Before reading on about treating your dandruff at home, make sure you actually have dandruff. Chances are a good amount of the people visiting this page will actually have dry scalp, which differs from dandruff in symptoms and treatment. If you know you have dandruff, than read on. Below are 12 home remedies to help you kick the crusties.
1. Pour, Rinse, and Barely Repeat With Vinegar
Rinsing your hair with vinegar (specifically Apple Cider Vinegar or white vinegar) may sound like a dreadful idea, but it can be quite an effective way to treat dandruff because it actually addresses the root of the problem (pun very much intended.)Put simply, dandruff is the result of skins cells maturing and dying too fast, building up, and causing irritation. Vinegar will get rid of the unwanted skin that would flake off into dandruff, and it won’t clog up your pores or cause more. An overgrowth of fungus can also cause dandruff, and vinegar acts like a fungicide. Using it is straightforward, simple, and is probably easier on your hair than some shampoos out there. Just don’t wash with it before a business meeting in a stuffy room-the biggest downfall is that your hair will smell like vinegar until you shower again (but it does go away.)
You will need…
-1/2 cup warm water
-1/2 cup ACV or white vinegar
-A cup
Directions
Mix together the warm water and vinegar in a cup. The total amount may be varied to be more or less depending on how much hair you have. Pour the mixture over your hair, scrub it around gently for several minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with water (only water!) Wait about 8-12 hours before taking a normal shower. Repeat once every week or two weeks, depending on how often you feel you need it.
2. Break It Up With Baking Soda
Baking soda is just an all-around useful thing to have in the house. It plays a large part in a lot of natural home remedies, and for good reason-it usually works! It helps to remove dandruff for a number of reasons. First, it mildly exfoliates, which gets rid of the excess dead skin. It’s also kills off acts as a fungicide, and a common fungus that occurs on everyone’s scalp can cause dandruff if it becomes overly abundant. In addition, its tiny particles can be useful in actually removing those loose flakes stuck in your hair-instead of just breaking the pieces of skin up into smaller pieces.
You will need…
-1 tablespoon of baking soda
-1 cup of water
-A few drops of rosemary oil (optional)
Directions
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda to every one cup of warm water. If you’re using an old (clean) shampoo or soap bottle, shake up the mixture and apply generously. Otherwise, stir it before you use it. Do this in place of shampoo, daily if possible. Your hair may feel quite dry in the beginning, but its natural oils will restore themselves soon, and they will be much more balanced than when using some commercial shampoo. If you feel you absolutely must use shampoo (and really try the baking soda alone first if you can) you can add a teaspoon of baking to a handful of shampoo and use that instead. The rosemary oil is optional, but some people find rosemary helps dandruff and think it has a pleasant scent.
3. Have Fun With Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a plant that is used commonly as a spice, particularly in Indian cuisine; however it serves medicinal purposes as well. Fenugreek seeds have a composition that is rich in protein and amino acids, encouraging healthy hair/hair growth and warding off those wicked flakes in the process. A little bonus-its high concentration of lecithin (a natural emollient) can help make hair stronger overall, and many people find that it leaves their hair silky smooth and soft.
You will need…
-2 tablespoons of Fenugreek seeds (check a health food store if they aren’t at your grocery store)
-A bowl of water
-Something to grind the seeds with
Directions
Soak the seeds in 1-2 cups of water overnight. The next morning, grind them into a fine paste and apply to your scalp. Leave it applied for 30-45 minutes, then wash with mild shampoo or water.
4. Treat Your Scalp To Neem Leaves
Neem leaves (also an Indian herb) make a great all-natural home remedy for your dandruff. Their properties not only relieve itching, they act as an antifungal as well, inhibiting the over-growth of dandruff causing fungus. Be aware that some people find its smell to be overwhelming.
You will need…
-At least 2 handfuls of neem leaves
-4-5 cups of hot water
Directions
Add two handfuls of neem leaves to 4 or 5 cups of hot water. Let it stand overnight. The next morning strain the liquid and use it to rinse your hair. You can also try making a paste out of leaves, applying it to your scalp, and letting it sit for about an hour before washing it off with water.
5. Utilize Listerine
Listerine was actually created in 1879 by a doctor in Missouri and used as a powerful surgical antiseptic for dentists. When the good doctor sold it to a pharmaceutical company, it uses broadened and it became the first over-the-counter mouth wash ever sold in the United States. In the 1930’s and ‘40s, one its original purposes was also to fight dandruff. It may seem random, but consider that Listerine fights fungus, and one of the most common cause of dandruff is an overabundance of…you guessed it, fungus.
You will need…
-Water
-Listerine Mouthwash (preferably not green or blue as they might stain your hair)
-Spray bottle (optional)
Directions…
Mix 2 parts water with 1 part Listerine. After you shampoo, spray or pour the solution onto your scalp, massage in well, and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with water.
6. Get Some Sun
It’s not known exactly why, but there have been links between dandruff and exposure to sunlight. There have been many cases in which the severity of dandruff lessened when the afflicted person spent more time in the sun. It’s possible that instead of dry weather in the winter causing dandruff, it’s really the lack of sunlight. Maybe the light helps dry up some of the excess oil, or maybe getting a little time outside in the sun makes for a happier healthier human overall. Whatever the exact reason is, it’s something to try, and it’s probably one of the most straightforward home remedies you can try.
Directions
Spend at least 10-15 minutes out in the sunlight every day that you can. Make sure to limit your time though-too much sun and it’s UV rays can be harmful to your skin, hair, and health.
7. Take Some Aspirin
Aspirin can help with more than just headaches-it’s also an easy at-home remedy for dandruff. Pure Aspirin uses a large percentage of Salicylic Acid, which is an active ingredient in many commercial anti-dandruff shampoos. Salicylic Acid has fungicidal and anti-microbial properties to fight the extra flakes caused by fungus, while the Aspirin helps with the inflamed skin that often goes hand-in-hand with severe cases of dandruff.
You will need…
-2 white Aspirin tablets
-Shampoo
Directions…
Crush up the Aspirin until it becomes a fine powder. Add it to your regular shampoo before use, making sure to leave it in your hair for about 2 minutes before rinsing completely.
8. Eat Healthy
You knew it would be on here, somewhere. Eating healthy helps every aspect of your well-being. These days we’re learning more and more that diet is truly vital to our health, so it comes as no surprise that it would have some impact on skin conditions, including dandruff. Of course, food that is extremely fatty and/or unhealthy should be avoided-but that’s common knowledge whether you follow it or not. What you may not know it what to eat to help your scalp and why, so check out the list below of some foods you should aim to eat that may help you get rid of those pesky flakes-and keep them from coming back.
Veggies: Green leafy vegetables in particular impact how our skin behaves. It encourages healthy hair, skin, and nail growth, so shoot for stuff like broccoli, kale, and lettuce (NOT iceberg) to add to your diet.
Fish Oils: Fish oil can make a difference in the overall make-up of your skin. Taking fish oil supplements will not cure your dandruff, but it can help lessen its severity and/or prevent it.
Lean Proteins: To minimize dandruff, try eating more lean proteins. They help to build hair and skin and keep it coming in healthy. Aim for fish and non-meat proteins, such as eggs, nuts, and beans.
9. Take Advantage Of Lemons
Lemons have a tough reputation, but they might be able to shake it-if they help you shake the flakes first. The acidity in pure freshly squeezed lemon juice contains acids that can help break down the fungus that is often the cause of dandruff outbreaks. It’s also free from harsh chemicals and other unnatural ingredients that often do more harm than good to our hair and scalp-plus it leaves you smelling clean and fresh. So remember, the next time life gives you dandruff, give it lemons.
You will need…
-2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, divided
-1 cup of water
Directions
Massage 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into your scalp and let it sit for a minute. Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into 1 cup of water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat daily until no longer needed.
10. Use Tea Tree Oil
While excess oil can be a root cause of dandruff, some oils can still be helpful in keeping it under control. Tea tree oil has been used medicinally for centuries. Aboriginals in Australia would pick the leaves of the tea tree plant and break them (much like we do with aloe) before using them as a topical treatment for burns, cuts, bites, and so on. The oil extracted from those leaves have fungicidal properties and it is overall soothing to the skin-especially when it is sore or itchy. Be aware that tea tree oil, while safe for topical use, should NOT be ingested under ANY circumstance.
You will need…
-1 tablespoon of tea tree oil
-1 cup of warm water
-A squirt bottle
Directions
Pour 1 tablespoon of tea tree oil into 1 cup of warm water in a squirt bottle. Shake well. After shampooing, spray the mixture all over your scalp, massage, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Pat the excess moisture out, but don’t wash it out.
11. Enjoy Aloe
Aloe Vera gel is synonymous with “ahhhhh…relief” in many people’s minds. While it may be used more commonly to help minor burns, it can also help give you relief from dandruff. It works because its constituents inhibit the process of skin cell proliferation. In other words, the stuff that makes it up slows down how fast your cells grow, and since dandruff often is caused by cells growing and dying too rapidly, the aloe can help restore them to normalcy.
You will need…
-1 bottle of Aloe Vera gel
Directions
Apply Aloe Vera gel to the scalp 15 minutes prior to washing your hair. After 15 minutes, shampoo and wash it as normal.
12. Salt It
Salt is something most of us have lying around, something we use every day. But did you know that it can also help get rid of dandruff? It’s slightly abrasive crystals will work as a natural exfoliator, getting off the extra oil and dead skin flakes. It is effective because it clears a path, if you will, for the shampoo which can sink in and work to its fullest potential. While rubbing salt on your scalp may not sound like spa treatment, it can actually feel quite pleasant, especially if your skin is itchy.
You will need…
-3 tablespoons of salt (Epsom salt works well if you happen to have it, but regular table salt is fine too.
Directions
Gently massage 3 tablespoons of salt into your dry or slightly dampened scalp for 2-3 minutes. Shampoo immediately afterwards.
Dandruff Tips
If you’re not sure how you feel about washing your hair with some of the natural stuff used to treat dandruff, here are some tips that can still help you get rid of it at home.
1. Switch Up Shampoos
You find that one shampoo…that one anti-dandruff shampoo that finally works. Deep down, you know it’s the shampoo for you. Then, without any warning, it just…quits on you. The dandruff starts coming back, and it’s time to realize that you have to move on if you want to shake the flake. This isn’t uncommon-people often build up a tolerance to a shampoo and its active ingredient. If yours stops working abruptly this may be the case, so switch as soon as you can. To keep this from happening, switch up what you’re using every month or so. Find 3 different kinds of anti-dandruff shampoo, each with a different formulation, and rotate them to prevent them from becoming ineffective.
2. Obey The Law Of L.R.R.
Lather, rinse, repeat. We see it stamped on the back of shampoo bottles, but really, how many of us lather twice? I know most of the times that I have, it’s usually because I forgot I had already shampooed (embarrassing, I know.) That direction is there for a reason though-it allows the shampoo to work at its best and really do what it is supposed to do. Next time you’re in the shower, do an initial lathering before rinsing it off to get rid of most of the flakes and oil buildup. To really fight the dandruff, lather a second time and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then the shampoo can penetrate the skin cells fully and really go to work.
3. Shampoo More
Many people are of the belief that dandruff is caused by dry skin, and try to make up for this by shampooing less so as to not strip the skin of its natural oils. They may also use special shampoo for dandruff when they really have dry scalp, which will just dry it out even more. One of the biggest causes of dandruff is oily skin-that is why the skin flakes are often greasy, not dry. The best way to combat this is to shampoo more rather than less. Since that dandruff is a build-up or excess of rapidly maturing skin cells, scrubbing with shampoo can help get the itchy layer off naturally. It can also help ward off overgrowth of the Malassezia fungus.
Dandruff can seem like an unconquerable enemy, but there are a number of effective ways to manage it and lessen its severity- and not all of them have to involve harsh chemicals or an expensive trip to the dermatologist. The next time you get down about shaking the flake remember that a solution could be right in front of you, maybe even as close as the salt shaker on your dining room table.
You may also like our list of the 16 ways to get rid of cold sores
We Want to Hear from You! Let us know which remedies work and do not work for you, ask a question or leave a comment:
I have had dandruff all my life. I have tried everything to get rid of it, and nothing seems to work! I cycle different anti-dandruff shampoos, including T-Gel and some other ones, but it smells horrible! Extremely medicated, and it dries the crap out of my hair, and when I get out of the shower and my hair dries, it is all frizzy and crazy.
I am SO trying these. I am sick of the medicated crap, and wanna try something new. Apple cider vinegar here I come! If anyone has had dandruff and used any of these or other dandruff remedies, please let me know what works. I want to be able to go out without a hat on for once!
If you’re up for sticking to natural remedies, take a look at the NoPoo (NoSHAMPoo) method for cleaning your hair. It involves using Baking Soda as a mild abrasive / cleanser, and Apple Cider Vinegar as a “conditioner.” Combined, they help to restore the pH balance of your skin for better scalp health.
Also, take a look at my reply to Jacquelyn below. You might benefit from using jojoba, tea tree, and coconut oils!
Try sulfate free shampoo. The whole house switched and we all noticed a difference.
The only flare up I had since is when I tried dry shampoo. I don’t recommend dry shampoo.
Dave i suggest you apply pure coconut oil over night. I use the brand Nutiva and wash every morning with soap. I know it sounds weird but try it for a week. You will be amazed. I have had dandruff all my life too!
Every few years my head fills up with dandruff–it gets so bad that when I shake my hair above a towel, it gets completely covered with the stuff 🙁 I used to treat it with apple cider vinegar and it worked within days. The trick was to use very cold water (I washed my hair separately from showering in order to stand the cold). Recently, it has not done the trick. I am currently trying baking soda, aloe vera, and tee trea oil. It has been several weeks and although it is not terrible, the dandruff has not gone away.
I used a deep conditioner packet and added oregano oil to it and left it on for a hour and rinsed, it worked well
Thank you, so much for the vingar treatment. It really works for me and my daugther, who has really bad dandruff in her hair. Because she also has very dry scalp as well. What can we do about her dry scalp. Is their anyway to restore the naturals oils to her hair. Thanks again.
jacquelyn perkins
Hi Jacquelyn,
A list on remedies for dry-scalp is in the works!
I am personally very keen to hear what ideas you have to address dry scalp. I think I had miss diagnosed myself and have been treating my dry scalp as dandruff. Would you email me a link when you have it completed? Very grateful. Nicola x
You might try a small amount (1 tsp) of jojoba oil with a drop or two of tea tree oil. Rub the mixture in your palms and apply to your scalp morning and evening (post-shower). Jojoba oil is very close in composition to the sebum oil our skin produces and works very well as a carrier for the tea tree oil.
Additionally, you could combine softened unrefined coconut oil with a few drops of tea tree oil, massage the mixture into your scalp for 5 mins and let it rest for an hour (or leave it in overnight if you will shower in the morning). Doing this for a period of 5 to 7 days should take care of the dandruff if that’s the issue, and the moisturizing properties of coconut oil will help with dry scalp.
Apple Cider Vinegar works great!! And it’s a natural way to get rid of all that buildup from hair products too!
I use Apple vinegar for my hair every other day and I do stopped using shampoo and use soap to wash my hair, I been doing this for a year and it cleared up my dandruff problem!
What kind of soap do you use to wash your hair? I feel that shampoo just isn’t good on my hair. I have major dandruff or dry scalp (not sure I really know how to tell the difference) and would love to try the ACV. Just curious about your soap step – thanks!
What kind of soap do you used
My holy Grail Dandruff shampoo is : Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo from the Body Shop! ( yes, at the mall) After trying so many shampoos, cheap to expensive – I finally stumbled upon this – please try it, it works!
Nettle tea will kick it out! Boil water in glass cooking pot (visions). Remove from heat. Add nettle then steep until brew becomes dark. After shampoo, rinse with warm (not scalding) rinse. Leave on hair (do not rinse off). Comb or brush and wear for the day, week whatever. It might burn or tingle… that is good! Use until dandruff is gone.. Improve your diet and live happily ever after!
Is it possible hair products could give one dandruff? I never use to have dandruff but now its so severe after using a particular hair relaxer.I stopped buh d dandruff has left since instead its getting worse by the day.
I suffered with dandruff for years. I tried ACV, all dandruff shampoos — with and without coal tar, or salycidic acids, and/or fish scales!! Still flakes about — itching — embarrassment etc. Then one day I washed my hair with Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree soap (after reading an article on Tea Tree for dandruff). What a difference in my scalp!! It felt cleaner and after my hair dried I didn’t have as much dandruff. It was a start. My hair improved dramatically, but I still had flakes now and then.
Then I read an article about virgin coconut oil and dandruff. A good virgin coconut oil scalp treatment works wonders once a week or so. Virgin Coconut oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. I put some in a glass.. then melt it by submersing the glass in some hot water. The oil melts and then I transfer it to a squirt bottle. I apply it just to my scalp (mostly) and let it sit for about 30 mins. Shampoo out.. twice or so. Then condition. Dry as normal. No flakes, no itch!! Just normal Beautiful Hair!! And now that I have defeated dandruff for good, I give myself a treatment once a month or if I have flakes the next day. And a plus is my hair grows super fast. I hope this helps someone….. .
This helped me . Excellent choices. They work great! Thanks
Hi,
I am having hairloss, dandruff and itchy on scalp from past 4 years.i had tried so many shampoos but it didnt work for me. can anyone please suggest me mild shampoo for daily use to stop hair loss, dandruff. please reply soon to my mail id.
itchy scalp, not sure it is dandruff. Will the vinagar help if it not dandruff?
I had very flaky dandruff, itchy scalp and tremendous hair loss. I tried Head&Shoulder, Neutrogena T-Gel, TarCoal and Jason Shampoo (dried out my hair) — all of them did not work. I turned to natural remedies, but I cut my hair short and dyed it in light brown, it was easier to deal with length. Reg.mild moisturizing shampoo and rinse with Vinegar. Also tried Baking Soda and rinse with Vinegar. Result – NO itchy scalp and fewer dandruff. For HAIR LOSS and Growth (also for dry scalp), manicurist / nail salon owner that I see regularly suggested to use scalp mask from CASTOR OIL. She said, she used it for her daughter and it worked very well. I tried it couple of times, poured castor oil on cotton ball and set it in all over scalp. Hold it for 1 hour, then shampoo it with reg.mild shampoo and rinse with vinegar. It seemed to work, because now when I clean, I don’t find my hair all over the place (sofa, floor, etc.). Now it just natural, a few strands left on the brush. Also, before I started it, 3 months ago, I dyed my hair, now roots need color touch-up. I still have some dandruff, so I am going to do mask of coconut oil mixed with castor oil.
Hi there try this one it works good, boil about 10 grams from horse tail a dry herb with a glass of water for 15 minutes then cool it and mix that water with the same amount of apple cider vinidar or a fresh lemon juice, apply it to your head after shower and leave it for about 15minutes then rinse with only water. remember somthing do not use hot water on your hair.
Hi, pls can someone help me out I hv been having dis dandruff for more than 5yrs now I hv tried all kinds of antidandruff bt none of them works for me. Pls reply soon to my mail I’d thanks
I USED LEMON REMEDIES BUT THE RESULT IS COME BUT AFTER SOMETIME THE DANDRUFF CAME SO I IS IT ALWAYS NECESSARY TO DO DAILY THIS REMEDIES IT IS NOT POSSIBLE
I have severe dandruff on my head and on beard, eyebrow, mustache and back side of my ear. its feeling very very dry, itchy and lots white flake. i use all the medicated shampoos, but when i try that time dandruff gone, but after 4 or 5 hours its back again, i use shampoo on regular base, but no cure, and result my hair is very thin and density falls, hair loss.. please recommend some , i love my hairs
Hi Manpreet,
Please check out ‘Actually Naturally’ solid shampoos…they helped me with my dry, itchy, flaky scalp problems. They’re made with natural ingredients and NO CHEMICALS. 🙂
Hi Manpreet,
It sounds to me almost like you have dry scalp (and dry skin) rather than dandruff. Dandruff is generally greasy flakes and red irritated skin, and is really not as prevalent as shampoo companies have you believe. If this is the case, than the dandruff shampoos are probably just drying out your hair or too harsh for it. I would try moisturizing rather than treating for dandruff if you haven’t had any luck yet. I hope this helps!
Sounds like he’s got pretty severe eczema (seborrheic dermatitis), so I’m guessing the problem won’t be completely solved by hair products alone. If you want to fix eczema with natural remedies, you have to look at everything in your life that might cause irritation to your skin, from your (down)pillow, laundry/floor/dish/toilet washing detergents, perfumes and other cosmetics, diet, clothes(colouring agents, waterproofing), air pollution etc. in addition to your shampoo and conditioner. Various supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, biotin and MSM can also be looked into.
My solution was the following:
1. Threw out all commercial soaps/detergents, perfumes, hair waxes/gels and other cosmetics/chemicals and replaced them with soap nut liquid, ACV, flax seed gel, natural waxes, salts and oils.
2. Washed all my clothes and sheets. Cleaned my home from top to bottom.
2. Bought a $1000 air purifier.
3. Installed a shower filter (they’re cheap and worth every penny)
4. Made sure my clothes and shoes were chemical free (I had a Barbour wax jacket that made me really sick)
5. Made sure my pillows, blankets etc. were down free and anti-allergy approved.
6. Made my girlfriend do the same so she wouldn’t be polluting our home with her products (and she’s loving the shiny hair commercial-looking hair she’s sporting now).
7. Started taking reasonable doses of biotin, MSM and fish liver oil.
The results so far are the following:
My eyes no longer burn. My scalp is no longer dry. My face and ear rash is gone. The bags under my eyes are gone. My back pain/inflammation is gone and my hair and skin looks fantastic. Unfortunately it’s still a bit too early to draw any final conclusions.
We can get rid of dandruff by using fenugreek. Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and grind it in the morning into a fine paste. Then apply all over the scalp and let it stay for 30 minutes. Then wash ur hair followed by mind scrubbing with ur finger tips. Use this remedy for four to five times then surely u ll get rid of dandruff.
I have hell a lot of dandruff.. i read the article and i am about to try the listerine method. Does it really work??
Hello,
I have lot of dandruff and hair fall since 6 years, right now my hair is very thin so some-buddy please tell me, how to avoid dandruff and hair fall
please reply on my mail…
I think this ones willl work..so this must be true…:-):-):-);-)
I have suffered from dandruff as a teenager and, more recently, over the past two years. I feel I finally have it beat with the baking soda shampoo and ACV rinse combo, except I dilute the ACV much more – 1 Tbsp. to 2 cups of reverse osmosis filtered water. I use it as a conditioning rinse after I use the baking soda ‘poo. This makes the vinegar smell less and is also not as harsh on the scalp for every day use.
I thought I’d also put a disclaimer out about fish oil and eating fish as a lean protein source. As you talked about in your Clay article, methylmercury is released into the atmosphere through the burning of coal. It deposits into our watershed (lakes, streams, oceans, etc) and is absorbed up the food chain as it is fat soluble. For this reason, It is a good idea to buy Fish Oil capsule that state “Mercury-Free”. There are also excellent plant sources of Omega Fatty Acids (why we take fish oil in the first place), including hemp, flax, and chia seeds. They’re great in smoothies, on salads, in baked goods. I personally like hemp seeds mixed in with a bowl of quinoa and steamed veggies.
In addition to finding a mercury-free brand of fish oil, fish itself is known to contain high levels of methylmercury. The fish to be particularly concerned about are large fish, such as Tuna. The larger and fattier the fish, the higher potential for excessive mercury levels. Pregnant women or those who wish to become pregnant should especially avoid eating fish, and opt for mercury-free fish oil capsules and/or add hemp, flax, and/or chia seeds to their diet,
Please tell me if it will be okay to use a combination of TEA TREE OIL , ALOEVERA , LEMON , NEEM AND WATER OF FENUGREEK SEED for dandruff…….
As long as the oils are properly diluted I see no problem with the combination, however I would suggest starting with just tea tree and adding the neem oil later if needed.
I don’t know if it’s dandruff or not. While I don’t see flakes, I don’t wear dark clothes to see them. I have itching around the bottom of the back of my hairline, and the top of my scalp “burns”slightly, like a mild sunburn. If I scratch my entire head, it feels good, but the top then burns. A mirror shows a normal scalp. I will try the vinegar. And if I smell like a tossed salad, I’ll invite someone over for dinner and grill steaks to go with it!
Haha I love the part about the steaks! Genius! I would try wearing a dark shirt one day just to see if you can find any flakes, as that will tell you a lot about the nature of the problem (dandruff, dry scalp, etc.) Is it chronic, or has it cropped up recently? If it just showed up, it possible that you actually did sunburn your scalp?
I have tried a ton of different methods to get rid of my dandruff. I even thought that it could be dry scalp, so I tried to do some remedies for that, but no thing as worked! I’ve had dandruff for almost 6 months now!
I have tried using lemon juice for a while week, washing everyday, but that did nothing, I think it made it worse even. I’m going to try the salt treatment today. I hope it works! I can’t live with this anymore!
If anyone has tried the salt treatment, can you please tell me if it worked or not? It would be very helpful!
Hi Claire,
I was wondering if you have recipes for natural shampoo and conditioner that are not specifically for dandruff. I have been experimenting with some different recipes. The coconut oil made my hair too oily and the vinegar made my hair too dry. I am also allergic to avocado. I feel badly using eggs, because I hope to be a vegan one day, and although I am a vegetarian, I don’t often eat eggs. I want to find a natural shampoo and conditioner than will leave my hair soft and shiny without being too greasy or too dry. So far I haven’t found the solution yet. I don’t have dandruff so while these recipes are really helpful, I’m not sure if they’re the perfect fit. I’m also hoping to find a shampoo and conditioner that I can use as my regular hair cleansing and conditioning routine, not a treatment that I will only occasionally use.
Thanks!
While these tips are very helpful, I would suggest that one should not use salt and lemon at the same time as it could very well burn your skin and cause more irritation.
Thnx for the tip. 5 stars 🙂
I was going to combine all of them. But the salt and lemon do not react well together. So will combine vinegar and baking soda…wish me luck!
Thank you so much for these tips. I need all the remedies I can get for dandruff, Dandruff has been my constant problem. I’ve tried every anti-dandruff shampoo there is on the market and they will work for quite some time but I think once my scalp gets use to it my scalp becomes immune and the dandruff flakes are back again, Is that really a thing? Can a scalp be immune to a shampoo if you’ve been using it for a long time? My scalp is not really itchy but whenever I run my fingers through my hair it’s like winter wonderland but instead of snow flakes it’s dandruff. I’m already giving up on ant-dandruff shampoos and I’m giving home remedies a shot hopefully one of these remedies will do the trick for me.
COCONUT OIL works WONDERS.
My boyfriend has bad dandruff and the dermatologist he goes to prescribed an acid based topical treatment for the very bad scaly parts of his head, I applied this for him over the coarse of 2 months and it hardly made a difference. We used coconut oil by total chance. I Used it as massage oil for a head massage and he left it on overnight, by the next day his scaly patches were totally gone. I couldn’t believe it. They had literally disappeared, even if I rubbed his scalp no skin came off. Everyone must try this. Next on my list to try is the vinegar and also the addition of tea tree to the coconut oil.
i thought you said that the dandruff is gone on usng coconut oil…how come you will try the next one..i’m sorry i got confused.
I have dandruff 3ys plz remedy give me I don’t like this problem plz plz help me
Just curious, how old are you? You look very young. Not saying you’re wrong or lack scalp maintenance knowledge. In the past, I tried two of the methods you mentioned and they work. My condition comes and goes. It’s weird. Just happened to come across this page. Well done.
Some really great tips here, I’ve already tried the Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinse (i love ACV! I use it for everything!) but haven’t tried many of the others. Look great and i’m looking forward to trying them, thanks!
My name is tanvir. I am 30 years old. I live in Bangladesh. Day by day i lost my hear. I always feel dandruff problem. I don’t find any way to stop my hair fault and remove my scalp dandruff. Can you help me for about it.
Your tips are great! Instead of using anti-dandruff shampoos/products which will compromise the quality of the hair, I believe that going organic and using home remedies that can be found in your pantry would be awesome and healthy. I have tried apple cider vinegar and it has helped a lot! Will try other alternatives you’ve mentioned. Thanks so much.
I think using bakingsoda is good
My name is kuldeep. I am only 20 years old. I live in Gangapur city . Day by day i lost my hear. I always feel dandruff problem. I don’t find any way to stop my hair fault and remove my scalp dandruff. Can you help me for about it.
any tips on getting rid of dark spots with home remedies?
I had two big problems: dandruff with an oily scalp, and dull dry hair. I was using natural peppermint soap to control the itch and it also made my hair look a lot thicker, but after awhile my hair got really dried out looking and my dandruff got worse.
I started doing two different things at the same time and both of my problems seem to be gone.
First new thing: I just started using baking soda for my dandruff, which I suspect is caused by yeast. The first time, I scrubbed my wet scalp with a few teaspoons of baking soda, then washed my scalp twice with Pantene Ice shampoo (the second new thing I started). Then I used Pantene Ice conditioner on the length of my hair, avoiding the scalp completely. After just one wash, my dandruff was gone and my hair looked and felt better than it has in many years.
After the first wash, I just mixed the baking soda with the shampoo in my hand and washed my scalp with it. Since I don’t use any leave-in products on my hair and I live in a fairly pollution-free area in the Midwest, I don’t use shampoo on my length, just the scalp. It gets clean just fine by letting the shampoo flow down my hair while rinsing.
I am overjoyed with my hair, now! It’s just the way I want it. No itch, no dandruff, and my hair is shiny, fluffy, and soft. Yay!
Also, since salt kills yeast (as any baker knows), if your dandruff is caused by yeast, then using a salt scrub on your scalp should work.
I have dry scalp and this dundruff stubborness made me surrender that i let it stay for many years.. But i felt my hair lost due to dundruff so i find solution to eradicate this then came to this link.. Hope its my payback time nyahaha..
I bought a big thing of baby oil. Does anyone know if baby oil will help extremely dry scalp?
My husband’s have bad dandruff and I want to try lemon juice treatment but I m confused about when the shampoo will be used after this treatment
I am not sure how to tell the difference between dry scalp and dandruff. I believe I may have both? I have this yellow-y colored flakey part of skin on the crown of my head and sometimes even my whole head. When this happens I will have to let my hair soak in coconut oil and scrape it off, which is painful. I also have 1 scab that will my not go away and I don’t pick at it! Please help everyone, it would be greatly appreciated!
I loved the Lemon treatment.
It was magic and works in minutes.
I have suffered hair loss and dandruff but have been using pure coconut cream and seems not working. So eager to try any of these available at home 🙂
I’ve had sever dandruff the past couple years. I’ve tried shampoo anfter shampoo and it never seemed to work! Tried the coconut oil and worked the first time! Got rid of all my dandruff and made my hair smooth!
Here’s what I did:
• Buy PURE coconut oil
• Take 1-2 spoonfuls and melt it in a bowl
• Dip finger tips in the oil and massage your scalp, not your hair
• Do this for about 10 mins
• Pour the rest of the oil all over your head and continue to massage the scalp
• Took me a good 15 mins or so to massage my scalp well
• After you’re done with the massaging, wrap your head in a towel, or use a shower cap (that’s what I did) and sleep through the night like you usually would
• After waking up, wash your hair and than condition it
• Should be able to see no dandruff after you dry off
• Repeat this 1-2 times a week, and than start doing it less and less (e.g. Once every 2 weeks)
Worked amazing for me and was taken by shock with the results. If you need anything or have any questions, let me know!
~Joseph
I’ve read all questions and feedbacks and I’m very excited to try the oil one out but not sure. I’ve had this bad dandruff for about three years now. Not sure whether it’s a dry scalp or dandruff or think it’s both, but I have this white patch on my scalp that doesn’t spread but always itchy and forms dry dead cells and white flakes, loss of hair meaning that part of my hair is short, tired almost everything to selsun for problem dandruff to honey and lemon, even salt… Want it to finish so badly coz right now my hair is outta shape… What should I do??? please reply…
I’m really interested to try some of your recommendations, especially the baking soda! I’ve been using jojoba oil for psoriasis, which works great, but some of these sound like they could be even more effective — or at least a little cheaper.
I have dandruff. I used many dhampoos but no use.
My scalp is getting dry after head wash. Pls suggest some workable tips and treatment.
day two I have dry itchy scalp and long thinning hair that is also dry what i am doing is rubbing olive oil on the scalp and taking a rat tail comb and comb out the flakes. Then i wash my hair in 1 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp of salt or epson salt would work washing well . Then rinse well then 1 tbsp vinegar in a cup of water rub in well then rinse out well and i been using a little conditioner on the ends for a few mins then rinse well. I been taking lots of vitamins to. I am so hoping this works and will help someone else. I got this from others on this site 🙂
There s no need of any treatment..the only way is b happy, reduce ur stress…eat healthy items like fruits, nuts,etc….and purely apply coconut oil at overnight or egg(white) for half an hour..this gives u a solution.