10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff

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.

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.

• skin hydration
• skin barrier function and protection
• 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. More research, however, is needed.

While stress doesn’t cause dandruff, it may worsen symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as dryness and itching.

A 2023 cross-sectional study of 629 questionnaires found that the general population of Saudi Arabia associated stress with skin conditions such as:

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.

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.

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.

Try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair for a dandruff remedy.

A deficiency of omega-3s may cause a scaly, itchy, or rough rash to appear. They’re important for your skin health since they help:

• scalp irritation
• psoriasis
• dandruff symptoms

• allergy protection
• lower cholesterol levels
• increased weight loss

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.

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

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.

Dietary modifications may prevent fungal infections by controlling yeast growth and improving your gut microbiome, which may aid in treating dandruff. More research is needed, however, on the relationship between diet and dandruff.

Limiting your consumption of certain foods that trigger skin flare-ups may also help relieve inflammation and improve scalp health. Some foods that you may want to limit are:

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.

The best approach to managing dandruff is to use specialized shampoo and scalp treatments. Home remedies may help if these aren’t accessible for you.

Ingredients in dandruff shampoos that help eliminate dandruff include:

If the cause is a fungal infection, you may need medication.

Ingredients like baking soda, probiotics, or some oils may naturally reduce dandruff. Sometimes, changing your diet or managing stress may help.

Some types of dandruff may come and go, but dandruff caused by a fungal infection will need medication.

Dandruff can be an itchy, irritating problem. However, various natural remedies, including oils, baking soda, and omega-3s, may reduce symptoms and provide relief.

If these natural remedies don’t help treat your symptoms of dandruff, speak with a doctor to find out whether other treatment options may be necessary to provide long-lasting relief.