Best Natural Remedies for Dandruff: Easy, Safe, and Proven Home Treatments

You know that sinking feeling—sitting across from a date or presenting in front of clients—when you spot white flakes on your dark shirt. Dandruff doesn’t just itch, it makes you self-conscious in the very moments when you want to look and feel your best.

The good news? There are natural remedies for dandruff you can try at home—and that's exactly what I'll share with you in this article.

I've listed the best ones—those that are simple enough to add into your routine and have been proven to actually show results (yes, I’ve included the supporting studies).

Before we get into it, here’s a quick heads-up: I’ve grouped these remedies into three categories to make them easier to follow:

• Topical applications: plant‑based oils, gels, and rinses that you apply directly to the scalp. Always patch test first to avoid irritation.

• Nutritional and lifestyle support: diet and daily habits that influence scalp health from the inside out.

• Scalp and hair care habits: everyday practices—like brushing and washing—that either calm or aggravate dandruff, depending on how you do them.

Natural Topical Remedies

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the most accessible home remedies that’s genuinely good for dandruff.

The reason lies in its lauric acid content, a medium‑chain fatty acid with both antimicrobial and moisturizing properties. This allows coconut oil to penetrate the scalp, reduce dryness, and help keep in check Malassezia yeast—the common fungus linked to dandruff.

According to a 2021 study in Frontiers in Microbiology, applying refined coconut oil twice a week for 12 weeks not only reduced dandruff symptoms but also reshaped the scalp microbiome, boosting good bacteria while lowering harmful fungus.

Usually, it’s left on for about 30 minutes, but some people (myself included) prefer to use it as an overnight dandruff treatment before rinsing with a gentle shampoo.

Batana Oil

Batana oil is less mainstream than coconut or tea tree, but those who’ve used it know it can calm an irritated, flaky scalp. Its rich blend of oleic acid, palmitic acid, and vitamin E nourishes the scalp barrier—something that often gets disrupted when dandruff is present—and improves moisture retention.

Because batana oil has a thick, balm-like consistency, it works especially well for dry or curly hair types. In fact, it’s a hair ritual passed down for generations by the Miskito people of Honduras, often nicknamed the “People of Beautiful Hair.”

And honestly, they really do have beautiful hair! That’s why I keep a small bottle of batana oil infused with rosemary in my bag.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains a compound called terpinen-4-ol, which has strong antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it one of the best natural remedies that can truly help with dandruff.

A clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil reduced dandruff severity by 41% within four weeks compared to placebo.

One caution with tea tree oil—and essential oils in general—is that they’re highly concentrated. Direct application can cause irritation, so always dilute it in a carrier oil like coconut, batana, or jojoba before massaging into the scalp.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel contains compounds like acemannan and polysaccharides, which have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and moisturizing effects. On top of that, what I love about aloe is how instantly cooling and soothing it feels when applied—almost like a gentle relief balm on an irritated scalp.

Studies suggest that aloe vera can help reduce dandruff formation and even support scalp health in conditions linked to fungal infections, such as certain forms of alopecia.

All in all, it's a natural remedy that's gentle, accessible, and truly good for dandruff when used consistently.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a natural acidic hair rinse. Its acidity helps restore the scalp’s pH balance, creating an environment that discourages the growth of Malassezia yeast while also breaking down excess buildup of dead skin cells.

Apart from its strong smell, which some people find unpleasant, everything else about ACV makes it good for dandruff (not to mention it’s inexpensive too). You can tone down the odor by diluting it further or infusing the mixture with herbs like rosemary or lavender.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda, better known as sodium bicarbonate, can sometimes be used as a scalp scrub to treat dandruff naturally.

Its slightly abrasive texture helps loosen dead skin cells and flakes. At the same time, its alkaline nature can temporarily shift the scalp’s environment, making it less friendly for Malassezia yeast.

To try it, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a paste. Massage gently onto the scalp for one to two minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Finally, follow up with a light conditioner or a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse to rebalance pH and restore moisture.

Aspirin

Aspirin might surprise you as a dandruff remedy, but it actually makes sense. Its active ingredient, acetylsalicylic acid, is closely related to salicylic acid—the same compound found in many medicated dandruff shampoos.

Salicylic acid works by softening and shedding the outer layer of skin cells, which helps loosen the clumps of flakes that stick to the scalp. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, calming irritation and itchiness.

Now, this isn’t a “natural” topical in the strict sense, but it does count as a practical home remedy since most people already have aspirin in their medicine cabinet.

To use this method, crush two plain, uncoated aspirin tablets into a fine powder and mix it into a small amount of your regular shampoo. Apply the mixture directly to the scalp, leave it on for 2–3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Lastly, follow with a gentle conditioner to prevent dryness.

A word of caution: do avoid this method if you have an aspirin allergy, are on blood thinners, or are giving care to children/teens (due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome).

Nutritional and Lifestyle Support

Omega-3

Commonly found in fish oil, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids help regulate oil production, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce inflammation. As a result, you're less likely to experience itching and scaling, both of which are hallmarks of dandruff.

A review titled “The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review” evaluated 38 studies and found compelling evidence that omega-3 supplementation improves several inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, and even skin ulcers.

That said, this review didn’t specifically test omega-3s for dandruff. But because dandruff often involves inflammation, barrier disruption, and sometimes fungal overgrowth, it’s reasonable to think omega-3s could help ease symptoms.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that support a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut and, interestingly, on the skin.

For dandruff, they may help by strengthening the body’s immune system, reducing inflammation, and even influencing the scalp microbiome, where an imbalance of Malassezia yeast is often a trigger.

A recent meta-analysis found that probiotics significantly reduced loose flakes and itch in dandruff sufferers, though the effect on more adherent, stubborn flakes was not as strong. These findings suggest probiotics are a helpful natural option, especially when combined with good topical and hygiene practices.

You can get probiotics through foods like yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha. Probiotic supplements are another option, especially those containing Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium strains, which have the most evidence for skin health.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a key role in skin health and immune function, which is why it often comes up in dandruff discussions. On the scalp, zinc helps regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, and limit the growth of Malassezia yeast.

Many of us encounter zinc in topical form, since many dandruff shampoos contain it. But zinc is zinc, and that means dietary intake also supports overall skin and scalp health.

You can get zinc from foods like oysters, pumpkin seeds, beef, chickpeas, and cashews.

Avoid These Foods

Some of the foods we put on our plate can actually make dandruff worse—and many of us don’t even realize it. Diets high in sugar and processed ingredients can spike insulin, trigger inflammation, and even feed Malassezia yeast, all of which make flakes harder to control.

Here are the main ones to cut back on (or avoid when you can):

• High-sugar foods: pastries, candy, desserts

• Sweetened drinks: soda, energy drinks, bottled juices

• Refined carbs: white bread, pasta, crackers

• Processed foods: fast food, packaged snacks, fried items

Keep Stress Levels Low

Stress doesn’t cause dandruff directly, but it can definitely make it worse. High stress levels push up cortisol, a hormone that disrupts the skin barrier and weakens immune response.

When that happens, your scalp becomes more vulnerable to irritation and Malassezia yeast overgrowth, both of which intensify flaking and itching.

The good news is that managing stress is something you can actually control. Here are practical ways to do it:

• Prioritize sleep: aim for 7–9 hours to give your skin and scalp time to repair.

• Get active: regular exercise like walking, running, or lifting weights lowers stress hormones and improves circulation to the scalp.

• Meditation and deep breathing: even 10 minutes a day can calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol spikes.

• Journaling: writing down worries or gratitude lists helps offload mental tension.

• Hobbies and downtime: reading, cooking, or spending time outdoors resets your mood and indirectly helps keep dandruff under control.

Scalp & Hair Care Habits

Brush Hair Properly

Brushing your hair the right way can actually help with dandruff. How so? Steady, firm strokes starting from the scalp distribute natural oils evenly along the strands. This keeps excess oil and skin cells from building up on the scalp, which is one factor that can worsen flakes.

Dermatologists often recommend regular brushing to support healthy scalp turnover, but once or twice a day is enough. Go overboard, and it can cause irritation and breakage.

When you do brush, start from the scalp and work down toward the ends. Use a brush with natural bristles or widely spaced teeth to avoid scratching the scalp.

Gentle Hair Washing

Washing your hair gently is one of the simplest (and probably the most obvious) ways to manage dandruff. The scalp naturally sheds skin cells, and when oil and buildup trap them, flakes become more visible.

And as with many “obvious” habits, the line between doing it right and doing it wrong gets blurry. So here are some do’s and don’ts for gentle hair washing:

Do’s:

• Choose mild shampoos: sulfate-free formulas or natural cleansers help clean the scalp gently while keeping its natural oils intact.

• Wash regularly: every other day or about three times a week keeps oil and yeast in check without overdrying.

• Massage gently: use your fingertips to massage lightly rather than scratching with nails.

• Rinse thoroughly: make sure no shampoo or conditioner residue lingers.

• Use lukewarm water: it cleans effectively while calming the scalp, as opposed to hot water that often leaves it red and irritated.

Don’ts:

• Don’t overwash: harsh shampoos or too-frequent washing strip natural oils, triggering irritation and flaking.

• Don’t underwash: going too long between washes lets oil and Malassezia yeast build up.

• Don’t scrub with nails: scratching can injure the scalp and worsen dandruff.

• Don’t rely only on medicated shampoos: alternate with gentle cleansers to prevent irritation.

• Don’t forget hair type: if you have very dry or curly hair, washing once or twice a week may be enough. For oily hair, you may need to wash more often, every day or every other day, to keep excess sebum and dandruff in check.

When to See a Doctor

Natural remedies and OTC treatments cover most mild dandruff cases, but there are times when medical help is the safer and smarter step forward. See a hair doctor if:

• The dandruff is severe, with thick crusts or scaly patches.

• You notice redness, swelling, pain, or oozing on the scalp.

• Hair loss develops alongside dandruff.

• Symptoms persist after 4–6 weeks of consistent home or OTC care.

• You suspect another skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema, or a severe fungal infection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to get rid of dandruff at winter?

Cold air outside and heated rooms inside dry out the scalp, so dandruff often worsens in winter. The quickest fix is to keep the scalp moisturized with oils like batana or coconut.

Alternatively, you can use aloe vera gel and a gentle shampoo during washing. Using a humidifier indoors can also reduce dryness and flaking.

What kills dandruff naturally?

Tea tree oil is one of the best natural options that kills dandruff-causing yeast thanks to its antifungal compound terpinen-4-ol. Apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, and coconut oil also help by rebalancing pH, soothing irritation, and restoring moisture. These remedies don’t “kill” dandruff instantly but weaken its triggers over time.

How to treat dandruff in kids?

For kids, stick with gentle, fragrance-free shampoos and natural moisturizers like aloe vera, or nourishing oils like batana, jojoba, or coconut oil. Medicated shampoos can be too harsh, so always start with mild options and consult a pediatrician if dandruff persists or if redness and itching worsen.

How to treat dandruff during pregnancy?

Most natural remedies such as coconut oil, aloe vera, or diluted apple cider vinegar are safe in pregnancy. Avoid essential oils like high-strength tea tree unless approved by your doctor.

If OTC shampoos are needed, ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione are usually considered safe, but always check with a healthcare provider.

How to cure dandruff permanently?

There is no permanent cure for dandruff because it tends to be a chronic condition tied to scalp oil, skin turnover, and yeast. However, you can control it long-term by combining natural remedies, healthy lifestyle habits, and occasional medicated shampoos when flare-ups happen.

Consistency Turns Natural Dandruff Remedies into Results

We’ve definitely covered a lot of natural remedies—from topicals and dietary changes to lifestyle and hair care habits. The real key isn’t trying one or two things for a week, but sticking with the right mix consistently over time. That’s how you get lasting results and fewer flare-ups.

Personally, I lean on nourishing oils like batana because, for the longest time, they’ve kept my scalp comfortable and my hair strong. Of course, nobody’s perfect, and I still make it a point to work on having balanced meals every day and keeping a proper sleep routine.

Want more scalp and hair care tips like this? Head over to the Keyoma blog for guides, comparisons, and practical advice you can easily work into your daily routine.