How to get rid of dandruff with a home remedy
If you're avoiding synthetics, check out eight home remedies to get rid of dandruff.
Edited and resized image from Kal Visuals is available on Unsplash
How to get rid of dandruff is a frequent search, as this problem affects up to 50% of people. It all starts with an itchy scalp and flaking. But dandruff can also have other symptoms such as greasy patches on the scalp and tingling of the skin.
Problems related to dandruff include dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on the scalp (see studies on this: 1, 2).
If you're avoiding synthetics, check out eight home remedy options to get rid of dandruff:
1. Tea tree essential oil
Traditionally, tea tree essential oil has been used to treat everything from acne to psoriasis.- 18 Home Remedy Options for Pimple
According to a study published on the platform PubMedTea tree essential oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve the symptoms of dandruff.
Another study showed that tea tree essential oil has the property of fighting the specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
A four-week analysis showed that 41% of people with dandruff treated with shampoo containing 5% tea tree essential oil showed improvement in symptoms.
But if you're thinking about applying tea tree essential oil, do the allergy test on the lower forearm. If you feel irritated by a few drops, remove with coconut oil, grape seed oil, almond oil, or another neutral oil such as olive oil.
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You can use coconut oil as a carrier oil by applying five drops of tea tree essential oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil.
Find out more benefits of tea tree essential oil in the article: "Tea tree oil: what is it for?".
2. Coconut oil
Well known for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil can also be used as a home remedy to get rid of dandruff.
Coconut oil can help improve skin hydration and prevent dryness, which worsens dandruff.
A study of 34 people showed that coconut oil was as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration.
Other research has found that coconut oil can help treat eczema, a skin condition that can contribute to dandruff.
The results of the study showed that applying coconut oil to the skin for eight weeks reduced eczema symptoms by 68%, compared to just 38% for the group using mineral oil.
Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, although the effects on the fungi that cause dandruff have not been examined (see the related studies here: 2, 3).
- Coconut oil on hair: benefits and how to use
3. Aloe
Aloe, also called aloe vera, is a plant frequently found in the composition of ointments, cosmetics and lotions.
When applied to the skin, it helps to treat skin problems such as burns, psoriasis and cold sores (see study about it here: 4).
According to a review, the aloe vera It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to stop dandruff.
Others have found that aloe vera is effective against several species of fungi, can help control fungal infections that cause hair loss, and fight inflammation (see studies on this here: 5, 6).
4. Avoid stress
It is believed that stress impacts many aspects of health and well-being, and can influence everything from chronic conditions to mental health (see study about it here: 7).
Although stress itself does not cause dandruff, it can worsen symptoms such as dryness and itching (see study about it here: 8).
Passing on long-term stress can suppress the activity of the immune system (see study about it here: 9).
A weakened immune system can reduce the body's ability to fight some fungal infections and skin conditions that contribute to dandruff.
A study of 82 people with seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most common causes of dandruff, showed that most dermatitis episodes were preceded by a stressful life event.
To reduce stress levels, try some techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing or aromatherapy.
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5. Apple vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits, including improving insulin sensitivity and helping you lose weight (see studies on this here: 10, 11).
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6. Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids play an important role in the body. They are crucial for the functioning of the heart, the immune system, the lungs and help to hydrate the skin, contributing to wound healing and preventing premature aging (see studies about it 14, 15).
A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids can cause a range of symptoms, including dry hair, dry skin and even dandruff (see study on this: 16).
Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce inflammation, which can help alleviate irritation and stop dandruff (see study on this: 17).
Foods rich in omega-3s such as flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts are sources of omega-3s. Check out what are the foods rich in omega-3 in the article: "Foods rich in omega 3, 6 and 9: examples and benefits". But be careful, too much omega 3 can be bad for you.
7. Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial micro-organisms for health, protecting the body from allergies, high levels of cholesterol and obesity (see studies about it here: 18, 19).
They can also help improve immune function, which can contribute to ending fungal infections that cause dandruff (see study on this: 20).
One study showed that taking probiotics for 56 days significantly reduced the severity of dandruff in 60 people.
Probiotics have also been shown to help lessen the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, especially in babies and children (see studies on this here: 21, 22, 23).
Probiotics are available in supplement form, but ideally you get them from probiotic foods like kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, sauerkraut, and natto. Learn more about them in the article: "What are probiotic foods?".
8. Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda is believed to act as a gentle exfoliant removing dead skin cells, flaking and itching. It also has antifungal properties that can help stop dandruff.
One study showed that sodium bicarbonate completely inhibited mold growth in 79% of samples after seven days.
Another study, which looked at the effects of baking soda on 31 people with psoriasis, showed that it significantly reduced itching and irritation after three weeks.
For more benefits and how not to use baking soda, take a look at the articles: "The Many Uses of Baking Soda" and "Six Misuses of Baking Soda."
