Dandruff is characterized by itching and flaking of the scalp. Oily and stinging patches on the skin of the face are also common in some cases of scalp dandruff.
Dandruff affects up to 50% of adults. Causes can include dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products, and a particular type of fungus that lives on the scalp called Malassezia.
While there are many over-the-counter products designed to treat dandruff, natural remedies can be just as effective and have no side effects.
Here you will find 10 simple home remedies to get rid of dandruff naturally.
1. Tea tree oil.
Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments ranging from acne to psoriasis.
It has been shown to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve dandruff symptoms.
In fact, according to some studies, tea tree oil is effective against a specific strain of the Malassezia fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
A 4-week study looked at the effects of tea tree oil on dandruff in which 126 adults were treated with a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil or a placebo.
At the end of the study, tea tree oil reduced the severity of dandruff symptoms by 41% and reduced flaking and itching.
Be aware that tea tree oil can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin. It’s best to dilute it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying it directly to the skin.
Summary
Tea tree oil can kill the fungus that causes dandruff in some people, relieving symptoms within a few weeks. Because it can cause skin irritation, it is recommended that you dilute the oil with another oil rather than applying it directly to your scalp.
2. Coconut oil
Well known for its many health benefits, coconut oil is also often used as a natural dandruff remedy.
Coconut oil helps improve skin hydration and prevent dryness that can aggravate dandruff.
A small study of 34 people found that coconut oil was just as effective as mineral oil at improving skin hydration.
Another study found that coconut oil can help treat eczema, a skin condition that can contribute to dandruff.
One study compared the effects of coconut and mineral oils on atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema characterized by itching and swelling.
Applying coconut oil to the skin for eight weeks reduced symptoms by 68% compared to 38% in the mineral oil group.
Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties in some test-tube studies, although the effect on a specific strain of the fungus that causes dandruff has not yet been studied.
Summary
The potential antimicrobial properties of coconut oil can improve skin hydration and reduce the symptoms of eczema and dandruff.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera or aloe vera is a type of succulent plant that is often added to ointments, cosmetics, and skin lotions.
When aloe vera is applied to the skin, it is believed to help treat skin conditions such as burns, acne, psoriasis, and herpes. It can also be helpful in treating dandruff.
According to some studies, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera can help protect against dandruff.
Similarly, laboratory studies have shown that aloe vera can be effective against various types of fungi and can help control fungal infections that cause hair loss due to dandruff.
Aloe vera can also reduce inflammation, which can relieve dandruff symptoms.
Despite these promising results, further research is needed to find out how aloe vera can directly affect dandruff.
Summary
Aloe vera or aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties. As a result, it can help reduce inflammation and reduce dandruff symptoms.
4. Stress management
Stress is believed to affect many aspects of health and well-being. It can affect everything from chronic diseases to mental health.
While stress alone does not cause dandruff, it can aggravate symptoms such as dryness, hair loss, and itching.
Maintaining a high level of stress for a long time can also suppress the activity of the immune system.
A weakened immune system can reduce your body’s ability to fight off certain fungal infections and skin conditions that contribute to dandruff.
In fact, a study of 82 people with seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most common causes of dandruff, found that most dermatitis attacks were preceded by stressful life events.
To control your stress levels, try some stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or aromatherapy.
Summary
Stress can weaken the immune system and reduce the body’s ability to fight infections that cause dandruff. Stress also often precedes bouts of seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most common causes of dandruff.
Apple cider vinegar has been linked to a host of health benefits. These include improved insulin sensitivity and increased weight loss.
In addition, apple cider vinegar is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff.
The acidity of the vinegar is believed to help stimulate the exfoliation of dead scalp cells.
Apple cider vinegar is also believed to balance the pH of the skin, reducing the growth of fungi and thus counteracting dandruff.
However, there are no studies to support these claims, and many of the benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff are based on anecdotal evidence rather than science.
Some laboratory studies show that apple cider vinegar and its compounds can stop the growth of certain types of fungi, including the dandruff-causing fungus.
If you want to try apple cider vinegar for dandruff, add one to two tablespoons to your shampoo or mix it with other essential oils and spray the mixture directly into your hair.
Summary
Apple cider vinegar is said to help remove dead skin cells and balance the pH of dandruff. In addition, test-tube studies show that it prevents the growth of certain types of fungi.
Fountain. healthline.com