Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally

It may also cause other symptoms, such as greasy patches on your scalp and tingling skin.

However, it’s easy to treat and relatively common, with some reports estimating that this condition affects up to 42% of infants and 1–3% of adults worldwide.

Dandruff may be caused by multiple factors, including dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products, and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on your scalp 

Though there are plenty of over-the-counter products designed to treat dandruff, natural remedies are often just as effective.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent that’s often added to skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions.

When applied to the skin, it may help treat skin conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and cold sores.

According to one review, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera may also protect against dandruff.

Similarly, several test-tube studies show that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may help control certain fungal infections 

Test-tube studies have also found that aloe vera can reduce inflammation, which may relieve symptoms. 

Despite these promising results, additional studies are needed.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits and is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff.

That’s because the vinegar’s acidity is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp. Minimize stress levels

Stress is believed to affect many aspects of health and wellness, influencing everything from chronic conditions to mental health.

While stress itself doesn’t cause dandruff, it may worsen symptoms such as dryness and itching 

Long-term high stress levels may alter or suppress your immune system’s activity, which may impair your body’s ability to fight off some fungal infections and skin conditions that contribute to dandruff 

In fact, in a study in 166 people with seborrheic dermatitis — one of the most common causes of dandruff — approximately 28% reported that stress was a trigger for dermatitis symptoms .

To keep stress levels under control, you can try stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or aromatherapy.

3. Coconut oil

Renowned for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil is also used as a natural remedy for dandruff.

It may work by improving skin hydration and preventing dryness, which can worsen dandruff.

According to some research, coconut oil may be as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration when applied as a moisturizer 

Other research suggests that coconut oil aids the treatment of eczema, a skin condition that may contribute to dandruff.

One older, 8-week study found that applying coconut oil to the skin reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis — a type of eczema characterized by itching and inflammation — by 68% 

In a 12-week study in 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp led to significant improvements in the scalp microbiome and certain markers of dandruff 

Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties in some test-tube studies, although researchers have not yet examined the effects on the specific strain of fungus that causes dandruff 

Therefore, it’s best to dilute it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin.

4. Tea tree oil

Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments such as acne and psoriasis.

It is also proven to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of dandruff.

In fact, according to one older review, tea tree oil is effective at fighting the specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

Another study found that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription antifungal treatment at healing lesions caused by this fungus.

What’s more, in an older study, 126 people with dandruff used a shampoo containing either 5% tea tree oil or a placebo daily. Apple cider vinegar is also said to balance the pH of your skin to reduce fungal growth and thus fight dandruff.

However, no studies support these claims. After 4 weeks, tea tree oil reduced the severity of symptoms by 41% and improved greasiness and itchiness, compared with the placebo.

Still, more high quality research is needed.

Additionally, tea tree oil may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. Many of the supposed benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff are based on anecdotal evidence.

In fact, one small study in 22 people found that applying diluted apple cider vinegar to the skin topically didn’t improve eczema or skin barrier integrity — and even worsened skin irritation.

That said, test-tube studies show that apple cider vinegar and its compounds may prevent the growth of certain types of fungus.

If you’d like to give apple cider vinegar a try, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with essential oils and spray directly onto your hair. Dandruff, which is characterized by itchy, white flakes of skin on your scalp, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with.