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Dandruff Home Remedy

Discover home remedies for dandruff and scalp flakes using natural and herbal products.

Shahzad Malik, Ph.D.
2–3 minutes
Dandruff Home Remedy

Signs and Symptoms of Dandruff

Dandruff is the term used to describe the white flakes that occasionally shed from our scalp. As a result, they are sometimes visible in our hair as well as on our clothing (particularly on our shoulders), which can be a nuisance.

In most instances, dandruff is not a serious condition and it does not mean you are going bald. However, in rare situations, severe dandruff can be a sign of Seborrheic Dermatitis. If you have persistent itchiness, scalp irritation, or red patches along the neckline then it is best to consult your doctor.

Causes of Dandruff

Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds dead cells due to a dry scalp. Everyone, including people who are bald, have dandruff to some extent, but it can still be a cause of self-consciousness when in social gatherings. Fortunately, there are a number of simple home remedies to reduce the appearance of dandruff flakes.

Dandruff can also be caused by excess usage of hair spray, mousse, or styling gel. Therefore it is best to use these hair products in moderation.

Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Dandruff

Olive Oil

An excellent way to treat dry scalp and reduce the appearance of dandruff flakes is to massage heated olive oil into the scalp as follows:

  • Heat 1/4 cup of pure virgin olive oil in the microwave until it is warm to the touch (typically about 30 seconds).
  • Massage the heated oil into the scalp.
  • Leave the oil in your hair for 20 minutes.
  • Vigorously brush your hair with a natural bristle hairbrush (to loosen the dandruff scales).
  • Wash the oil out with a quality shampoo.

Repeat this twice per week.

Thyme

A simple concoction made with thyme has been found to help reduce the appearance of dandruff flakes.

  • Boil four heaping tablespoons of dried thyme into two cups of warm water for 10 minutes.
  • Strain the mixture and allow the strained thyme liquid to cool to room temperature.
  • Shampoo your hair, and then apply half of the thyme liquid onto your damp hair.
  • Massage the liquid into your scalp.
  • Do not rinse, but instead let the thyme liquid remain in your scalp.
  • Store the remaining thyme liquid in the refrigerator for a future treatment.

Repeat this twice per week.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil has been used for years in South Asia as a natural conditioner to help prevent dandruff. Simply massage the oil into the scalp and hair, and let it sit for 30-minutes before taking a shower.

Tea Tree Oil

Shampoos which contain 5% tea tree oil have been found to be effective at treating dandruff. Another option is to mix tea tree oil with your standard shampoo (1 drop of oil per 1 oz. of shampoo), or simply apply a few drops of oil directly onto your scalp immediately before shampooing.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A simple mix of equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar has shown to help with Dandruff. Simply pour the ACV mix over your scalp slowly after your regular hair-wash. Make sure to keep your head tilted backwards to protect your eyes and face. Leave it in for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse it out thoroughly. Repeating this remedy at least twice a month may help.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying a new remedy, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.

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  1. Ali

    For Dandruff, you should add around 10 drops of 100% pure tea tree oil into your regular daily shampoo and conditioner. This will give you instant relief from itching and Dandruff. You should also massage several drops of pure Manuka essential oil twice a week into your scalp for 20 minutes after soaking your hair in very warm water to open up the pores in your scalp. Let it sit for another 10 minutes and then shampoo and condition as normal using your tea tree oil mixed shampoo and conditioner. That will give you immediate relief as well as long term relief and help treat and stop the Dandruff from reappearing.

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  2. Jaya

    @ Sabuj, Try using this remedy for oily hair along with your regular shampoo. Take a cup of water and mix in 2-3 tablespoons of organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Wash your hair as usual and pour this mixture over your hair, making sure it reaches the roots of the hair thoroughly. Leave it in for a few minutes and wash it off. Repeat this remedy twice a week to treat oily hair problem. Apple Cider Vinegar helps retain the natural acidic pH balance of your hair. Hope it helps!

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