Home Remedies Web

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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52 responses

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  1. Sabuj

    I have oily hair. Please suggest some best shampoo?

    Reply
  2. Kennedy

    Head and Shoulders have lots of different fragrances now. I just bought TGEL which is more expensive but only by a few pounds. Both are available in supermarkets and at Boots the chemist, as well as other chemists. Wash hair twice with shampoo, and leave shampoo on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing. You can do the hot oil treatment once or twice a week -massaging warm oil into the scalp, before washing your hair helps.

    Reply
  3. Sabbir

    How do I get rid of dandruff?

    Reply
  4. Sat

    It is fungus not bacteria that is associated with greasy flakes on scalp. It is often a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap in infants.

    Reply
  5. Sabbir

    If any one knows where I will find the best shampoo for oily hair?

    Reply
  6. Liz

    I love you. I had the most intense embarrassing dandruff for 6 months – it would get stuck in my hair so I couldn’t get it out and none of the dandruff shampoos worked. I found this post, mixed 2 drops of super-strength oil of oregano from the Vitamin Shop into my daily shampoo and 3 washes later, no dandruff! So thrilled. Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  7. shirley

    Here is a good remedy for dandruff: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight. Grind smoothly and mix with some curd and lime juice. Apply this onto the scalp and massage well. Rinse after 5 minutes.

    Reply
  8. Duraiya Malik

    I had severe problem fof hairfall, I started taking one teaspoon pure kalongi/blackseed oil in the morning and at night, within one week the hairfall reduced by 90%. Kalongi oil mixed with coconut oil and olive oil helps in growth of hair. Kalongi oil has lot of medical benefits try it, nothing to loose.

    Reply
  9. jess

    I just found a use for my pure coconut oil. My mum got me from thailand, just tried for my dandruff and it stopped the ichiness and flakes just came straight off… 🙂

    Reply
  10. priya

    ho+w to reduce dandruff & loss of hair fall

    Reply
  11. Maryann

    Mine began with itchy scalp 5 yrs. ago, then flakes that look “patchy”. Not a simple looking dandruff flake, but appears like the moon, “craterish”. I’ve used shampoos containing tea tree oil, but not religiously. I still have the problem, but now I have thinning hair. It’s very scary. Can anyone give some suggestions as to what I should do? Can I apply the tea tree oil right to my scalp, or does it need to be diluted?

    Reply
  12. Miss M.

    I’ve got a bit of grey hair which itches a lot and my scalp tends to dry out. Don’t know whether it’s the grey hair that is causing the itching or because i’ve got a dry scalp. Any advice on how to deal with itchy grey hair and dry scalp would be appreciated.

    Reply
  13. Kathleen Steckel

    I just “LOVE BRAGGS RAW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR.” I drink it all the time in all my beverages, it puts a “KICK”, in my drinks!!! I also you it to color my hair!!!! And my skin has never felt “More Alive, then when I started using “Braggs Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, I cleaned my husbands hair with Head and Shoulders, added Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, let is set for about 3-5 minutes, rinsed his hair with “Warm Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, never rinsed it out, “NO MORE FLAKES.” “lADIE’S EVER SINCE I STARTED COLORING MY HAIR WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, MY HAIR IS SO SOFT AND HEALTHY, I WOULD NOT GO BACK TO USING CHEMICALS ON MY HAIR. I ALSO SHAMPOO WITH A “SULFATE FREE SHAMPOO, CALLED DERMORGANICS, Hit me up on emaile for anymore Information, I am a Cosmetologist.

    Reply
  14. Anonymous

    Oil of oregano is a very strong anti-microbial, that can be absorbed by the skin. If I let my hair get too oily, I get dandruff. If the cause of your dandruff is oily scalp/bacteria then this will work. Buy potent oil of oregano (don’t cheap out on the stuff). Mix a few squirts in a spray bottle of water, shake wile applying to (because oil and water don’t mix)your hair and scalp. Part and divide sections of hair to get to the scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes – 1 hour. Wash hair and repeat next day (just to make sure it works). Once you’ve washed out all the flakes (does take a few washes if you have long hair like mine). They are gone. Advise to prevent future breakouts is to NOT let your hair get greasy. Wash minimum every other day.

    Reply
  15. healthy

    the condition is worsened mostly in winter and I get fed up with it.
    menstrual syndrome diet

    Reply
  16. Marie

    The Apple Cider Vinegar method works very well.. I just did it tonight. I use it straight out the bottle. First I get my hair/scalp wet with warm water then I completely saturate my scalp with the vinegar and let it set for about an hour. If your scalp is irritated this might sting a bit. The I shampoo my hair, and let it dry out. It takes away the itching and flakes. The downer to this is you smell like vinegar for a little bit. This does work. I do this on the weekends or when I know I won’t be going anywhere.

    Reply
  17. Wahed

    Thanks For provided information

    Reply
  18. darren

    umm any remedies other than these??

    Reply
  19. John

    Posted by Joanne Brown on Aug 20 2011 11:52:19
    My problem is a very itchy scalp, (that’s driving me crazy) without the dandruff. I’ve tried tea tree oil, vinegar, olive oil, dandruff shampoos, herbal shampoos. All work for a few weeks, then he itch is back. Any suggestions?
    >>>>>>>>>>
    yes, Mix some unpasturised honey with water and rub into scalp,after shower and leave for at least 3 hours ( I left mine over night with towel on my pillow).Do this for 3-4 days. Works like a charm

    Reply
  20. Lisa

    Thank you everybody for your suggestions! I’m going to try some of these remedies and see which one works the best! Glad to know I’m not alone in this. Thanks again!

    Reply
  21. phillip

    i have tried it over and over after shampooing ,wash off shampoo and use twice the normal amt, of hair conditioner leave on for about 10 -15 mins, then rinse off . do it twice per weekto rid your dandruff, use some coconut oil after

    Reply
  22. Now I can wear black

    Here’s what works for me. Get a natural-bristle brush (boar’s hair) – not too soft, bristles that are stiff enough to reach your scalp. The idea is to exfoliate your scalp, not just brush your hair. Don’t scrape, be gentle. Brush your scalp every day when your hair is dry, before you shower. In the shower, use a scalp massager (Walgreen’s sells a cheap-o brand for 3 bucks) while shampooing, conditioning, and rinsing. AGain, not too rough. This is the only thing that has worked for me after trying literally EVERYTHING including a visit to the dermatologist who was very dismissive. You gotta brush every day but it eventually will work and feels great, too. You won’t need to buy expensive shampoos that ruin your hair anymore. Good luck!

    Reply
  23. arthi

    For the drastic reduce of dandruff is so very easy . Just buy a shampoo called NIZOROL .It costs rs.100 only .Within two washes the dandruff drastically disappears. please try . you can get the shampoo in medical shop and in cosmetic shops as well .

    Reply
  24. bee

    try using olive oil as often as possible, every week makes it work better. nothing fancy, u don’t even need to heat it. just apply liberally to the scalp, massage it gently and keep it overnight. the more often u do this, the better. but be careful not to over wash your hair as it could make the dandruff worse. while you’re at it, apply it to your hair as well, it makes it healthy, bouncy and glossy:)

    Reply
  25. D

    I had problems with dry scalp and dandruff and my hair would not grow. I tried tea tree oil and that helped a lot.

    Reply
  26. Joanne Brown

    My problem is a very itchy scalp, (that’s driving me crazy) without the dandruff. I’ve tried tea tree oil, vinegar, olive oil, dandruff shampoos, herbal shampoos. All work for a few weeks, then he itch is back. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  27. kat

    somewhat helpful

    Reply
  28. David

    Had bad dandruff for years,TEA TREE OIL works for me,cleared it after one day.

    Reply
  29. Tania

    Simply use NIZORAL shampoo (Made in Belgium) twice a week. You will start loving your hair.

    Reply
  30. april

    i hav really bad dandruff i mean REALLY baad. . .
    i dont want to use anything oily as i already hav oily hair.
    i also dont want to use anything that stinks?
    sorry i am being very picky but i really dont hav another choice at the moment . . .
    april

    Reply
  31. jon

    for hair loss, I’ve found that it might be best to avoid washing hair alot… wash it rarely.

    best to clean yourself with the steam coming off a hot rag to melt your hair and skin oils, then lightly blot yourself. this works for acne very well, too. I know no batter way to clean ur face than the steam off a hot rag, then blotting the oil off your skin.

    using commercial cleaning products, deoderant, and eating processed foods is WHY people smell.

    Reply
  32. karabo

    Hi there,i have varicose veins and i need natural medicine to help since they aren’t good to look at especially at my age pls help anyone.

    Reply
  33. Charles

    Dandruff can also be from a type of bacteria, that will feed on the sugars in our diet. I have suffered for it for years, and the only product that came close to helping was “hair tonic” by Hask. When I cut all of the processed sugars out of my diet it cleared up in about a week and has never come back, except when I start to slip on my diet, and then it comes right back.

    Reply
  34. holly

    well i have had dandruff all my life up to teenage years and i know what it is cause i have itchy and irrution too and i heat it and i used t-gel & hand in shoulder & get the blue and none have work but made it worst over the years and i was on a site a lady was useing soap for her dandruff and i tryed it i use milk and honey softsoap and my dandruff
    was gone so don’t feel bad i have it too and now i have a new way to make it better bye useing softsoap honey and milk.

    Reply
  35. Sue

    I started w an allegic reaction to a shampoo (Ithink) and now have a type of cradle cap w severe dandruff and hair loss. If I scratch a piece of the crust a piece of hair comes with it….help!! I also got a severe rash on hands and they peeled completely, inside of ears are very dry!!!

    Reply
  36. me

    I call it vinegar head. Warm Apple Cider Vinegar and pour it all over your head, message into your scalp, cover with plastic bag for ~ 30 to 60 min. repeat 1 X per wk for 1 month and I was cured pretty much. Sometimes calls for a follow up 1 or 2 X for the first year. Can’t remember when I had to do it last. Before I did this, I HAD to use DANDRUFF shampoo all of the time, now I can use any shampoo I want.

    Reply
  37. HomeRemediesWeb

    Hi Carmille and Farheen, Using organic virgin coconut oil remedy mentioned above might be beneficial to start with. Due to the anti-oxidant activity and the small molecular structure of virgin coconut oil it may smoothly absorb into the layers of dry scalp and keep the connective tissues strong, hydrated and dandruff free. Also adding 3-4 drops of Tea Tree Oil into your shampoo can help.
    Please let us know if it was helpful!

    Reply
  38. Farheen

    hi there,i have a dandruff in my hair…i am so much worried because of it i am losting my hair also..there are lots of homeremidies but how can i know that which one will work and help me to get rid of this problem…my hair also dreid and m falling my hair also..help me out and recomend me any shampoo..my hairs are also treated.thanx

    Reply
  39. Camille

    I have had severe scalp dermatitiis for over a year. Nothing the doctor recommended worked. The itch is driving me crazy, not to mention the embarrasement of the flakes on my clothes. I have not worn the color black for over a year. Can someone recommend some home remedies that really works.

    Thanks.

    Desperate!

    Reply
  40. R. Terrace

    I tried a generic Selsin Blue shampoo Selenium is the active ingredient. Wash/rinse hair once Lather again DO NOT RINSE leave the lather in overnight wash hair again in the morning. Once or twice a week first week once every 2 weeks, or as needed to maintain control over dandruff. The theory is the selenium will attack the microbes that cause dandruff. It worked for me

    Reply
  41. Mary

    Chris, I feel so sorry for you because I know exactly how you feel! Try this.
    2 Tablespoons of Borox (you can get it at Walmart) dissolved in 2 cups warm water.
    Wash your head with this and then rinse with water followed by several Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar diluted in water. DO NOT RINSE IT OUT. Try this for at least several weeks. I promise you it will at least help!

    Reply
  42. Chris

    I’ve tried just about everything.Dr.gave me many prescriptions but none have helped. Has gone from mild to med. Seborricheic dermatitis is not easy to control. Working on tea tree oil shampoo now.Some stuff cures the itching but the flaking is driving me crazy! HELP

    Reply
  43. Dushyant Singh

    hello sir
    i am dushyant singh (age- 26 , Male)
    my hair is falling out what should i do and my hair is more dandruff problem
    you suggest me some good hair shampoos product.
    thank

    Reply
  44. Myra

    Tea tree oil works the best on me. I have a handful of shampoo or conditioner and I put a couple of drops of Tee tree oil. Makes my scalp tingle. You can feel it work. My doctor recomended many over the counter and prescription drugs but nothing like tea tree oil.

    Reply
  45. Claire

    I’ve had dandruff all my life until I started using goats milk soap for a shampoo and rinsing out with apple cider vinegar solution. The problem literally disappeared after two washes. Apple cider vinegar will not lighten hair (I wish it would…Lol!) as the acid concentration is very low. But what it does is restore the natural acid mantle on your skin and in doing so cures the peeling scalp which is dandruff. It’s recommended to apply the apple cider vinegar neat onto your scalp the first time before washing and massage it around for about 5 mins, then wash your hair and rinse again.

    Using a vinegar rinse is necessary if you are using any kind of natural soap to wash your hair (as opposed to shampoo) as soap will not rinse freely in water alone. I’ve discovered that it was the surfectants in shampoo which caused my dandruff and a natural soap does not do this. Another pleasant side effect is that I no longer need to use any conditioner as the goats milk soap does not strip the natural oils from my hair, just cleanses it. Wish I’d done this years ago.

    I just have my vinegar solution premixed in a bottle in the shower ready to go, it’s as easy as washing your hair with regular products.

    Reply
  46. simemj

    I’ve found there are many remedies out there for dandruff. Few work unfortunately! I prefer to use natural remedies where possible and have found the following site to be helpful. http://tinyurl.com/qk9c6n

    Reply
  47. stacia

    I had dandruff bad until I santized all of my combs and brushs with bleach and water. I put pure lime juice and aloe vera gel in my hair. I also combed my scalp to scrap up the dandruff as well before I washed my hair. I used it as a deep conditioning so it stayed in my hair for 30 minutes then I was it all.

    Reply
  48. Dandruff sufferer

    I have really long hair and have bed dandruff Sehebrohic dermatitis. I want to get rid of it using apple cider vinegar and water. Does anyone know if this will lighten my hair?

    Reply
  49. Jan

    I used to have bad dandruff when I was a teenager. I found that after shampooing if I thoroughly (but gently) combed my hair whilst in the shower, the dandruff was not there when my hair dried after. Don\\’t know if this was because my scalp was getting a good massage or because all the soap was definately getting rinsed out

    Reply
  50. Melanie

    at home i had really bad dandruff, but then when i went to live in a dorm, it got better. it didn’t disappear, but it wasn’t such a problem anymore, but when i visited home, it came back after my first shower. so i think having hard water can irritate the scalp. just something to consider.

    Reply