How to Get Rid of Dandruff | Complete Guide to Clear Your Scalp Naturally
Dandruff is one of the most common hair problems people face around the world. Those tiny white flakes on your shoulders, the constant itching, and the dry or oily patches on your scalp can feel annoying and embarrassing. But the good news is—you can get rid of dandruff completely with the right routine, natural remedies, and healthy habits.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
✔ What dandruff really is
✔ Why dandruff happens
✔ Natural home remedies that work
✔ Medical treatments and best shampoos
✔ Diet tips
✔ Daily hair-care routine
✔ Long-term prevention
Let’s dive in.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a condition where the scalp sheds dead skin cells in the form of white or yellow flakes. It is not dangerous or contagious, but it can make your scalp itchy, dry, and uncomfortable.
There are mainly two types:
1. Dry Dandruff
Small white flakes caused by dryness.
2. Oily Dandruff / Seborrheic Dermatitis
Large, sticky, yellowish flakes caused by excess scalp oil.
Why Do You Get Dandruff? — Common Causes
Dandruff can appear for several reasons:
1. Fungal Growth (Malassezia)
This natural yeast grows on the scalp. When it increases too much, it triggers dandruff.
2. Dry Scalp
Cold weather, harsh shampoo, or lack of moisture causes dry flakes.
3. Oily Scalp
Too much oil production leads to sticky flakes and itching.
4. Wrong Hair Products
Chemical-heavy products irritate the scalp.
5. Stress, Poor Sleep & Bad Diet
These affect your skin health and can make dandruff worse.
How to Get Rid of Dandruff – Natural Home Remedies
Here are some of the best natural remedies that are safe, simple, and effective.
1. Tea Tree Oil Treatment
Tea tree oil has strong antifungal properties that help control dandruff fast.
How to use:
- Mix 2 teaspoons coconut oil + 4–5 drops tea tree oil
- Massage onto your scalp
- Leave for 30 minutes
- Wash with mild shampoo
- Use 2–3 times a week
2. Aloe Vera Gel for Cooling & Hydration
Aloe vera reduces inflammation, dryness, and itchiness.
How to use:
- Apply pure aloe vera gel to your scalp
- Leave for 30–40 minutes
- Wash with mild shampoo
3. Lemon Rinse for Oily Scalp
Lemon controls oil and restores scalp pH.
How to use:
- Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice + 2 tbsp water
- Apply for 5 minutes
- Rinse well
4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Wash
ACV kills dandruff-causing fungus and reduces excess oil.
How to use:
- Mix ½ cup water + ½ cup ACV
- Pour on scalp after shampoo
- Leave for 3–5 minutes
- Rinse with water
5. Coconut Oil Massage
Coconut oil moisturizes the scalp and prevents dryness.
How to use:
- Warm the oil slightly
- Massage into scalp
- Leave overnight
- Wash in the morning
6. Neem Paste (Natural Antifungal)
Neem leaves are a powerful remedy for dandruff.
How to use:
- Grind some neem leaves into a paste
- Apply for 20–25 minutes
- Rinse completely
7. Yogurt Hair Pack
Yogurt cools the scalp and reduces flakes.
How to use:
- Apply fresh yogurt to scalp
- Leave for 30 minutes
- Wash with mild shampoo
Best Medical Treatments & Dandruff Shampoos
If natural remedies are not enough, medicated shampoos help a lot. Look for these ingredients:
Ketoconazole
Very effective for fungal dandruff.
Selenium Sulfide
Controls oil and reduces flakes.
Zinc Pyrithione (ZPTO)
Gentle antifungal formula for daily use.
Coal Tar
Used for severe dandruff or scalp psoriasis.
How to use medicated shampoos:
- Use 2–3 times per week
- Apply to scalp
- Leave for 3–5 minutes
- Rinse properly
Diet Tips to Reduce Dandruff Naturally
What you eat reflects on your scalp.
Foods to include:
✔ Omega-3 rich foods (fish, walnuts, flaxseed)
✔ Zinc-rich foods (eggs, lentils, nuts)
✔ Vitamin B foods (banana, yogurt, eggs)
✔ Probiotics (curd, fermented foods)
Foods to avoid:
✘ Too much sugar
✘ Spicy oily foods
✘ Junk food
Daily Hair Care Routine to Prevent Dandruff
Follow this routine for long-term results:
- Use a mild or medicated shampoo
- Wash hair 2–3 times a week
- Avoid very hot water
- Do not keep oil in hair for too long
- Use your own clean comb
- Keep your scalp sweat-free
- Do not scratch the scalp
Lifestyle Habits That Help Reduce Dandruff
✔ Sleep 7–8 hours
✔ Reduce stress
✔ Exercise regularly
✔ Limit heat styling
✔ Keep hair clean and dry
When Should You See a Doctor?
Visit a dermatologist if you experience—
- Thick yellowish flakes
- Red patches on scalp
- Continuous itching
- Severe hair fall
These signs may indicate a more serious scalp condition.
Dandruff is common but absolutely treatable. With the right home remedies, medicated shampoos, proper diet, and consistent scalp care, you can remove dandruff completely and enjoy a clean, healthy scalp.
