Home Remedies to Help Reduce Dandruff Naturally

Introduction

Dandruff is also known as Seborrhoea which is an endogenous eczema of the oily areas of the scalp, and sometimes even the moustache, beard, and eyebrows. It is not a condition that can be permanently “cured”, in the traditional sense, nor is there a one-time solution. Rather, it is a chronic issue that tends to require ongoing management. 

Home remedies may help with mild cases of dandruff. However, when the condition is severe, it is advised to seek medical treatment which can help manage this problem¹. 

Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff is more than just an aesthetic concern, it’s often the result of complex underlying factors, including the presence of a common scalp fungus. One of the primary causes is a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, which naturally exists on the scalp. However, when it begins to grow excessively, it can lead to irritation, scalp damage, and severe dryness. Here are some of the factors that may contribute to the development of dandruff^1,2: 

• Not using shampoo regularly 
• Stress and mental conditions 
• Parkinson’s disease 

Types of Dandruff

Dandruff can be of various types, each presenting with distinct characteristics and requiring tailored treatment approaches. These include^3,4,5: 

1. Dry Scalp Dandruff 

• Characteristics: Caused by insufficient moisturisation, resulting in small, dry flakes. 
• Symptoms: Often accompanied by itching and a feeling of tightness on the scalp. 
• Treatment: Requires hydrating the scalp through regular moisturising by the use of gentle, moisturising shampoos. 

2. Oily Scalp Dandruff 

• Characteristics: Results from an excess production of sebum (the scalp’s natural oil) resulting in sticky and clumped flakes. 
• Symptoms: Hair may appear greasy and flakes may be larger and more adherent to the scalp. 
• Treatment: Involves using shampoos that control oil production and maintaining a consistent washing routine. 

3. Malassezia-Associated Dandruff 

• Characteristics: Caused by an overgrowth of the yeast-like fungus Malassezia, accelerating the shedding of skin cells. 
• Symptoms: Larger, greasier flakes that may be accompanied by redness and inflammation. 
• Treatment: Anti-dandruff shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole or selenium sulphide are recommended to address the fungal overgrowth. 

4. Mixed Dandruff 

• Characteristics: Combination of both dry and oily dandruff, requiring a personalised treatment approach. 
• Symptoms: Scalp may show characteristics of both dry and oily dandruff simultaneously. 
• Treatment: A personalised plan that involves both dry and oily dandruff treatments. 

Understanding the type of dandruff you have is crucial for effective care. Consult a skin doctor (dermatologist) to identify the exact type of dandruff and get the right treatment for long-lasting relief. 

Quick Guide to Dandruff

Home Remedies to Help with Dandruff

If you’re looking for a more natural way to manage dandruff, there are many natural dandruff home remedies that may be beneficial.  

However, it’s important to understand that achieving noticeable results requires more than simply applying a mixture to your scalp. You will need to gather the right ingredients (many of which may already be in your kitchen) and combine them in the proper ratios. Once prepared, each mixture should be applied following a recommended method to ensure maximum benefit.  

Natural treatments can be a great option for mild dandruff and as part of a regular scalp care routine. While they may not offer a permanent “cure,” they can significantly reduce the visible signs of dandruff and help restore your confidence by keeping your scalp clean, calm, and flake-free⁶. If you’re wondering how to get rid of dandruff naturally, let us understand how regular care can maintain and keep the scalp inflammation free for longer. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 

ACV is said to be one of the best natural remedies to treat severe dandruff. However, there is a prescribed way in which you need to prepare the paste. Here are some easy steps you need to know for preparing ACV for dandruff^4,5.  

Preparation of ACV Solution: 

• Add some ACV to water (equal parts) and keep it aside. 
• After washing your hair, apply the mix to your wet hair. 
• Gently massage your hair with the mix 
• Leave to dry for 15 minutes and then rinse it off. 

Note: You should not excessively use ACV on your hair; daily application is not recommended. You may find it beneficial to use it once every two days for dandruff but ensure to seek prior guidance from a dermatologist. 

2. Henna 

You may benefit from using henna for dandruff. Henna helps clean the scalp and softens hair. Here is how you can prepare the henna mix for your hair⁴.  

Preparation of the Henna Mixture: 

Henna needs to be prepared the right way and this mix has a prescribed manner in which it needs to be prepared so make sure you talk to a doctor before using this for your hair. A general guideline is as follows: 

• Mix henna with curd and a little bit of lemon juice. 
• Once this forms a paste, keep the mixture aside for 8 hours. 
• After 8 hours you can apply it on the hair. 
• Let it dry on the hair for two hours and then wash the hair. 

Note: Henna is natural and this is one simple way that may help you get rid of dandruff.. 

3. Coconut Oil with Lemon 

Coconut oil helps keep the hair nourished, and when this is mixed with a little lemon juice, it may help in reducing dandruff. Follow these simple tips with the advice of a dermatologist, to help with dandruff^4,8. 

Preparation of Coconut Oil with Lemon: 

• Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and mix it equally with a few drops of lemon juice. 
• Apply this mixture on the scalp and massage the hair gently with it. 
• Leave the mixture on the hair for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with shampoo. 

4. Fenugreek Seeds 

Fenugreek seeds or methi seeds are used to help reduce dandruff^4,8.

Preparation of the Fenugreek Seeds Mixture: 

• Put some fenugreek seeds in a small bowl of water and let it soak overnight. 
• Mash the soaked seeds to make a paste. Then add a few drops of lemon juice and mix it well. 
• Apply it on the scalp and hair and leave it to dry for 30 minutes. 
• Wash the hair with shampoo and allow the hair to dry. 

5. Curd 

Curd applied to your hair may be effective to help with dandruff⁴.

Preparation of Curd for Dandruff: 

Here are some easy tips to help with dandruff using curd. Here is how you do it. 

• Apply a little curd on the hair and scalp. 
• Let it dry for an hour. 
• Make sure to rinse it off in an hour’s time with some shampoo. 

6. Neem Juice 

Neem has beneficial properties that may help with dandruff. This herb is found in most shampoos as one of the main ingredients. If you’re seeking an effective dandruff treatment at home, incorporating neem into your routine can be a natural and convenient dandruff solution¹⁰. 

Preparation of Neem Juice: 

Here is how you prepare neem juice mix before applying it to your hair and this will help cure dandruff. 

• Crush some neem leaves till it forms a thick paste. 
• Next, you need to apply this paste onto your scalp and hair and let it dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. 
• Once this is done, you can wash it away with water. 

7. Orange Peel 

Orange peel is said to work well as a very good remedy for treating dandruff at home. But you need to keep in mind as for how you need to prepare this mix. Orange peel is said to contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and dietary fibres which are good for your body. Orange peel can be made as a mixture in the following manner and applied to your scalp and hair to help with dandruff⁴.

Preparation of the Orange Peel Mixture: 

• In a bowl, take the orange peel and add a few drops of lemon juice to it. 
• Grind it till it turns into a paste. 
• Then apply the paste to the scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes. 
• After this is done, you can wash it away with anti-dandruff shampoo. 

Note: Use it for least thrice a week to see results. 

8. Vinegar 

Vinegar has medicinal properties that can help remove fungus and this can be seen as an easy remedy to get rid of dandruff the easy way. This also helps in treating various skin related problems like acne and itchiness in the scalp⁴.

Preparation of the Vinegar Mixture: 

Here are some easy steps that you need to keep in mind while preparing vinegar mix to get rid of dandruff. 

• You will need 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of water as the major ingredient. 
• You will have to boil both the cups of vinegar and keep it aside to cool. 
• Then mix one-eighth cups of water to the vinegar. 
• Once this is done, you can use this to clean your scalp and rinse with shampoo. 

Note: You can use this in the morning before you apply shampoo in your hair. Vinegar will help reduce the dryness and remove the itchiness that you are facing. 

9. Egg Yolk 

Egg yolk contains biotin which is a vitamin that helps with dandruff. Egg yolks can act as conditioners for your hair that can make it healthier⁹. For those seeking effective home remedies for dandruff, incorporating egg yolk into a hair care routine may provide a natural and nourishing solution. 

Preparation of the Egg Yolk Mixture: 

In order to prepare the egg yolk mixture, you will have to remove the white layer that surrounds the yolk. Always remember that the yolk is more beneficial than the white layer that surrounds it. Here are some simple steps that you need to follow when you are making egg yolks. 

• You need to keep your hair and scalp dry and then apply yolk on your hair. 
• Once you are done applying the yolk, you will have to cover your hair with a plastic bag for an hour. 
• Wash your hair gently using shampoo. Sometimes you will have to wash your hair twice to remove the odour. 

Note: You can follow this method to help with dandruff in the morning while having a bath or anytime as per your bath schedule. You may need to do this thrice a week to see results. 

10. Green Tea 

Green tea has antifungal properties and it is an antioxidant that can restore the health of the scalp⁷. 

Preparation of Green Tea: 

• You will require 2 green tea bags and some hot water. 
• Put the green tea bag into the hot water for 20 minutes till the decoction dissolves in it and allow it to cool. 
• Once it cools, you can apply the green tea onto your scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes. 
• After 30 minutes gently rinse your hair with water. 

Note: This can be followed in the mornings when bathing.  

11. Basil Leaves 

Basil leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help with dandruff. These leaves can also help your scalp become strong and stay healthy^4,8. 

Preparation of the Basil Leaves Paste: 

• You will require some basil leaves, 2 teaspoons of amla powder, and 2 teaspoons of water. 
• Mix all of these ingredients together until it forms a smooth paste. 
• Once the paste is formed, apply it gently on the scalp and let it dry for 30 minutes. 
• After 30 minutes rinse the hair with water. 

Note: You need to incorporate this to your hair care routine as recommended by a doctor to observe results. 

12. Olive Oil 

Olive oil may help strengthen the scalp, promoting overall hair health^4,8. 

Preparation of Olive Oil: 

• Apply some olive oil on your hair. 
• After 10 minutes you can wash your hair gently with shampoo. 

Note: You can also apply some olive oil before you go to bed. Wrap your hair with a towel and let it absorb overnight and wash the hair in the morning with shampoo. 

13. Mouthwash 

Mouthwash have antifungal properties that can fight the yeast responsible for preventing the growth of this yeast⁸. 

Preparation of the Mouthwash Solution: 

• You will need 1 tablespoon of mouthwash and 9 tablespoons of water. 
• Mix the mouthwash with water in a small bowl. 
• Once this is done, make sure that you wash the hair using an anti-dandruff shampoo. 

Note: You can do this in the mornings during your shower.  

14. Banana with ACV 

Banana and ACV may help with dandruff. This is because bananas are rich in vitamin B which helps in improving blood circulation and keeps skin healthy, while, ACV is known for its fungicidal properties⁴. 

Preparing the Mixture of Banana with ACV: 

• You will need 1 full banana with 2 cups of ACV. 
• Peel the banana and put it in a small bowl. Along with this, you can add some ACV. 
• Mix it well till it becomes a paste. 
• Apply the paste to the hair and gently massage the mixture on your scalp. Ensure that the paste covers the hair completely. 
• Allow the paste to dry for 20 minutes and rinse the hair with normal water and shampoo. 

Note: You can use this method early mornings or in the night before having your shower. 

15. Garlic 

Garlic has antifungal properties that may help reduce certain microbes that are responsible for causing dandruff⁴.  

Preparation of the Garlic Paste: 

• Take a few garlic cloves along with 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl. 
• Mix it till it turns into a smooth paste. 
• Then, apply the paste on your scalp and let it dry for 15 minutes. 
• Rinse the hair with shampoo. 

Note: You may find it helpful to use this natural method for dandruff by using it in the mornings or in the night before you have a shower.  

How Dietary Habits Can Help Reduce Dandruff

Simple dietary modifications can play an important role in reducing the appearance of dandruff. Ensure to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet⁴.

Some dietary changes include:  

• Cut down on sugar wherever possible, whether be it in your tea, coffee or having less processed foods. Eating a diet high in sugar promotes inflammation in the body which can lead to the appearance of more flakes. Instead, include antioxidant-rich foods such as dark chocolate, strawberry, blueberries, spinach grapes, broccoli, and tomatoes. 
• Eat a diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables for added nutrition and fibre daily.  
• Avoid yeast overgrowth in the body, by limiting intake of foods that have yeast such as bread and alcohol as sometimes yeast overgrowth is linked to dandruff production. 
• Incorporate more healthy fats in your diet such as olive oil, avocado, omega-3 fatty acid fish, and walnuts which reduce dandruff also promote healthy hair growth.  
• B vitamins (biotin) and zinc also help control dandruff. You can either obtain these minerals from foods such as tomatoes, yoghurt, carrots, and eggs or you can include them in the form of dietary supplements which are readily available in the market as over the counter medications.  

How to Reduce Dandruff?

Getting rid of dandruff can be a burden, however, if you follow these simple steps on a day-to-day basis, you may find it helpful¹.  

• Use the right shampoo for your hair and do not use this in excess. 
• Always keep your scalp clean. This means that you may need to have a head shower at least every 3 days. 
• There are many anti-dandruff shampoos in the market that may help you. Consult with a dermatologist to know which one would be best for you. 
• Use your own comb to brush your hair and do not share hairbrushes. 
• Make sure you take enough of rest as lack of sleep may cause stress which may contribute to dandruff. 
• Make sure you always cover your hair while travelling. 
• Use shampoos with caution as some chemicals found in shampoos can also contribute to dandruff. 

Correct diagnosis and treatment by a dermatologist are crucial, as dandruff is often mistaken for other conditions such as psoriasis, which results from a fungal infection on the scalp. The use of appropriate antifungal shampoos or lotions recommended by a dermatologist is necessary for addressing dandruff, as home remedies alone may be inadequate. 

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Other Tips to Reduce Dandruff

1. Stress Management 

• Stress can affect your health and may harm your immune system, which may also trigger dandruff production².  

2. Diet 

• Zinc, B type vitamins, and fats may help with dandruff¹. 

3. Hair Routine 

• Use safe products that do not react with your hair or scalp². 
• Be gentle and massage thoroughly while cleaning your hair⁴.
• If your scalp is sensitive, shampoo it less often³. 

4. Sunlight 

• Sunlight may play a role in reducing dandruff, but don’t spend too much time outdoors without any sun protection as it can cause UV damage⁴. 

Conclusion

Dandruff can be effectively managed with the right care, whether through natural remedies or medical treatment. Understanding your scalp type and the right treatment is key to long-term relief and healthier hair. Always consult a doctor before trying anything new to make sure it is right for your situation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References 

1. Australia H. Dandruff [Internet]. www.healthdirect.gov.au. 2023 [cited 2025 May 5]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dandruff  

2. Services D of H & H. Dandruff and itching scalp [Internet]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. [cited 2025 May 5]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dandruff-and-itching-scalp  

3. (PDF) AN OVERVIEW OF DANDRUFF AND NOVEL FORMULATIONS AS A TREATMENT STRATEGY. ResearchGate [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 5]; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322931819_AN_OVERVIEW_OF_DANDRUFF_AND_NOVEL_FORMULATIONS_AS_A_TREATMENT_STRATEGY  

4. Kronika Journal – ISSN:0023-4923 || Scopus Indexed Journal [Internet]. Kronika.ac. 2023 [cited 2025 May 5]. Available from: https://kronika.ac/wp-content/uploads/5-KKJ2356.pdf  

5. Staff Dermatologists org. How to Get Rid of Dandruff: An Expert Guide — Dermatologists.org [Internet]. Dermatologists.org. 2023 [cited 2025 May 5]. Available from: https://www.dermatologists.org/dandruff/  

6. Zaid AN, Jaradat NA, Eid AM, Al Zabadi H, Alkaiyat A, Darwish SA. Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine [Internet]. 2017 Jul 5 [cited 2025 May 5];17(1). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5499037/  

7. Chanchanok Nualsri, Nattaya Lourith, Mayuree Kanlayavattanakul. Development and clinical evaluation of green tea hair tonic for greasy scalp treatment. Journal of Cosmetic Science [Internet]. 2016 May [cited 2025 May 5];67(3):161–6. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308149951_Development_and_clinical_evaluation_of_green_tea_hair_tonic_for_greasy_scalp_treatment  

8. Gamage DGND, Dharmadasa RM, Abeysinghe DC, Wijesekara RGS, Prathapasinghe GA, Someya T. Ethnopharmacological Survey on Medicinal Plants Used for Cosmetic Treatments in Traditional and Ayurveda Systems of Medicine in Sri Lanka. Ullah R, editor. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine [Internet]. 2021 Jun 26 [cited 2025 May 5];2021:1–15. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8257331/  

9. Jung J, Kwon KH. Rethinking of positive effects of eggs on hair in East Asia. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology [Internet]. 2022 Nov 14 [cited 2025 May 5]; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364366473_Rethinking_of_Positive_Effects_of_Eggs_on_Hair_in_East_Asia_A_Critical_Review  

10. Sang SH, Gabriel Akyirem Akuwoah, Kai Bin Liew, Lee SK, Keng JW, Lee SK, et al. Natural alternatives from your garden for hair care: Revisiting the benefits of tropical herbs. Heliyon [Internet]. 2023 Nov 1 [cited 2025 May 5];9(11):e21876–6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10685248/#:~:text=In%20recent%20years%2C%20there%20is

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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