: Of course standing under the hot sun for hours on end can lead to a dry scalp which can aggravate dandruff.

We recommend a sun time of about 15 minutes a day which will be more than enough for the sun to dry out excess oil from your scalp without harming your skin and hair with its harmful UV rays.

Eat a proper diet: Healthy diets and eating habits can work wonders for your health in the long run. In addition to avoiding unhealthy foods, you need to stock up on healthy munchies like green leafy veggies, fruits, fish oils, eggs and nuts, etc.

A healthy diet will work from within to keep your scalp clean and free off dandruff.

Use the right shampoo: If your scalp looks flaky and starts to itch after using a particular shampoo, ditch the latter immediately. The chemicals and parabens present in such products can harm your skin to no end.

It is essential that you maintain a clean scalp in order to get rid of dandruff. Use a good quality anti-dandruff shampoo which would wash away the dead cells accumulated on the scalp with ease.

Make it a point to buy a mild anti-dandruff shampoo which does not cause any harm to your skin while treating the dandruff on your scalp.

Opt for herbal products: Synthetic hair care products are laced with enough chemicals like parabens and sulfates to destroy your hair.

It is considered wise to opt for herbal products when fighting dandruff. Take a look at the products you intend to buy for the same.

Anything that contains ZPT or Pro-V complex can help you fight dandruff effectively.

Brush your hair regularly: If you have dandruff, make it a point to brush your hair using a good comb regularly.

Brushing helps in removing dead skin cells from the scalp and hair, leaving behind a clean looking, dandruff free scalp.

Cover your hear when traveling: Not only does this protect your hair from the sun’s UV rays, but it also ensures that your scalp stays protected from the harsh, polluted environment which can increase the risks of the dandruff recurring.

Cover your hair while swimming: The chlorine in swimming pools can cause the skin on your scalp to dry up. To avoid this, oil your hair before every swimming session and wear a swimming cap.

Keep your combs and hair brushes separate: Do not share combs and hair brushes as you stand the risks of passing on the dandruff on your scalp to someone else and vice versa.

Clean your combs and hair brushes regularly as well to remove dirt, grime and dead skin cells that may be sticking on the bristles.

Work the dryer on a low setting: Applying too much heat on your hair while drying it can dry the skin on your scalp and cause dandruff in the long run.

Always work the dryer on a low setting to dry your hair effectively without worrying about damaging it.

Summary

So there you have it! These are some of the best home remedies for dandruff that you can come across.

Simple and easy to use, these remedies will work wonders for your hair and scalp, keeping both clean and dandruff free for ages to come.