Tea tree oil, crushed aspirin, baking soda, and aloe vera are some of the natural remedies that may help treat dandruff. If they don’t work after 3 weeks, consider connecting with a dermatologist.

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes dry, flaky skin. It affects nearly 1 in 2 people globally.

Treatment options depend on several factors, such as the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as shampoos and ointments, can effectively manage mild to moderate dandruff, but these may be expensive and cause possible side effects. Some home remedies may be just as effective.

Keep reading to learn more about 10 home remedies for dandruff and when to connect with a healthcare professional.

A note on essential oils and other topical remedies

Before applying any essential oils or other topical products to the scalp or skin, it’s important to perform a skin patch test.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity, quality, or quantity of essential oils or supplements.

Consider also connecting with a healthcare professional before trying home remedies to manage dandruff and researching the quality of a brand’s products.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used to treat skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. It may have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that could help alleviate dandruff.

A 2020 study in people with a skin pigmentation disorder found that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription antifungal treatment for healing lesions caused by the fungus Malassezia, a primary cause of dandruff.

Although this study showed improvement in reducing the fungus, it may not yield the same results for dandruff. More high quality research is needed to fully claim tea tree oil’s benefits.

Tea tree oil may irritate sensitive skin. Try diluting it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin.

Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) may be used as a natural remedy for dandruff. Test tube studies suggest coconut oil may help:

  • impove skin hydration
  • improve skin barrier function and protection
  • decrease inflammation

A 2021 study also found that applying coconut oil to the scalp for 16 weeks may have improved the scalp microbiome and certain dandruff markers.

What’s more, a 2025 review found that coconut oil and its compounds may help optimize the effectiveness of other natural remedies for dandruff, which is why it’s commonly recommended as a skin care carrier oil.

More research, however, is needed.

When applied to skin, Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) may help treat skin conditions, such as burns, psoriasis, and cold sores.

Some studies suggest that aloe vera may have antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Other test-tube studies suggest that aloe vera may reduce inflammation, which could relieve dandruff symptoms. Despite promising results, additional studies are needed.

While stress doesn’t cause dandruff, it may worsen symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as dryness and itching.

A 2023 study of 629 questionnaires found that the general population in Saudi Arabia associated stress with skin conditions like hair loss, eczema, and acne.

Some ways to help manage stress may include:

  • exercising regularly
  • journalling
  • participating in social activities
  • meditating
  • spending time outside
  • speaking with a mental health professional

Apple cider vinegar (Malus pumila Mill) is associated with various health benefits. Some people claim it may be used as a natural remedy for dandruff, but scientific studies don’t support this use.

ACV is acidic, which may help reduce scalp dryness. ACV may also help balance your skin’s pH, reducing fungal growth and fighting dandruff.

A 2021 review also noted that ACV may have antifungal properties that can help fight against Malassezia, thereby managing or preventing dandruff.

However, limited studies have assessed its effectiveness in managing dandruff.

A small 2019 study found that applying diluted ACV topically to the skin didn’t improve eczema or skin barrier integrity — it even worsened skin irritation.

To try using ACV, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with just a few drops of essential oils and spray directly onto your hair.

Salicylic acid (SA) is one of the primary compounds in aspirin responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also an ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos.

SA may help reduce scaly skin and loosen flakes, making them easier to remove. A small 2018 study also found that a shampoo containing SA significantly improved irritation and itching in 10 people with scalp inflammation.

Try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair for a dandruff remedy.

Omega-3 fatty acids make up the membranes that surround your cells, and they’re crucial for the functioning of many of your body’s systems.

A deficiency of omega-3s may cause a scaly, itchy, or rough rash to appear. They’re important for your skin health since they may help:

  • maintain your skin’s moisture barrier
  • support healthy aging
  • promote wound healing

Omega-3s may also help reduce inflammation, which may relieve scalp irritation, psoriasis, and dandruff symptoms.

Omega-3s are found in foods like mackerel, salmon, cod liver, chia seeds, anchovies, and walnuts, among others. They’re also available as a dietary supplement.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria linked to numerous health benefits.

A 2024 review found that probiotics may support hair growth and have anti-dandruff effects, such as managing dry skin and flakiness. This may be due to their:

  • antifungal and antimicrobial effects in the gut and on the skin microbiome
  • role in strengthening the skin barrier and improving its function
  • role in boosting the immune system

Probiotics are naturally found in foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir. They’re also available in supplement form.

Baking soda may act as a gentle exfoliant, helping remove dead skin cells and reduce scaling and itchiness. It may also have antifungal properties.

A 2024 review of baking soda’s use as a natural antifungal found that it improved dandruff symptoms without the harmful side effects of systemic antifungal treatment.

That said, more research is needed, as a 2019 study found that baking soda didn’t affect psoriasis, skin hydration, or skin discoloration.

Apply baking soda directly to wet hair and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, and then continue shampooing your hair as usual for best results.

Dietary modifications may prevent fungal infections by controlling yeast growth and improving your gut microbiome, which may aid in treating dandruff. More research is needed, however, on the relationship between diet and dandruff.

Limiting your intake of foods that trigger skin flare-ups may also help reduce inflammation and improve scalp health. Some foods that you may want to limit are:

If home remedies don’t help manage dandruff, consider speaking with a pharmacist. Many OTC shampoos and scalp treatments contain antifungal or antibacterial ingredients designed to reduce dandruff.

If these products don’t work after 4 weeks, you may wish to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a primary care doctor or dermatologist. They can assess your symptoms and help determine whether prescription shampoos or medications would be beneficial.

A healthcare professional may prescribe topical antifungal medications, corticosteroids, or immunomodulators to treat dandruff and other skin conditions.

The best approach to managing dandruff is to use specialized shampoo and scalp treatments. Home remedies may help if these aren’t accessible to you.

Ingredients in dandruff shampoos that help eliminate dandruff include:

If the cause is a fungal infection, you may need medication.

Some types of dandruff may come and go, but dandruff caused by a fungal infection will need medication.

Dandruff can be an itchy, irritating problem. However, various natural remedies, including oils, baking soda, and omega-3s, may reduce symptoms and provide relief.

If these natural remedies don’t help relieve your dandruff symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional to see whether other treatment options may be necessary for long-lasting relief.