Dandruff is one of the most common problems in the world, as most of us have had it at some point in our life.  Those pesky white flakes found on the scalp, or more embarrassingly, on the shoulders is the result of the overproduction of dead skin. When the process of skin renewal is speeded up, you face the dandruff issue. It can also be caused by numerous other factors such as — a vitamin deficient diet, winter air that produces dry skin, and harsh chemicals found in unhealthy shampoos, even dandruff shampoos that are supposed to reduce the flakes!

Dandruff is not a petty problem that can be ignored. And at the same time, it is not so big a problem that it can’t be solved. But the question is how to get rid of it?

There are many products available in the market that can help you get rid of dandruff. But, most are not really effective in keeping the scalp dandruff-free on a long term basis. But, no need to worry, because, here we bring to you some of the natural remedies to bid adieu to dandruff at your home. All that is required is a bit of patience, and those white flakes will be a distant memory.

How To Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally?

1. Lemons

Lemon’s acidity helps balance the pH of your scalp, which helps keeps dandruff at bay.

Method 1: Lemon Juice

Just massage 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into your scalp. Give some time to the lemon juice to react, approximately 20-25 minutes. The scalp would itch, but don’t worry, this is normal. Wash your hair thoroughly. If required, use shampoo too (OR) prepare a mixture with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 cup water and rinse your hair with it. Repeat this daily until your dandruff disappears.

Method 2: Lemon and yogurt

Just squeeze the juice from half of a lemon into a bowl of yogurt and massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave it to sit for twenty minutes before washing off. This simple home remedy for dandruff has been tried and tested for many years.

Method 3: Lemon Juice and Curd

Squeeze the half lemon into a bowl of curd and mix them properly. Keep the piece of peel from the lemon. Apply the curd on your hair. Use the peel to apply and rub through with. Then, massage the scalp with the inside of the lemon skin. Repeat the process. Make sure to shampoo after applying curd, since it usually leaves a very repugnant odor. Soon you will get rid of your dandruff.

2. Lime wash

Boil the peels of five lemons in water and then, allow the solution to cool. Use the solution as a rinse after each shampoo. Repeat the process twice a week for better results.

3. Baking soda

Baking soda is used in a wide variety of ways and is reputed to work as a natural dandruff remover. Baking soda will give your hair and scalp a good deep down clean and works as real dandruff killing remedy.

Method 1: Add baking soda to your normal shampoo

You can create your own dandruff fighting shampoo by simply adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your regular hair wash. You will be surprised to see the results.

Method 2: Replace your shampoo with baking soda

Instead of shampooing, rub a tablespoon of baking soda vigorously into your wet hair and scalp. Wash thoroughly after one minute and wait for the baking soda to work its magic. Your hair may get dried out at first, but after two weeks, your scalp should begin producing natural oils, leaving the skin on your hair moisturized and dandruff-free.

Method 3: Baking Soda and Lemon

Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with baking soda and then apply to the scalp. Leave it for a few minutes. When the scalp begins to feel itchy, rinse it off and wash your hair thoroughly. You can use apple cider vinegar as a conditioner.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is soothing, and it also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also a common ingredient found in many commercially available dandruff shampoos.

Simply massage some Aloe vera juice or gel into your scalp and leave it for ten minutes before washing it off with a gentle shampoo and it will help to control your dandruff. Stop yourself from scratching by using this remedy as the cooling effects of aloe vera will soothe the itch.

5. Garlic

Garlic is a good natural cure for dandruff. It’s antimicrobial properties are perfect for eliminating dandruff causing bacteria.

Method 1: Garlic and Honey

Simply crush garlic and rub it into your scalp. To avoid that potent smell, try mixing crushed garlic with honey and massaging into the scalp before washing as usual.

Method 2: Garlic and Aloe Vera

Mix a couple of garlic cloves with 5 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel to make it into a paste. Massage the paste into your scalp and leave it for half an hour, before washing off with a gentle, scented shampoo. It is the antibacterial and antifungal properties of garlic and nourishing properties of Aloe Vera that will help here.

6. Fenugreek seeds

Soak the fenugreek seeds (methi seeds) in water overnight to make them soft, and then you can crush them up into a paste. Apply this on your hair and leave it for around 20 minutes, before washing off. But this remedy actually takes a lot of time for you to see the effect.

(OR)

Grind one tablespoon of methi seeds roughly. Do this by hand; do not use a mixer. Soak the seeds in two cups of hot water. Leave this mixture overnight and use the water as a rinse.

7. Egg Yolks

Mix the yolks of 1 to 2 eggs and apply the paste to a dry head. Try to apply it onto just the scalp area, as much as possible. Put a plastic bag over the scalp/hair and leave it for 1 hour. Then, wash thoroughly with a good shampoo.

NOTE: The egg has a bad smell, and it leaks. You might have to wash your head twice to take it out.

8. Neem Leaves

Boil some Neem leaves in water and then mix them into a paste and apply to your scalp. The wonderful antibiotic, antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties of the leaves will get to work in about thirty minutes and then, you can wash it off.

(OR)

Mix powdered neem leaves with 4 tablespoons of olive oil or any oil of your choice to make it into a paste. Apply it on your scalp. You will feel the itching, but that’s normal. Let it stay for 1 hour or overnight. Wash it off with shampoo and conditioner. Repeat as required.

9. Ginger and Cucumber hair mask

Grind some fresh cucumber and a little ginger into a smooth paste and then massage into your scalp. Then, leave it on for half an hour before washing off. You can also leave it overnight and wash it in the morning.

10. Apple juice

Fresh apple juice is a great way to remove the accumulation of dead skin cells from your scalp. Just juice up one or two apples and rinse your hair with the juice. Leave it on your hair for about ten minutes before rinsing it off again with warm water.

11. Black pepper powder and yogurt

Mix one teaspoon of black pepper powder with a cup of natural, plain yogurt and massage it into your hair and scalp. Leave it on for approximately half an hour. The yogurt will smooth and nourish your scalp, while the pepper will fight any fungal infections.

12. Apple cider vinegar

Vinegar contains active enzymes that help to fight the causes of an itchy scalp and flaky skin. And the acidity of apple cider vinegar changes the pH of your scalp, making it harder for the yeast to grow.

You can massage apple cider vinegar directly into your scalp, or use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Wrap your head in a towel and let it sit for 15 minutes to an hour, then wash your hair as usual. Do this twice a week to get the desired results. The vinegar smell will disappear once your hair is dry.

NOTE: Take care not to let any get into your eyes. If you have psoriasis or any unhealed scratch or scab, it will burn (if it burns, just rinse the affected area with water).

13. Banana and Vinegar

Peel a whole banana and mix it with two cups of vinegar to make it a paste. Apply the mixture onto your hair. Take extra care to massage the mixture into your scalp. Massage for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture covers your hair completely. Leave in on to stay for 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse the mixture out completely. Repeat the process every day for one week. Then, you can do this once a week as a preventative treatment.

14. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has amazing and powerful anti-fungal properties that will help to fight any fungal infection. It smells fantastic and is a natural antiseptic.

Shampoos with at least 5% tea tree oil have been shown to effectively treat dandruff. So, get a shampoo with tea tree oil and use frequently. Rub the tea tree oil shampoo into your scalp and let it sit for 5 minutes. Rinse with water, repeating once per day.

(OR)

Mix four drops of Tea Tree oil with two tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Just massage this mix into your scalp, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then do shampoo and condition.

15. Rose water

Not only rose water smells amazing, but it also has been found to be very effective treatment for dandruff.  It’s healing, nourishing and moisturizing properties work best for you. Just massage rose water into your hair and scalp, let it sit for about twenty minutes and then, wash off.

16. Thyme Rinse

Add five heaped teaspoons of dried Thyme to hot water and leave it to infuse for a while. Strain the solutions first, let it cool down, and then rinse your hair in the solution and allow it to dry naturally.

17. Mouthwash

Mouthwash’s anti-fungal properties help prevent dandruff-causing yeast from growing. To treat a bad case of dandruff, wash your hair with your regular shampoo, and then rinse with an alcohol-based mouthwash. Follow with your regular conditioner.

18. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a “tried and true” dandruff treatment, and it smells nice too. Before showering, massage 3-5 tablespoons of coconut oil into your scalp and let sit for about an hour. Shampoo normally. You can also look for a shampoo that already contains coconut oil. Repeat this once weekly until dandruff is gone.

19. Olive oil

An overnight olive oil soak is a folk remedy for dandruff. Before going to bed, massage about 10 drops of olive oil into your scalp and cover with a towel or shower cap, or use an old pillowcase to absorb the oil. Follow your regular shampoo routine in the morning. For quicker results, look for a shampoo that contains olive oil.

20. Baby Oil

Apply baby oil onto scalp. A little bit will go a long way. Massage the scalp but not too roughly. Cover your hair with a towel and leave the baby oil overnight. Wash with a good anti-dandruff shampoo in the morning. The oil should condition your scalp while you’re sleeping.

21. Aspirin

Aspirin contains the same active ingredient (salicylic acid) as many medicated dandruff shampoos. Add the crushed aspirin powder to your regular shampoo. When shampooing, leave the shampoo in your hair for two minutes before rinsing well and washing again with plain shampoo.

EXTRA TIPS:

Wash your hair regularly, but not obsessively. Dandruff is caused when your scalp sheds dead skin cells. Excessive shampooing, especially with harsher chemicals can irritate the scalp and dry it out, causing more dandruff.

Brush your hair regularly. If you don’t brush your hair, then the dry flakes of skin will build up in your hair and brushing your hair will help distribute the oil that is naturally occurring in your scalp and hair and aids the process of shedding the dead skin cells. So use a clean comb and brush it regularly.

Avoid stress. Stress can cause dandruff, so try to exercise your stress away or deal with your stress in other healthy, effective ways.

Eat healthily. What you put into your body has an impact on what your body responds with. An excess of unhealthy foods (fast food, sugary foods, etc.) will often result in skin, scalp and hair problems. Foods rich in zinc and vitamin B6 are particularly important for maintaining healthy hair and scalp.

Get some sunlight. Lack of exposure to sunlight can also cause dandruff. So, just get outside and enjoy the sun. Apparently, just 15 minutes sunlight can make all the difference!