Dandruff Treatment and Home Remedies

Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on May 25, 2024
Written by Shawna Seed
7 min read

When you have dandruff, the skin on your scalp flakes off. It's not a serious condition, but you may find it itchy and annoying. Flakes can be especially obvious if you have dark hair or wear dark clothes. 

Dandruff is considered a mild form of the condition seborrheic dermatitis.

Dandruff has many causes. They include: 

  • Certain medical conditions 
  • Your hair care routine
  • Oily skin 

There are many ways to treat dandruff, depending on how severe it is.

Dandruff treatments are ways you can get rid of or control itching and flaking on your scalp. The first two to try are brushing your hair and using a dandruff shampoo.

Brush your hair from your scalp down with steady, firm strokes. This carries the oil away from your scalp, where the buildup of it and skin cells can cause dandruff. Moving it along the hair strands helps keep your hair shiny and healthy.

Not all dandruff shampoos are alike. They have different ingredients that work in different ways. 

Coal tar preparations. Brand names for this type include Denorex Therapeutic Protection, Neutrogena T/Gel, and Scytera. Coal tar slows down the death and shedding of skin cells on your scalp. 

Pyrithione zinc. This ingredient kills bacteria and fungus. Brand names include Selsun Blue for Itchy Dry Scalp, Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control Dandruff Shampoo, and Head & Shoulders.

Salicylic acid and sulfur.  These ingredients work together to moisturize your scalp and reduce scales. Brand names include Sebex and Sebulex.

Salicylic acid. It works to reduce scales. Examples include Neutrogena T/Sal.

Selenium sulfide. This ingredient kills fungus. It can discolor your hair and scalp. Brand names include Dandrex, Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength, and Selsun. 

Ketoconazole. This is a strong antifungal ingredient. Brand names include Extina, Nizoral A-D, and Xolegel.

You may need to switch between types of shampoos if one type controls the dandruff at first but later loses its effectiveness. And if you decide to try a shampoo that has coal tar in it, you’ll need to use care. Coal tar treats dandruff by making the skin cells on your scalp die and flake off more slowly, but there are things you should know: 

  • Some people have an allergic reaction to it. 
  • It can change the color of lighter-colored hair, fingernails, skin, and clothes. 
  • You’ll need to keep it away from any cuts, broken skin, or infections, as well as your eyes. 
  • It can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should stay out of the sun for 24 to 72 hours after using it. 
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use it. 

How to use dandruff shampoos

When shampooing:

  • Rub the shampoo into your scalp well. Leave the shampoo on your head for 5 minutes, or as directed.

  • Rinse thoroughly. Any leftover shampoo may irritate your skin.

    Different hair types require different approaches to using dandruff shampoo. 

    If your hair is naturally straight or fine, or if you have an oily scalp, you may need to wash your hair every day, using dandruff shampoo twice a week. 

    If your hair is naturally curly, has coils, or is coarse, wash your hair when it needs it and use your dandruff shampoo only once a week. You may want to apply the dandruff shampoo only to your scalp and use regular products on the rest of your hair. If your hair has curls or coils, the ingredients in dandruff shampoo could dry it out. 

Once your dandruff is under control, you may be able to use dandruff shampoo less often.

How long do dandruff shampoos take to work?

Your itching and flakes should clear up after a few weeks of using dandruff shampoo regularly. If they don't, you may want to talk to your regular doctor or a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin conditions.

If over-the-counter remedies don't improve your dandruff, you may need prescription medicine. These can include: 

Fluocinolone (Capex). This is a corticosteroid used to reduce itching and flaking. 

Calcineurin inhibitors. Drugs like pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic) help suppress your body's immune response. 

You also might need phototherapy, which exposes your skin to ultraviolet light under controlled conditions.

Aside from dandruff shampoos, a few other things may help. You might try some of these natural treatments. They’re either moisturizing or they might be helpful against bacteria or fungi:

Coconut oil

Start by rubbing 3 to 5 teaspoons of this into your scalp, then wait an hour and shampoo your hair. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antifungal properties. It also moisturizes skin. One small study in India found that coconut oil reduces bacteria and fungus on the scalp.

Aloe vera

Rub a bit into your scalp just before you shampoo your hair. An Italian study found that aloe vera works well for seborrheic dermatitis with few side effects.

Apple cider vinegar

Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse your scalp well. Some studies have shown apple cider vinegar can have antimicrobial effects.

Aspirin

Crush two aspirin and mix them with your shampoo, then shampoo your hair. Let it sit for 2 minutes then rinse it out. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an ingredient in some dandruff shampoos.

Baking soda

Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out. There's some evidence that baking soda has a positive effect on skin conditions, including psoriasis. But baking soda is alkaline, which can damage your hair.

Lemon juice

Rub 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into your scalp, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse. Follow that by mixing another teaspoon of lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water and pouring it over your scalp. Researchers have found evidence that the acids in citrus fruit can help your scalp maintain a healthy pH level. But there's no proof that lemon juice will help your dandruff.

Olive oil

Rub several drops of olive oil into your scalp, cover your hair with a shower cap, then sleep on it. In the morning, shampoo your hair. Olive oil can act as a moisturizer. But it might worsen your dandruff by making your scalp a more inviting environment for fungi.

Tea tree oil

Some studies have shown that tea tree oil, a by-product of the Australian tea tree, may help with dandruff, but more research is needed. In some cases, it can irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.

Stress doesn't actually cause dandruff, but it can make it worse.

Managing your stress may have a positive impact on your dandruff. Here are some techniques to try: 

  • Meditation 
  • Deep breathing 
  • Exercise and eating a healthy diet
  • Limiting your use of social media
  • Connecting with other people

You can take steps at home to reduce the risk of dandruff. They include: 

Diet. Making sure you get enough zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats can improve the health of your scalp.

Establish a routine: If your scalp tends to be oily, you may need to wash your hair more often. If your scalp tends to be dry, wash your hair less often and condition your scalp. 

Get outside. A few minutes of sunlight is healthy for your scalp. But don't overdo it; that raises the risk of skin cancer.

Limit products. When you use styling products, they can build up on your hair. That can make your hair and scalp oilier.

If you're still scratching and shedding after trying over-the-counter preparations, see your doctor. For really stubborn dandruff cases, you may need to use a prescription shampoo or topical medication.

Dandruff is a mild version of a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. It causes the skin on your scalp to flake off and itch. An over-the-counter dandruff shampoo, used as directed for a few weeks, should clear up the problem. If your dandruff is especially severe, you might need a prescription medicine. You can try home remedies, including various plant oils, but the evidence that they work is sparse. Establishing a good hair-care routine, getting moderate amounts of sun, and limiting your use of styling products can cut the risk of dandruff.

How can I get rid of dandruff fast? 

If you have a mild case of dandruff, using an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo as directed for a few weeks should clear things up. Look for products that contain one of these ingredients: 

  • Zinc pyrithione
  • Salicylic acid
  • Sulfur
  • Selenium sulfide
  • Ketoconazole
  • Coal tar 

Does hot water cause dandruff?

Hot water doesn't cause dandruff. But it can dry out your scalp and make your skin more sensitive.

Is coconut oil good for dandruff?

There's some research to suggest that coconut oil reduces fungi and bacteria on your scalp. It also will moisturize your skin.

Is dandruff a fungus?

Dandruff involves several factors, and experts don't completely understand how they work together. A fungus called malassezia plays a role. It's a type of yeast found on everyone's skin, but it some people have too much of it.