Natural dandruff remedies – which ones are more likely to work

Causes of dandruff

Dandruff is usually caused by a fungal infection of the scalp. This condition is called seborrheic dermatitis, which can affect your whole body, not just your scalp. The symptoms include an itchy scalp, redness, and flaking.

Other causes of dandruff include:

Dry skin – If your skin is dry, it is more likely to flake. This is why dandruff is more common in winter when the air is often drier.

Not shampooing enough – If you don`t shampoo your hair often enough, the oils and sweat on your scalp will build up and make your skin flake.

Sensitivity to hair products – If you are using a new shampoo or hair product, you could be allergic to one of the ingredients. This will also cause your skin to react and may cause flaking.

Stress – Stress can cause your skin to become more sensitive and more likely to flake.

Diet – A diet high in sugar and processed foods can also cause dandruff.

Disease – Diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and thyroid conditions can also cause dandruff.

Now that you know the causes of dandruff let`s look at some natural remedies.

Natural dandruff remedies

There are plenty of natural dandruff remedies that you could try. Some of these home remedies might work better for you than others, so you might need to figure this out through trial and error. And don’t forget to patch test any new ingredients before applying it to your whole scalp in case of an unwanted reaction.

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural antifungal that can help get rid of the fungus causing your dandruff. It will also help to restore the natural pH balance of your scalp.

Unfortunately, there are no studies that prove this claim. Only anecdotal evidence is available.

To use apple cider vinegar:

1. Mix one part vinegar with one part water.
2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it in.
3. Leave it for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
4. Repeat this treatment.

2. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is another natural antifungal that can help to get rid of the fungus that is causing your dandruff. Tea tree oil will also help to soothe your scalp and reduce inflammation.

There is some evidence that tea tree oil is effective in treating dandruff. A study found that it is effective at fighting the specific strain of fungus that can cause seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.[1]

Another study found that a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil was effective in treating dandruff.[2] The study involved 126 people with dandruff. After applying the shampoo for 4 weeks, the dandruff symptoms reduced by 41%.

Mix a few drops with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil to use tea tree oil. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it in. Leave it for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat this treatment.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help keep your scalp moist, reducing the symptoms of dandruff.

Some evidence suggests that aloe vera’s antibacterial and antifungal properties may also protect against dandruff. [3] Other evidence indicates that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may help control certain fungal infections. [4],[5]

To use aloe vera, apply the gel from the plant to your scalp and massage it. Leave it for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat this treatment.

4. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a natural antifungal, and it can help to get rid of the fungus that is causing your dandruff. Coconut oil when used in your hair and on your scalp may also help moisturize your scalp and reduce inflammation.

There are also researches that suggest that coconut oil has positive effects in the treatment of eczema, which can also be a cause of dandruff.

According to a study conducted on 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp significantly improved dandruff markers and the scalp microbiome.[6]

5. Baking soda

Baking soda is a natural exfoliant, and it can help to remove the dead skin cells that are causing your dandruff. Baking soda will also help restore your scalp’s natural pH balance.

Baking soda was found to inhibit fungal growth in 79% of specimens after 7 days in a test-tube study that measured the antifungal effects of baking soda on some of the most common strains of fungus that cause skin infections. [7]

To use baking soda, mix one part baking soda with three parts water. Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage it in. Leave it for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat this treatment.

6. Lemon juice

Lemon juice is a natural antifungal and it can help to get rid of the fungus that is causing your dandruff. Lemon juice acidity will also help restore the natural pH balance of your scalp, reducing the oil.

You can easily apply two tablespoons of lemon juice on your scalp and rinse them with water after a few minutes. For a more powerful effect, stir 1 tablespoon into a cup of water and rinse your hair with it.

7. Aspirin

The main component in aspirin is salicylic acid which can fight against dandruff and the fungus causing it. Aspirin also acts as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and preventing other fungus growth.

Dissolve two uncoated aspirin tablets and add them into the amount of shampoo that you use when you wash your hair. Wait a couple of minutes, and then rinse the mixture with warm water.

8. Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds can be effective against the fungus which causes dandruff. Fenugreek seeds can also help to reduce inflammation and itchiness. There are no studies proving the efficiency of fenugreek seeds in the treatment of dandruff. Only anecdotal evidence is available.

To use fenugreek seeds, soak a handful of seeds in some water overnight. In the morning, grind the seeds and apply the paste to your scalp. Leave it for a few hours before rinsing it off. Repeat this treatment.

9. Egg white

Protein intake is essential for a healthy hair. There are some evidence that suggest using egg white as a mask to repair and reverse hair loss.

Also, a hair mask made from egg whites has been claimed to remove excess oils from the scalp, strengthen hair, promote growth, and prevent dandruff. Egg white can be used alone or mixed with other nutrient-rich ingredients like coconut oil.

Conclusion

Dandruff is a common condition that can be caused by a number of different things.

There are several natural treatments available for dandruff, that you can even find into your fridge.

If none of these remedies work, rather chat to a dermatologist who can better assist your exact dandruff concerns.

Studies

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15663338/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451368/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4452276/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32662608/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28042402/
6. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-86454-1
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22991095
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4452276/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32662608/