6 Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally

Dandruff is one of the most annoying hair issues to handle for both men and women alike. There are many factors that cause the development of dandruff, from irritation, oily skin, or fungus and bacteria growth on the scalp to various inflammatory skin conditions and damage caused by strong shampoos. However, dandruff can be easily eliminated by following a strict hair care routine or by implementing several natural home treatments.

For this article, we have handpicked six natural treatments that we believe have the highest rates of success. However, if you want to find out more home remedies and recipes for all kinds of issues, make sure to check out Home Remedy Book, one of the best websites for natural treatments. Without further ado, here are six natural home remedies for dandruff.

What is the Main Cause of Dandruff?

Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by the shedding of white flakes of skin. Although dandruff can be caused by various factors, the most common culprit is a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. This fungus exists naturally on the scalp but can become problematic when it grows out of control. The excess growth triggers inflammation and speeds up the skin cell renewal cycle, resulting in visible flakes.

Other factors that can contribute to dandruff include:

• Dry skin: Particularly in colder weather or due to the use of harsh shampoos.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin condition that affects oily areas of the body and can cause dandruff.
• Scalp irritation: From certain hair care products.
• Hormonal imbalances or stress: These can indirectly affect the health of your scalp.

Why Try a Home Remedy Over a Dandruff Shampoo?

Choosing between a home remedy and a dandruff shampoo for treating dandruff is ultimately a personal decision, but there are several factors you might want to consider:

Advantages of Home Remedies for Dandruff:

• Natural Ingredients: Home remedies often use natural ingredients like coconut oil, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar, which some people prefer over synthetic chemicals.
• Cost-Effective: Many ingredients for home remedies are already present in the household, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Lower Risk of Side Effects: Natural ingredients are less likely to cause adverse reactions, although it’s still possible to have an allergic reaction.
• Holistic Approach: Some people feel that treating dandruff naturally complements a holistic lifestyle, which can also involve diet, exercise, and stress management.

Remember, whether you opt for a home remedy or a medicated shampoo, it’s essential to watch for any signs of skin irritation or allergic reaction. And for persistent or severe dandruff, consulting a healthcare provider is always a good idea.

An Introduction to Home Remedies for Dandruff

While commercial shampoos and treatments line the pharmacy shelves promising to evict those pesky flakes, what if the solution to your flaky woes is hiding right in your pantry? Enter the world of home remedies for dandruff—a natural, cost-effective approach that puts you back in control of your scalp health.

Many of these home remedies utilize natural ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and even coconut oil. And guess what? You don’t need a Ph.D. in chemistry to mix these concoctions. The recipes are usually as simple as mixing two or more ingredients and applying them to your scalp.

So why opt for a DIY treatment over a store-bought shampoo? For starters, home remedies offer the luxury of knowing exactly what’s touching your skin—no unpronounceable chemicals involved. They also align well with a holistic lifestyle, connecting the dots between what you eat, how you manage stress, and how you care for your skin and hair.

Before you swap out your shampoo bottle for a home-brewed mixture, it’s important to understand what you’re up against. Dandruff can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from a simple dry scalp to an overgrowth of yeast-like fungus. Each home remedy targets a specific aspect of dandruff, be it reducing inflammation, balancing natural oils, or fighting off fungi.

Intrigued? Stick around as we dive into some tried-and-true home remedies that might just kick your dandruff to the curb. But remember, while these remedies have worked wonders for many, they’re not one-size-fits-all solutions. Always do a patch test and consult with a healthcare provider for persistent or severe cases of dandruff.

Home Remedy 1: Get a Coconut Oil and Lemon Massage to get rid of dandruff

Coconut oil and lemon are two popular ingredients often combined in home remedies for dandruff. Here’s why some people swear by this duo:

How Does It Work?

• Moisturizing Effects: Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for both skin and hair. It can help to combat dryness, one of the factors that can contribute to dandruff.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties, which can help to manage the microbial environment on the scalp.
• Citrus Cleanse: Lemon has natural acidic properties that can help to cleanse the scalp and control oiliness. It may also have antiseptic properties that can help reduce scalp infections that exacerbate dandruff.

How to Use It:

1. Grab a container and pour two to three tablespoons of lukewarm coconut oil and equal parts lemon juice. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until it becomes a smooth paste.
2. Using the tips of your fingers, massage the paste into your scalp gently using circular motions for about five to ten minutes.
3. Let your skin and hair absorb the mixture (this should take about 20 minutes), hop into the shower and rinse, then shampoo.

Apply this treatment prior to each shower. You should begin to see results within a few uses.

Home Remedy 2: Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar Weekly

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been making the rounds as a household remedy for all kinds of things, dandruff included. Let’s dive into why some people turn to ACV to help with those annoying flakes.

How Does It Work?

• Acidic Nature: The acidity of ACV can help to balance the pH of your scalp, which can make it less hospitable to the fungus Malassezia, often associated with dandruff.
• Antimicrobial Properties: ACV has natural antimicrobial action, which can help in controlling scalp infections.
• Cleansing: The acidic content can also act as a natural cleanser, helping to remove excess oils and product buildup from your scalp.

How to Use It:

1. Dilution is Crucial: Never apply pure ACV directly to your scalp as it’s too strong and can cause irritation. Mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio.
2. Application: Spray or pour the diluted mixture onto your scalp, focusing on areas where you experience dandruff. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse Off: Wash it off with a mild shampoo, followed by your usual conditioner.

For this treatment to work, you will have to build a routine around it. For effective and immediate results, follow it two to three times per week.

Home Remedy 3: Baking Soda For Your Scalp – A Home Remedy with Many Uses!

Ah, baking soda—the versatile ingredient found in most kitchens. It’s gained some attention as a home remedy for dandruff, and here’s why:

How Does It Work?

• Exfoliating: Baking soda acts as a mild exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells from the scalp.
• Oil Absorption: It can also absorb excess oil on the scalp, which may contribute to dandruff.
• Antifungal Properties: While not as potent as some antifungal medications, baking soda does have some ability to combat the yeast-like fungus Malassezia, often associated with dandruff.

How to Use It:

1. Direct Application: Some people make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the wet scalp, massaging it in gently.
2. Leave-In Time: You don’t need to leave it in long—a few minutes will do—before rinsing it out.
3. Follow-up: Follow up with a conditioner, as baking soda can be drying.

Warning: Do not, under any circumstances, wash your hair with shampoo immediately after applying this treatment because your dandruff problem will only get worse.

Home Remedy 4: Olive Oil is a Nourishing Remedy For Dandruff

Olive oil is a kitchen staple that’s made its way into many bathroom cabinets as a go-to for skin and hair care. When it comes to dandruff, olive oil is often cited as a natural remedy that can offer some relief.

How Does It Work?

• Moisturizing: One of the simplest causes of dandruff is a dry scalp. Olive oil is a natural moisturizer that can help combat dryness, thereby reducing flakes.
• Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidants in olive oil can help promote a healthier scalp environment.
• Scalp Conditioning: Olive oil can condition the skin on your scalp, reducing scaling and itchiness.

How to Use It:

1. Pour half a mug of extra virgin olive oil into a pot and heat it until it becomes lukewarm.
2. Let it cool off for a few seconds, then massage the olive oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
3. Wrap your head into a clean, slightly warm towel.
4. Leave the towel on your head for at least 45 minutes or overnight.
5. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo, then condition it.

Apply this treatment a few times a week until dandruff becomes all but a distant memory.

Home Remedy 5: Indian Lilac removes Dandruff and relieves your Itchy Scalp 

Indian Lilac, commonly known as neem, has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and is often cited as a natural remedy for a range of skin and scalp conditions, including dandruff.

How Does It Work?

• Antifungal Properties: Neem contains active compounds that have antifungal properties, which can help control the growth of Malassezia, the yeast-like fungus often responsible for dandruff.
• Anti-Inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory properties of neem can help soothe an irritated and itchy scalp.
• Regulates Sebum: Neem can also help regulate the natural oils on your scalp, preventing excessive dryness or oiliness, both of which can contribute to dandruff.

How to Use It:

1. Grab a handful of neem leaves, pour four cups of water over them, and boil.
2. After the water changes its color, cool and strain the mixture.
3. Rinse your hair with this mixture three to four times per week and the dandruff should gradually disappear.

Home Remedy 6: Tea Tree Oil Balances Oil Production and More!

Tea Tree Oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree plant, native to Australia, and has been used for centuries for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties

How Does It Work?

• Antifungal Properties: One of the main causes of dandruff is the overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. Tea tree oil’s antifungal properties can help control this.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: It can soothe the scalp and reduce redness and itching.
• Balancing Oil Production: Tea tree oil can help balance sebum production on the scalp, which can be beneficial if excessive oiliness is contributing to your dandruff.

How to Use It:

1. Dilution is Key: Pure tea tree oil is potent and can be irritating if applied directly to the skin. It’s typically recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil.
2. Tea Tree Oil Shampoo: Some shampoos come infused with tea tree oil. This is a convenient way to incorporate it into your routine.
3. Spot Test: Before you go all in, perform a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic or sensitive to it.

Conclusion

These are the six most effective natural treatments for dandruff that anyone can easily prepare at home with common ingredients. However, as effective as they are, these treatments are not substitutes for a proper hair care routine. Taking excellent care of your hair and scalp on a consistent basis will ensure that your dandruff will be cured for good and will keep both your scalp and hair in their best condition.