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GETTING CONTROL OF DANDRUFF

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NUTRITION u Evidence Based

Written by Rachael Link, MS,
RD — Updated on March 30,

9 Home Remedies to Get Rid of 2018

Dandruff Naturally
More in Getting Control
Dandruff affects up to 50% of people (1 ). !
of Dandruff
An itchy scalp and flakiness are the hallmark signs of this condition, but it may also cause other
Is Dandruff Contagious?
symptoms like greasy patches on the scalp and tingling skin. And Other Important
Questions About Those
Frustrating Flakes
Underlying causes of dandruff include dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair
products and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on the scalp (2 ! , 3 ! ).

Is It Dandruff or Psoriasis?
While there are plenty of over-the-counter products designed to treat dandruff, natural Tips for Identification
remedies can be just effective.

Here are 9 simple home remedies to naturally get rid of dandruff.

Avoiding Hair Loss from
Dandruff

1. Try Tea Tree Oil

Can Coconut Oil Treat
Dandruff?

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Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments ranging from acne to psoriasis.

It is also proven to have powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may
help alleviate symptoms of dandruff (4 ! ).

In fact, according to one review, tea tree oil is effective at fighting the specific strain of fungus
that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff (5 ! ).

Another 4-week study examined the effects of tea tree oil on dandruff by treating 126 people
daily with a shampoo containing either 5% tea tree oil or a placebo.

At the end of the study, tea tree oil reduced the severity of symptoms by 41% and improved
greasiness and itchiness (6 ! ).

Note that tea tree oil can cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. It’s best to dilute it by
adding a few drops to a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying it directly to the skin.

SUMMARY

Tea tree oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce
the severity and symptoms of dandruff.

2. Use Coconut Oil

Well-known for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil is often also used as a natural remedy
for dandruff.

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Coconut oil may help improve skin hydration and prevent dryness, which can worsen dandruff.

A small study of 34 people showed that coconut oil was as effective as mineral oil in improving
skin hydration (7 ! ).

Other research has found that coconut oil could aid in the treatment of eczema, a skin
condition that may contribute to dandruff.

One study compared the effects of coconut oil and mineral oil on atopic dermatitis, a type of
eczema characterized by itching and inflammation.

Applying coconut oil to the skin for eight weeks reduced symptoms by 68%, compared to just
38% in the mineral oil group (8 ! ).

Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties in some
test-tube studies, although the effects on the specific strain of fungus that causes dandruff
have not yet been examined (9 ! , 10 ! ).

SUMMARY

The potential antimicrobial properties of coconut oil may improve skin hydration and
reduce symptoms of eczema and dandruff.
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3. Apply Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a type of succulent that is frequently added to skin ointments, cosmetics and
lotions.

When applied to the skin, aloe vera is believed to help treat skin conditions like burns, psoriasis
and cold sores (11 ! ).

It may also be beneficial in the treatment of dandruff.

According to one review, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera could help
protect against dandruff (12 ! ).

Similarly, a test-tube study found that aloe vera was effective against several species of fungi
and may help control fungal infections that cause hair loss from the scalp (13 ! ).

Test-tube studies have also found that aloe vera can reduce inflammation, which may relieve
symptoms (14 ! ).

Despite these promising results, additional studies are needed to look at how aloe vera may
directly affect dandruff.

SUMMARY

Aloe vera has antibacterial and antifungal properties. As a result, it may help reduce
inflammation and decrease dandruff symptoms.

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4. Minimize Stress Levels

Stress is believed to impact many aspects of health and well-being. It can influence everything
from chronic conditions to mental health (15 ! ).

While stress itself doesn’t cause dandruff, it can aggravate symptoms like dryness and itching
(16 ! ).

Sustaining high levels of stress long-term may suppress the activity of the immune system
(17 ! ).

A weakened immune system can reduce your body’s ability to fight off some of the fungal
infections and skin conditions that contribute to dandruff.

In fact, one study of 82 people with seborrheic dermatitis, one of the most common causes of
dandruff, showed that the majority of dermatitis episodes were preceded by a stressful life
event (18 ! ).

To keep stress levels under control, try some stress reduction techniques, such as meditation,
yoga, deep breathing or aromatherapy.

SUMMARY

Stress can weaken the immune system and decrease the body’s ability to fight off
infections that cause dandruff. Stress also often precedes episodes of seborrheic
dermatitis, one of the most common causes of dandruff.
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5. Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your

Routine
Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits. These include
improving insulin sensitivity and increasing weight loss (19 ! , 20 ! ).

Apple cider vinegar is also often used as a natural remedy to get rid of dandruff.

The acidity of the vinegar is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on the
v
scalp.
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Apple cider vinegar is also said to balance the pH of the skin to reduce the growth of fungus
& thus fight dandruff.
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However, there are no studies to support these claims and many of the benefits of apple cider
vinegar
( for dandruff are based on anecdotal evidence. ADVERTISEMENT

That said, test-tube studies show that apple cider vinegar and its compounds can prevent the
growth of certain types of fungus (21 ! , 22 ! ).

If you’d like to give apple cider vinegar a try, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or
combine it with other essential oils and spray directly onto hair.

SUMMARY

Apple cider vinegar is said to help remove dead skin cells and balance the pH of the
scalp. Moreover, test-tube studies show that it may prevent the growth of certain types
of fungus.

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6. Try Aspirin
Salicylic acid is one of the primary compounds found in aspirin that is responsible for its anti-
inflammatory properties (23 ! ).

In addition to being found in aspirin, salicylic acid is also found in many anti-dandruff
shampoos.

Salicylic acid works by helping get rid of scaly skin and loosening flakes so that they can be ADVERTISEMENT

removed (1 ! ).

In one study, 19 people with dandruff used two shampoos containing either piroctone olamine
combined with salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione.

Both shampoos were able to decrease dandruff after four weeks, but the shampoo containing
salicylic acid was more effective in reducing the severity of scaling (24 ! ).

Another study showed that a shampoo containing salicylic acid was similarly effective as a
prescription medication in treating seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff (25 ! ).

For an easy dandruff remedy, try crushing two tablets of aspirin and adding the powder to your
shampoo before washing your hair.

SUMMARY

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, an ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos.

Salicylic acid has been shown to be effective in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis
and dandruff.

7. Up Your Intake of Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the body.

Not only do they make up the cell membranes that surround your cells, but they are also crucial
in the function of your heart, immune system and lungs (26 ! ).
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Omega-3 fatty acids are also vital to skin health. They help manage oil production and
hydration, promote wound healing and prevent premature aging (27 ! ).

A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can cause an array of symptoms, including dry hair, dry skin
and even dandruff (28 ! ).

Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce inflammation, which may help relieve irritation and
dandruff symptoms (29 ! ).

Fatty fish like salmon, trout and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You can
also take a fish oil supplement or increase your intake of other omega-3-rich foods like
flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts.

SUMMARY

Omega-3 fatty acids are important to skin health and can help reduce inflammation.
 Deficiency can cause dry skin, dry hair and dandruff.

8. Eat More Probiotics

Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria that are good for your health.

There are many potential probiotic benefits, including protection against allergies, lower
cholesterol levels and increased weight loss (30 ! , 31 ! ).

Probiotics may also help enhance immune function, which could help the body fight against the ADVERTISEMENT

fungal infections that cause dandruff (32 ! ).

In fact, one study showed that taking probiotics for 56 days significantly reduced dandruff
severity in 60 people (33 ! ).

Probiotics have also been shown to help decrease symptoms of skin conditions like eczema
and dermatitis, especially in infants and children (34 ! , 35 ! , 36 ! ).

Probiotics are available in supplement form for a quick and convenient dose.

They can also be found in many types of fermented foods, such as kombucha, kimchi, tempeh,
sauerkraut and natto.

Here’s a list of 11 foods that are loaded with healthy probiotics.

SUMMARY

Probiotics may help enhance immune function and have been shown to reduce
dandruff severity.

9. Use Baking Soda

Found in kitchen pantries around the globe, baking soda is a quick, convenient and readily
available remedy to help treat dandruff.

It’s believed to act as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and reduce scaling and
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itchiness.

Baking soda also has antifungal properties that could be beneficial in the treatment of dandruff.

One test-tube study measured the antifungal effects of baking soda on some of the most
common strains of fungus that cause skin infections.

Impressively, baking soda was able to completely inhibit fungal growth in 79% of specimens
after seven days (37 ! ).

Another study looked at the effects of baking soda on 31 people with psoriasis. Treatment with
baking soda baths was found to significantly reduce both itchiness and irritation after just three
weeks (38 ! ).

Treatment guidelines for other conditions like atopic dermatitis also note that baking soda
baths can help provide relief from itchiness (39 ! ).

For best results, try applying baking soda directly to wet hair and massaging it into your scalp.
Let it sit for a minute or two, then continue shampooing your hair as usual.

SUMMARY

Baking soda has antifungal properties and may help relieve itching and skin irritation.

The Bottom Line

Although dandruff can be a frustrating problem, there are plenty of natural remedies available
that can reduce symptoms and provide relief.

Next time you start spotting flakes, give a few of these natural remedies a try.

Use these remedies on their own or pair them with over-the-counter products like anti-dandruff
shampoos to maximize treatment effectiveness.

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Is Dandruff Contagious? And Other

Important Questions About Those
Frustrating Flakes
Medically reviewed by Sarah Taylor, MD, FAAD

Is dandruff contagious? What is the cause? We've got answers to

your most pressing questions about dandruff.

READ MORE -

Is It Dandruff or Psoriasis? Tips for

 Is It Dandruff or Psoriasis? Tips for
Identification
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI

Dandruff and psoriasis can both cause dry, flaky skin on your
scalp. Learn how to identify if you have dandruff or psoriasis.

READ MORE -

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Avoiding Hair Loss from Dandruff

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

Does dandruff actually cause hair loss? We'll go over the

relationship between these two conditions. You'll also learn about
things you can do to…

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Can Coconut Oil Treat Dandruff?

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-
BC, CHT

Coconut oil is considered an all-inclusive alternative skin care

product. Moisture is at its core, which makes this oil appealing for
dry skin…

READ MORE -

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