5 DIY Dandruff Treatments to Try at Home, According to Hair Experts

Dandruff is a common condition of the scalp that often manifests as itching and flaking. It is a multifactorial hair and skin concern and can stem from an inflammatory response to the yeast pityrosporum, a normal part of skin flora, which manifests as white flakes coming from the scalp.

If you're dealing with unwanted dandruff, your best bet is to visit a certified dermatologist to get to the root of the issue. However, if you're interested in a few safe ways to DIY your mild dandruff treatment at home first, you have a few options. Ahead, hair experts Shab Reslan, Veronica Joseph, and board-certified dermatologist Jenny Liu share their tips for managing and minimizing dandruff at home.

What Causes Dandruff?

Several factors may contribute to dandruff, ranging from improper hair care to stress to genetics. However, the primary cause of this common scalp condition is the overproduction of sebum and the fungus that feeds on it. "We secrete sebum onto our scalp a yeast (fungus) interacts with the sebum. The body detects this interaction as an irritant and rapidly increases the production of skin cells that flake off and present as dandruff," explains Joseph.

The Signs of Dandruff

Although dandruff is sometimes confused with dry scalp, it's important to be able to differentiate one from the other. Both dandruff and dry scalp may cause an itchy scalp and flaking, however, the latter is associated with subtle flakes whereas the former is more noticeable. "White flakes of skin that can be seen on clothing, or an itchy scalp are signs of dandruff," comments Joseph.

The Best DIY Treatments for Dandruff

Baking Soda Dandruff Shampoo

Baking soda's gritty texture grabs and removes the dirt and excess oil from your hair as well as the loose skin cells from your scalp that cause dandruff. However, keep in mind that this treatment should be used sparingly. "Baking soda has an alkaline pH level, and that throws off the natural pH of hair. It can dry it out and raise the cuticle, which exposes your hair and makes it susceptible to damage over time," says Reslan. Repeat once a week or every four to five shampoos for an occasional extra deep cleanse. Although hair may initially feel dry, after a few weeks, your scalp will begin to produce more natural oils, and your hair's softness will return.

1. Combine one tablespoon of baking soda for every cup of water and mix well.
2. Add two to three drops of rosemary essential oil to give this shampoo a light fragrance. (Note: It's not a necessary ingredient, but a nice addition.)​
3. Pour over your hair and massage it into your scalp.
4. Rinse the hair thoroughly.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Another DIY dandruff treatment is not so much a shampoo as it is a rinse. "Apple cider vinegar can help remove build-up on the scalp, balance the pH level of the scalp and hair and help close the cuticles for shinier hair," explains Reslan. The vinegar may also help wash away dead skin cells and soothe the scalp at the same time. It's great for healthy hair, too!

1. Add one part apple cider vinegar to one part warm water. (Note: Most people can use one cup, but those with long and thick hair may need to use one or more cups.)
2. Pour the vinegar water over your hair and gently massage it into the strands and scalp for three to five minutes.
3. Rinse with water, but be careful not to let the vinegar get into your eyes! 
4. Repeat this rinse up to twice a week until your dandruff is under control. After that, consider making it a weekly or bi-weekly routine. 

Lemon and Sweet Almond Oil Treatment

Similar to the vinegar rinse, lemon can be used as an inexpensive dandruff treatment as the citric acid is meant to help clean the scalp of excess oil. However, Reslan notes that lemon is too alkaline and can damage hair or sensitive scalps, so it is best to use lemon essential oil to get the citric acid benefits instead. Afterward, nourish hair with sweet almond oil as a leave-in conditioner. 

1. Simply mix a few drops of lemon essential oil with two tablespoons of sweet almond oil.
2. Gently massage into the scalp before jumping in the shower and shampooing it out.
3. Do this daily until no longer needed.

Honey Dandruff Shampoo

Using honey in a homemade anti-dandruff shampoo can balance scalp pH and eliminate flakes while leaving hair soft and shiny: "Honey makes a great scalp cleanser as it's antibacterial and antifungal and gentle on the scalp," Reslan tells us.

1. Combine one tablespoon of unprocessed raw honey with 1/4 cup of water in a mug or squeeze bottle.
2. You can also add one tablespoon of aloe vera gel to get extra soothing benefits, although it's optional.
3. Shake well and apply honey shampoo to wet hair and massage for one minute.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Repeat weekly.

Coconut Oil Dandruff Shampoo

Coconut oil is a great ingredient for moisturizing hair and scalps. Plus, it's packed with essential vitamins E and K and its high percentage of lauric acid may help manage dandruff. "Coconut oil has some anti-inflammatory effects and can help hydrate [your] scalp, but keep an eye on it: if dandruff is severe, it will not work well. Best talk to your doctor," says Liu.

1. Combine one part coconut oil and one part jojoba oil into a container and mix.
2. Apply the blend to your scalp and hair as needed.
3. Massage for a few minutes and cover hair with a shower cap for at least 30 minutes.
4. Follow with shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
5. Repeat at least once a week.

Ingredients to Look For In Dandruff Treatments

As we mentioned earlier, there are various reasons why you may be experiencing dandruff. To seek out the best treatment, you first need to determine the underlying cause. "Evaluate the causes of why dandruff may have occurred e.g. possible changes in diet or hair care products. Take corrective action in addition to applying hair care cleansers that are formulated to shed dead skin cells and reduce the growth of new cells," advises Joseph.

To anticipate whether a dandruff treatment will be effective, it's important to evaluate the product's ingredients. "Haircare cleansers with coal tar are effective to treat dandruff," says Joseph. In general, hydrating ingredients with anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties will be your best bet for combating dandruff.

Ingredients to Avoid In Dandruff Treatments

If you decide to go the store-bought route, or are considering a modified recipe, know that there are certain ingredients that can do more harm than good.

• Fragrance: Depending on the source of your dandruff, sensitizers like fragrance can be a trigger for dandruff.
• Strong Chemical Exfoliants: Strong acids may irritate the scalp and exacerbate the dryness and flakiness you're trying to relieve. This may sound counterintuitive as AHAs—alpha hydroxy acids—like glycolic or lactic acid are often found in scalp scrubs for their exfoliating properties. However, when it comes to sensitizers, people react differently to various concentrations and types so it's best to understand your individual needs.
• Parabens: Parabens—while widely considered safe in the dermatological community—may contribute to buildup on the scalp.
• Sulfates: Sulfates, the compounds that cause all those gratifying suds, may also increase dandruff as they can strip natural oils, amplify dryness, and cause bacterial buildup. Occlusive ingredients, like mineral oil, can also cause flakiness due to heavy product accumulation.
  

The Final Takeaway

Whether your particular variant of dandruff comes with flakes, dryness, itchiness, or irritation, there's comfort in knowing that there's a homemade remedy to soothe it. Familiar, all-natural ingredients can promote a healthy scalp all while removing the stress of navigating foreign chemicals and, as we've learned, stress is just another agent to exacerbate the issue. So grab a bowl and say bye-bye to dandruff in no time—your scalp, and your wallet, will thank you.