Dandruff, characterized by itchy, flaking skin on the scalp, is a common skin condition that can affect a person's self-esteem and overall quality of life. It often manifests as white or gray flakes in the hair and on clothing. While numerous over-the-counter (OTC) topical medications and specialized shampoos exist to treat dandruff, many individuals seek natural remedies to alleviate their symptoms. This article explores various natural approaches for managing dandruff and dry scalp, offering insights into their potential benefits and how to use them effectively.
Dandruff is a skin condition that affects the scalp, causing itchy, flaking skin and greasy patches. Dandruff is considered a mild form of the condition seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff can have many possible causes, including skin conditions, dietary choices, and infections.
Dry scalp, on the other hand, can result from a reaction to weather changes or harsh ingredients in hair care products. What treatment you need, and how long it takes, depends on the cause of the dry scalp.
While few research studies have specifically examined the effects of natural remedies for dandruff, many of these remedies have positive anecdotal evidence. Not all home remedies will work for everyone.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce symptoms of some skin conditions. Tea tree oil contains a compound called terpinen-4-ol, which may possess many health benefits. Other compounds in tea tree oil may also have anti-inflammatory properties. As such, tea tree oil may help reduce dandruff by suppressing the growth of pathogens on the scalp and reducing inflammation.
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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. One study found that participants who used a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil daily saw a 41% decrease in dandruff after a month.
How to use: Applying tea tree oil directly on the scalp can cause inflammation or rashes, so people interested in using tea tree oil to treat dandruff can start by adding a few drops to their regular shampoo. Alternatively, shampoos containing tea tree oil are available. Keep in mind that applying essential oils directly to the skin can cause irritation, and this is not to be done over open or raw skin. Instead, dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in a carrier oil such as coconut or grapeseed oil before applying it to your scalp, or choose a natural shampoo that contains at least 5% tea tree oil. It's important to remember that essential oils are not monitored for purity or quality, so you should use caution when choosing a quality brand.
Lemongrass oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce dandruff symptoms. For example, a 2024 study notes that lemongrass oil has anti-inflammatory effects and references an older study where a hair tonic containing lemongrass oil was able to help reduce dandruff.
How to use: Like tea tree oil, lemongrass oil may cause irritation or allergic reactions if a person applies it directly to the skin. People can dilute lemongrass oil with water or mix a few drops into their regular shampoo or conditioner.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its healing properties. The gel in its leaves contains several bioactive compounds, such as amino acids and antioxidants, that may reduce dandruff. Authors of a 2019 review examined 23 clinical trials involving Aloe vera. The findings of these studies suggest that aloe vera gel may improve moisture retention in the skin and promote wound healing. Aloe vera may also reduce inflammation, which can help people with dandruff symptoms, such as itchiness. An Italian study found that aloe vera works well for seborrheic dermatitis with few side effects.
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How to use: Rub a bit into your scalp just before you shampoo your hair.
Coconut oil may help improve hydration, reduce irritation, and prevent fungal growth on the scalp. Research shows the moisturizing nature of coconut oil can help to improve dandruff in some people. Coconut oil is commonly used as a remedy for a number of skin-related conditions, such as eczema and inflammation. The results of a 2021 study suggest that coconut oil could help improve scalp health, and could help reduce dandruff.
Test tube studies suggest coconut oil may improve skin hydration, skin barrier function and protection, and 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.
How to use: People can try applying coconut oil directly to the scalp before washing it out or find a shampoo that contains coconut oil. To use coconut oil as a dandruff treatment, apply 1-2 tablespoons directly to your scalp and massage it in with your fingers. Let the coconut oil sit for 30 minutes, then rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly with a gentle shampoo. Start by rubbing 3 to 5 teaspoons of this into your scalp, then wait an hour and shampoo your hair.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) 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.
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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.
How to use: To try using ACV, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with just a few drops of essential oils and spray directly onto your hair. Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse your scalp well.
Sodium bicarbonate, which many people know as baking soda, may help reduce dandruff. Baking soda is an exfoliant that can remove excess skin cells and oil on the scalp. A 2024 review notes that baking soda may help with some skin conditions and can act as an effective shampoo alternative. 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.
How to use: Baking soda has a high pH level, which can damage the scalp if a person uses it too frequently. Using too much baking soda can strip the hair of its natural oils, which can cause dryness or irritation, so people should use it in moderation. 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. Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.
Aspirin is an OTC pain reliever that could potentially reduce dandruff symptoms. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an active ingredient commonly used in dandruff shampoos. Salicylic acid can help exfoliate excess dandruff flakes, prevent oil buildup, and reduce inflammation on the scalp. 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.
How to use: To use salicylic acid on dandruff, try crushing one or two uncoated aspirin tablets into a fine powder and mixing the power with a dollop of regular shampoo. In the shower, apply the mixture to the hair and leave it there for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Crush two aspirin and mix them with your shampoo, then shampoo your hair. Let it sit for 2 minutes then rinse it out.
The following natural remedies may offer some relief if you have a dry scalp:
Food can have dramatic effects on the body. Food may not be the root cause of dandruff, but it may make symptoms worse. There is currently little research on how food affects dandruff. However, a growing body of research suggests an association between diet and inflammatory skin disorders. Fruits and vegetables contain many essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
The results of a recent observational study involving 4,379 people showed that individuals who reported eating more fruits were less likely to have seborrheic dermatitis. The results also suggest that typical Western diets may increase the risk of seborrheic dermatitis in females.
Omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood pressure, increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels, and support heart and brain health. A 2021 review suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play a key role in inflammatory skin diseases. Foods containing large quantities of omega-3s include salmon, mackerel, and walnuts. People can also take omega-3 supplements. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that most adults consume 1.1 to 1.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day. Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet may help reduce dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acids promote skin health by managing hydration and oil production, and speeding up the wound healing process. Additionally, an omega-3 deficiency can result in dry skin and dandruff, so if you suffer from these, increasing the omega-3 fatty acids in your diet may help to reduce the symptoms.
Zinc is a mineral that supports the body’s immune system and promotes cell growth. People can get zinc from animal proteins, nuts, and whole grains. Many dandruff shampoos contain zinc pyrithione because it prevents fungal growth and removes excess skin cells from the scalp. Making sure you get enough zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats can improve the health of your scalp.
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.
Stress plays a significant role in a person’s overall health. Prolonged stress can cause increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation. Although stress may not directly cause skin disorders, it can worsen or trigger existing ones. While stress doesn’t cause dandruff, it may worsen symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as dryness and itching. Managing your stress may have a positive impact on your dandruff.
Here are some techniques to try:
You usually can treat mild dandruff at home. Start by washing your hair more often with a gentle shampoo. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using dandruff shampoo 2 to 3 times a week. If a shampoo causes itching, burning or stinging, stop using it.
If home remedies have not started to work after 2 weeks, you can make an appointment with a doctor to make sure there is not an underlying health condition that requires prescription treatment. If you've used dandruff shampoo for a few weeks and it isn't helping, see your healthcare professional or a skin specialist. If you're still scratching and shedding after trying over-the-counter preparations, see your doctor. For really stubborn dandruff cases, you may need to use a prescription shampoo or topical medication.
If over-the-counter remedies don't improve your dandruff, you may need prescription medicine. These can include:
You also might need phototherapy, which exposes your skin to ultraviolet light under controlled conditions.
You can buy medicated dandruff shampoos without a prescription. Different shampoos work in different ways depending on the ingredients. Some ingredients help kill or slow the fungus that may cause dandruff. Other shampoos have ingredients that help with itching, scaling and flaking. Some shampoos, such as those with coal tar, may darken or stain light-colored hair. Read and follow the directions on each bottle of shampoo you try. Be sure to apply the shampoo directly to the scalp and gently rub it in.
Not all dandruff shampoos are alike. They have different ingredients that work in different ways.
You may need to switch between types of shampoos if one type controls the dandruff at first but later loses its effectiveness. If you decide to try a shampoo that has coal tar in it, you’ll need to use care.
When shampooing:
Different hair types require different approaches to using dandruff shampoo. If your hair is naturally straight or fine, or if you have an oily scalp, you may need to wash your hair every day, using dandruff shampoo twice a week. If your hair is naturally curly, has coils, or is coarse, wash your hair when it needs it and use your dandruff shampoo only once a week. You may want to apply the dandruff shampoo only to your scalp and use regular products on the rest of your hair. If your hair has curls or coils, the ingredients in dandruff shampoo could dry it out. Once your dandruff is under control, you may be able to use dandruff shampoo less often.
Your itching and flakes should clear up after a few weeks of using dandruff shampoo regularly. If they don't, you may want to talk to your regular doctor or a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin conditions.
Treating dry scalp with these home remedies is generally considered safe and risk-free. That said, If you plan to try an essential oil such as tea tree oil, make sure to mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, and then massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it out. In this case, using coconut or olive oil as a carrier oil could have added benefits for treating your scalp.
Before using any new product, especially essential oils, you should also do a test patch on the inside of your wrist to avoid an allergic reaction.
Dry scalp can be bothersome, just alone for its visible effects on your hair and scalp. However, it can also lead to visible hair loss, often due to persistent scratching.
Some people will scratch enough that it causes soreness or even open wounds. If not cared for, these sores could become inflamed or infected. If you believe you have any sores or wounds, you should contact a doctor before applying any oils or home remedies, as they may irritate the wound.
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