Dandruff -- those dry, white flakes of skin you brush off your collar or shoulders -- is harmless. But it can be embarrassing and itchy. Dandruff really isn't about your hair, or how often you wash it. Instead, it's about the skin on your scalp.
Skin cells that grow and die off too fast are the problem. Exactly why that happens isn't clear. A very common fungus called malassezia may contribute to dandruff. This fungus lives on the scalp of most healthy adults without causing any problems. One theory is that the immune system of someone with dandruff may overreact to that fungus.
Dandruff may get worse when you're stressed or sick. Cold, dry winters can trigger dandruff or make it worse, too.
One common cause is seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea. Some people with dandruff may also have seborrheic dermatitis in other areas of the body, such as their ears, the center of the face, and the center of the chest.
It may also cause other symptoms, such as greasy patches on your scalp and tingling skin.
However, it’s easy to treat and relatively common, with some reports estimating that this condition affects up to 42% of infants and 1–3% of adults worldwide (1Trusted Source).
Dandruff may be caused by multiple factors, including dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products, and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on your scalp (2Trusted Source).
Though there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) products designed to treat dandruff, natural remedies are often just as effective.
Here are simple home remedies to naturally get rid of dandruff. Dandruff, which is characterized by itchy, white flakes of skin on your scalp, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with
Therefore, it’s best to dilute it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin. After 4 weeks, tea tree oil reduced the severity of symptoms by 41% and improved greasiness and itchiness, compared with the placebo (7Trusted Source).
Still, more high quality research is needed.
Additionally, tea tree oil may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. 1. Tea tree oil
Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments such as acne and psoriasis.
It is also proven to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of dandruff (1Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
In fact, according to one older review, tea tree oil is effective at fighting the specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff (5Trusted Source).
Another study found that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription antifungal treatment at healing lesions caused by this fungus (6Trusted Source).
What’s more, in an older study, 126 people with dandruff used a shampoo containing either 5% tea tree oil or a placebo daily.
2. Coconut oil
Renowned for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil is also used as a natural remedy for dandruff.
It may work by improving skin hydration and preventing dryness, which can worsen dandruff.
According to some research, coconut oil may be as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration when applied as a moisturizer (8Trusted Source).
Other research suggests that coconut oil aids the treatment of eczema, a skin condition that may contribute to dandruff.
One older, 8-week study found that applying coconut oil to the skin reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis — a type of eczema characterized by itching and inflammation — by 68% (9Trusted Source).
In a 12-week study in 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp led to significant improvements in the scalp microbiome and certain markers of dandruff (10Trusted Source).
Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties in some test tube studies, although researchers have not yet examined the effects on the specific strain of fungus that causes dandruff (11Trusted Source)
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that’s often added to skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions.
When applied to the skin, it may help treat skin conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and cold sores (12Trusted Source).
According to one review, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera may also protect against dandruff (13Trusted Source).
Similarly, several test-tube studies show that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may help control certain fungal infections (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
Test-tube studies have also found that aloe vera can reduce inflammation, which may relieve symptoms (16Trusted Source). 3.
Avoid certain foods
Although more research is needed on the relationship between diet and dandruff, some people may find that limiting consumption of certain foods relieves inflammation, which may help improve scalp health.
Furthermore, some studies suggest that dietary modifications prevent fungal infections by controlling the growth of yeast and improving the gut microbiome, which may aid in the treatment of dandruff (41Trusted Source, 42Trusted Source, 43Trusted Source).
Some foods that you may want to limit are (44Trusted Source):
refined carbs such as white bread, white pasta, tortillas, and crackers
red meat
processed foods
fried foods
sugary foods and beverages
Additionally, certain foods may trigger flare-ups of skin conditions such as eczema, which may contribute to dandruff.
While specific trigger foods vary from person to person, some of the most common are white flour, gluten-containing products, and nightshades such as eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes (45Trusted Source).
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits and is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff.
That’s because the vinegar’s acidity is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp. Many of the supposed benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff are based on anecdotal evidence.
In fact, one small study in 22 people found that applying diluted apple cider vinegar to the skin topically didn’t improve eczema or skin barrier integrity — and even worsened skin irritation (20Trusted Source).
That said, test-tube studies show that apple cider vinegar and its compounds may prevent the growth of certain types of fungus (21Trusted Source. Apple cider vinegar is also said to balance the pH of your skin to reduce fungal growth and thus fight dandruff. I
home remedies don’t work
Although many home remedies for dandruff are available, additional treatment may be necessary in some cases.
Many OTC medicated shampoos and scalp treatments contain antifungal or antibacterial ingredients designed to decrease dandruff.
If these products don’t work after 2–3 weeks, you may want to consult a dermatologist to determine whether other prescription shampoos or medications would be beneficial.
Healthcare professionals often prescribe topical antifungal medications, co rticosteroids, and immuno modulators to treat dandruff and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dermatitis
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