10 Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Greasy patches, itching, and flaking skin on your scalp are signs of dandruff. Simple home remedies including aloe vera, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and tea tree oil are effective solutions for eliminating dandruff, especially in winter. The itchy white flakes of dandruff cause discomfort in your scalp. According to research from a trusted source, nearly every person has to experience this condition at least once in their lifetime. 

Several factors are responsible for causing dandruff on your scalp, including:

• Dry skin.
• Imbalanced diet.
• Seborrheic dermatitis.
• Eczema and psoriasis.
• Overgrowth of fungus or yeast.
• Sensitivity to hair and skin products.

Although several over-the-counter medications, conditioners, and medicated shampoos are available in the market to treat dandruff, you can also get help from home remedies to treat dandruff. These natural home remedies promote scalp health and eliminate dandruff at home. So keep on reading because this article describes simple home remedies that may be just as effective for removing dandruff.

Tea Tree Oil

Different skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis are traditionally treated with tea tree oil at home. The oil contains naturally occurring antimicrobial matter and anti-fungal chemicals that can help alleviate the symptoms of dandruff. Research has supported the theory that tea tree oil is an effective source to defeat Malazessia, which is a major factor in developing seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

Studies prove that natural remedies are more effective than prescribed anti-fungal medications. For example, applying soaked placental tissues in tea tree oil to your skin will heal lesions caused by fungus more effectively than a prescribed anti-fungal treatment option. 

However, you can’t rely completely on this theory. More studies and research are needed to claim that tea tree oil has benefits for itchy scalp skin. Some cases have been reported where tea tree oil has irritated sensitive skin types. Therefore, it is recommended by dermatologists to apply the oil in dilute form by adding a few drops of carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Thus this oil can’t harm your skin.

Coconut Oil

Multiple health benefits associated with coconut oil have made it a renowned oil worldwide. People use it for the remedy of several conditions. Itchy scalp due to dandruff is one of the major conditions where coconut oil plays a vital role in treatment. Coconut oil is best for preventing skin dryness, decreasing inflammation when used as a moisturizer, and improving skin hydration. Its multiple health benefits make it the perfect remedy for getting rid of dandruff.

An older study has revealed that regular use of coconut oil for 8 to 10 weeks helps reduce atopic dermatitis by up to 70% while its continuous application to the scalp can help improve scalp microbiome and certain markers of dandruff. However, this theory needs more experimental evidence to be approved. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil prove this oil is an excellent oil for removing dandruff.

Aloe Vera

Most skin cosmetics, lotions, and ointments contain aloe vera as it is a succulent and may help treat skin problems including dandruff in your scalp. Its application helps in treating cold sores, psoriasis, burns, and acne. Being a strong antifungal and anti-bacterial agent aloe vera plays a vital role in reducing dandruff symptoms. 

A test-tube study suggested that aloe vera gel or its derivatives help protect your skin from several species of fungi and play a vital role in controlling certain fungal infections.  

Another 2020 study has shown that aloe vera has amazing effects on inflammation. Aloe vera helps reduce inflammation that as a result relieves dandruff symptoms. These promising results make sure that aloe vera will definitely help you as a natural remedy for dandruff.

Reduce Stress Levels

Your health and well-being are mostly affected by stress. Stress plays the role of trigger for several health conditions, including dandruff and skin problems. Stress influences all types of chronic and mental health conditions as well. Although stress itself doesn’t cause dandruff, it can worsen the symptoms, including itching, bad scalp health, and dryness.

According to researchers, high-stress levels for a longer duration suppress your immune system. This may result in impairment of your body’s ability to fight against fungal attacks and skin diseases that lead to dandruff. 

A study was done on around 170 people with dandruff problems. Results showed that nearly 60 to 65 % of people were diagnosed with stress as a major factor for worsening skin conditions such as dandruff. Thus stress is a great source for triggering the symptoms of dermatitis. Many stress relieving techniques are there, through which you can control your stress levels. These techniques include yoga, deep breathing, and mindfulness meditation. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

A variety of health benefits are linked with apple cider vinegar, including a natural remedy for dandruff. The acidity of apple cider vinegar helps shed dead skin cells on your scalp along with white patches of dandruff. It also helps balance the pH of your skin to fight against dandruff and reduce fungal growth. However, we don’t find enough research or studies to support this claim. Several anecdotal evidence makes the base for the benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff removal. 

A small study involving just 32 people found that dilute apple cider vinegar doesn’t have any positive effects on skin conditions like eczema or skin barrier integrity. Some cases have been reported with worsened skin irritation after applying apple cider vinegar. Other sources of test-tube studies have suggested that vinegar tends to prevent the growth of certain types of fungal communities. Therefore, it is recommended to apply apple cider vinegar by mixing it with your shampoo or with some essential oils. Don’t apply it with your palm, just spray it on your hair. This will protect you from any irritation or itching. 

Aspirin

Aspirin contains salicylic acid as a basic component that is an amazing anti-inflammatory compound. Salicylic acid is also an integral component of anti-dandruff shampoos. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help get rid of loose scales of scalp and scaly skin. This compound removes these scales and decreases the dandruff. 

According to researchers, anti-dandruff shampoos are prepared with a combination of salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, and piroctone olamine. These compounds in shampoos work for the removal of dandruff. The Most effective ingredient is salicylic acid as it reduces the severity of scaling. Adding two crushed aspirin tablets to your shampoo before washing your hair will give an easy dandruff remedy. 

Omega-3s 

As omega-3s are an important component of cell membranes surrounding your cells, they also play an important role in your body, including heart function, lung function, and immune system. Additionally, omega-3s are also responsible for better skin health since they prevent premature aging, help manage hydration and oil production from skin cells, and promote wound healing naturally. Its deficiency in your body can cause rough rashes, scaly skin, and itching. They also help in inflammation reduction which can result in relieving dandruff symptoms and irritation. You should add foods containing omega-3s into your diet such as:

• Nuts including peanuts, walnuts, and almonds.
• Seeds such as flax-seeds and chia seeds.
• Fish, including mackerel, salmon, and trout.

Fish oil supplements are also recommended to help increase your omega-3 intake.

Probiotics

As all bacteria are not harmful to living organisms, they are categorized as beneficial bacteria. A group of beneficial bacteria called probiotics is associated with numerous health benefits such as remedy of allergies, lowering cholesterol levels, weight loss, and controlled blood pressure. These bacteria are responsible for the proper functioning of your immune system and can help you fight against fungal infections that lead to dandruff. 

According to studies, a regular intake of probiotics in balanced form for 690 consecutive days can reduce dandruff in many people. You can use probiotics to prevent and treat several skin conditions including eczema, and dermatitis. You may avail probiotics supplements from the market easily as they are added to fermented foods, such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha. 

Baking Soda

If you want to have a readily available, quick, and convenient remedy for dandruff, you should try baking soda. Yes, it has amazing properties of a gentle exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and reduces itchiness and scaling of the scalp. Its anti-fungal properties are helpful for treating dandruff as well. 

A 2015 test-tube study measured the anti-fungal properties of baking soda for the removal of the most common strains of fungus that cause skin conditions. It is suggested that continuous application of baking soda on your scalp for 7 to 8 days can completely inhibit the fungal growth in your scalp skin. According to another research, baking soda baths can reduce both irritation and itchiness in just 2 to 3 weeks. However, the said research is not enough to prove the benefits of baking soda for dandruff remedies as some studies also suggested that baking soda can’t have any impact on skin conditions. 

However, if you want to try this home remedy, take it by applying baking soda to your wet hair directly and then massage it into your scalp for 5 minutes. Shampooing these hairs after 5 minutes can give you the best results. 

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass or its derivatives are typically used to treat several health conditions such as stress, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. The lemongrass oil is a familiar remedy for reducing dandruff symptoms as it is an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. 

According to a small study published in 2012 involving 25 people, most hair tonics contain lemongrass oils that help reduce dandruff after using them for 3 to 4 weeks. Like other carrier oils, lemongrass oil also causes allergic reactions and itchiness in the scalp skin if applied directly to the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to make a dilute solution of lemongrass oil by mixing it with water or a few drops of regular conditioner or shampoo. This will lessen the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.

Zinc

This is an effective mineral that supports your immune system and promotes cell growth. You can get zinc from whole grains, nuts, and animal proteins. According to medical researchers, zinc deficiency can cause severe diarrhea, skin lesions, and hair loss. Zinc deficiency is a major contributor to dandruff appearance. Therefore almost all shampoos and conditioners contain zinc pyrithione because it acts as a strong antifungal agent and helps remove dead skin cells from the scalp. 

Avoid Certain Foods

Consumption of certain foods in excessive quantities is a major contributor to worsening dandruff symptoms. Therefore Such food must be used in limited quantities. Limiting consumption of such foods can improve your scalp health and reduce dandruff. 

Some dietary modifications are essential to prevent fungal infections by improving the gut microbiome and controlling yeast which can aid in the remedy for dandruff. Foods should be limited are:

• Beverages and sugary foods.
• Red meat.
• Fried and spicy foods.
• Processed foods.

Moreover, the foods that trigger an increase in skin conditions like dermatitis or eczema also contribute to dandruff. However, the trigger foods are different for different persons. The most common triggering food products for dandruff are:

• Tomatoes.
• Peppers.
• Eggplants.
• White-flour.
• Gluten-containing products.

Conclusion

Dandruff causes severe symptoms on your scalp such as white scales, flaky skin, and itchiness in the scalp. This condition affects your self-esteem and confidence adversely. Quality of life is also affected badly by dandruff symptoms. Remedies for dandruff include different natural sources that you can implement at home easily. Many natural home remedies for dandruff have positive anecdotal evidence that supports the theory that natural ingredients such as coconut oil, zinc, omega-3s, tea tree oil, and lemongrass oil are effective remedies for dandruff.

Although all-natural remedies are not fit for all people. People with underlying health issues cannot use these remedies without the consultation of a dermatologist. 

If the above-mentioned natural remedies for dandruff cannot treat your condition, talk to your doctor to find out the best treatment option to get long-lasting relief from the condition. Always remember to speak to your doctor before trying a new natural remedy at home.