Natural remedies for dandruff…..Okay, first off—can we talk about the absolute betrayal that is dandruff?
Like, excuse me, scalp. I drink water (sometimes), I wash my hair (most of the time), I even bought that overpriced “scalp detox mist” from TikTok that smelled like minty regret—and still, we’re flaking like a croissant in a wind tunnel?
The thing is, I’ve been there. More than once. I went through a phase in college where I was convinced I had lice, but turns out it was just aggressive dandruff and an overactive imagination (blame finals week). That whole time, I was scrubbing my scalp like I was trying to remove wallpaper glue. Spoiler: did not help.
And don’t even get me started on wearing black. I had this cute black blazer once that made me feel like Olivia Pope until I looked down mid-lecture and saw a galaxy of tiny snowflakes on my shoulder. I straight-up went to the bathroom and cried while aggressively Googling “how to get rid of dandruff naturally.”
So yeah. This post? It’s personal.
And if you’re here because your scalp is throwing a flaky tantrum, same, bestie. Let’s talk real stuff—no weird chemicals, no $40 serums, just natural dandruff remedies that are weirdly effective (and smell decent-ish).
1. Apple Cider Vinegar—aka Sour Magic
You ever smell something and immediately feel like you’re doing something healthy? That’s ACV.
I had a roommate once who used it for everything—hair rinse, salad dressing, gargling (??). I thought she was out of her mind… until I tried it on my scalp.
What you do:
- Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
- Pour it into a spray bottle (or just use a bowl and your hands like a feral gremlin).
- Massage into your scalp and leave for 10–15 mins.
- Rinse. Maybe twice. That smell lingers.
Why it works? It balances your scalp’s pH and has antifungal properties—which is nerd talk for: it tells dandruff to sit down.
2. Coconut Oil—Because Mother Nature Has Taste
If you’re like me and believe coconut oil can fix almost anything (relationships not included), this one’s for you.
I started slathering it on my scalp during winter because my head was dryer than my dating life. Turns out, coconut oil has antimicrobial powers and moisturizes like a dream.
How I use it:
- Warm up 2–3 tablespoons (don’t nuke it, just cozy warm).
- Massage into scalp—don’t rush this part, pretend you’re in a spa.
- Leave it for 30 mins, or overnight if you don’t mind being a little greasy.
- Shampoo really well or you’ll smell like a beach for 3 days (which, honestly, not the worst).
And yes, your hair will feel so soft afterward. I once had a friend stroke my head during brunch like I was a puppy.
3. Tea Tree Oil—Tiny Bottle, Big Power
Okay this one’s a lil tricky because tea tree oil is potent. I used too much once and my scalp was tingling like I’d licked a battery.
BUT—if you use it right? It’s a godsend. Tea tree oil is naturally antifungal and antibacterial, which makes it the enemy of dandruff-causing stuff.
How to use it without frying your head off:
- Mix a few drops (like 4–5 max) into your regular shampoo.
- Massage it in, leave it for a few mins, rinse.
- Do this 2–3x a week max. You don’t want to overdo it and end up with a cranky scalp.
One time I accidentally used too much and my eyes were watering like I’d just watched the last scene of Toy Story 3—be warned.
4. Aloe Vera—Soothing Like a Hug from Grandma
Real talk: aloe is one of those things I always forget I love until I use it again. Like leggings with pockets.
Aloe cools everything down, so if your scalp is itchy, inflamed, or just generally pissed off, this one’s a game-changer.
How I do it:
- Scoop the gel straight from the leaf if you’re a plant parent (or buy the store-bought kind—just check the ingredients).
- Massage onto scalp, chill for 20 minutes.
- Wash it out like normal.
Also, weirdly satisfying side note: applying aloe gel directly on your scalp feels like rubbing slime on your brain. Weird but kinda amazing?
5. Lemon Juice—But Don’t Go Overboard
Lemon is like that one chaotic friend you love but can’t hang out with too often. Great in small doses. Burny in large ones.
Lemon juice has natural acids that can kill dandruff-causing fungus, but it’s also acidic and can be harsh if overused.
How to not ruin your scalp:
- Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 2 tablespoons water or coconut oil.
- Apply and leave on for 5–10 mins max.
- Rinse and follow with a gentle shampoo.
You will smell like lemonade, and your scalp might sing a little song called “What is Happening?” but if you don’t overdo it—it’s amazing.
Random Things I Also Tried for natural remedies for dandruff
- Baking soda. Just… don’t. Felt like I was exfoliating my skull with beach sand.
- Mayo. Long story. Too slippery. Never again.
- Dry shampoo as a “cover-up.” Flakes + powder = chaos.
Real Talk: What Actually Helped Me Most
Consistency. Ugh, I know. Not fun, not sexy. But I started oiling my scalp twice a week, switched to a gentler shampoo (sulfate-free is your friend), and stopped scratching like a maniac every time I felt itchy.
Also, stress. It’s a dandruff villain. The more I freaked out about flakes, the more they partied. Yoga helped. So did rage-cleaning my apartment with 2000s emo music blasting.
Final Words from Your Flaky Friend
If you’ve ever had dandruff make you second guess hugging someone in a black hoodie—you’re not alone.
And you don’t need to drop $80 on some miracle scalp serum with ingredients you can’t pronounce. Your kitchen (and maybe a little patience) has you covered.
Let your scalp breathe. Be gentle. And don’t forget to laugh when your DIY tea tree shampoo foams into your eyes mid-shower and you scream like a soap opera villain. (That happened.)
Try one of these natural dandruff remedies. Maybe all five. Just not at once unless you want chaos.
Let me know if one works—or if you have a weird but true fix I should try next.
Outbound Links:
