Dandruff, characterized by flaking of the scalp, can be an irritating and persistent condition. Nearly 50% of the global population will experience dandruff at least once. While over-the-counter (OTC) treatments abound, many individuals seek natural remedies to alleviate their symptoms. This article explores various natural approaches, examining the evidence supporting their use and potential benefits.
Dandruff is a mild form of the condition seborrheic dermatitis. It is not a serious condition, but you may find it itchy and annoying. Flakes can be especially obvious if you have dark hair or wear dark clothes. Dandruff has many causes, including oily skin, certain medical conditions, and your hair care routine.
Several conditions may cause dandruff, including:
While stress doesn’t cause dandruff, it may worsen symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as dryness and itching.
Many people can also help eliminate dandruff at home using the natural remedies below.
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Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and 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.
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.
How to use: Many shampoos contain tea tree oil. 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. 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.
Coconut oil ( Cocos nucifera) may be used as a natural remedy for dandruff. Test tube studies suggest coconut oil may improve:
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Test-tube studies also suggest coconut oil and its compounds may have antimicrobial properties. The results of a 2021 study suggest that coconut oil could help improve scalp health, and could help reduce dandruff. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antifungal properties. It also moisturizes skin.
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.
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. Start by rubbing 3 to 5 teaspoons of this into your scalp, then wait an hour and shampoo your hair.
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.
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How to use: 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. 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. Some studies have shown apple cider vinegar can have antimicrobial effects.
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. 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: Crush two aspirin and mix them with your shampoo, then shampoo your hair. Let it sit for 2 minutes then rinse it out. Try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair for a dandruff remedy. 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. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an ingredient in some dandruff shampoos.
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.
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. 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:
A 2024 review notes that baking soda may help with some skin conditions and can act as an effective shampoo alternative. 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.
How to use: Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out. 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.
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.
How to use: Rub a bit into your scalp just before you shampoo your hair.
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.
Like tea tree oil, lemongrass oil may cause irritation or allergic reactions if a person applies it directly to the skin.
How to use: People can dilute lemongrass oil with water or mix a few drops into their regular shampoo or conditioner.
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.
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.
Food can have dramatic effects on the body. Food may not be the root cause of dandruff, but it may make symptoms worse. Making sure you get enough zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats can improve the health of your scalp.
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.
Stress plays a significant role in a person’s overall health. Prolonged stress can cause increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation. Stress doesn't actually cause dandruff, but it can make it worse. Although stress may not directly cause skin disorders, it can worsen or trigger existing ones.
Many OTC medicated shampoos and scalp treatments contain antifungal or antibacterial ingredients designed to decrease dandruff. If home remedies don’t help treat your dandruff, If these products don’t work after 2 to 3 weeks, consult a doctor to determine whether other prescription shampoos or medications would be beneficial.
Your doctor may prescribe topical antifungal medications, corticosteroids, or immunomodulators to treat dandruff and other skin conditions. 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.
Aside from dandruff shampoos, a few other things may help.
Ingredients in dandruff shampoos that help eliminate dandruff include:
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.
When shampooing:
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