How to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally
Struggling with stubborn flakes? You’re in the right place! This simple guide to natural dandruff relief will show you how to say goodbye to flakes while soothing your irritated scalp.
There are over-the-counter shampoos available for dandruff, but they often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin or dry out the scalp. Fortunately, there are natural remedies you can use at home that are gentle, effective, and free from synthetic ingredients.
Let’s take a look at what dandruff is, what causes it, and how you can get rid of it naturally.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a mild form of Seborrheic dermatitis, a common scalp condition that causes flaking of the skin, often accompanied by itchiness and irritation. While it's not contagious or serious, it can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. These flakes are simply dead skin cells that shed faster than normal.
Dandruff Symptoms Include:
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Oily, large flakes that are often yellowish.
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Itching and redness.
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Possible scalp odour, due to oil build-up and fungal activity, a slightly unpleasant smell might be present.
Understanding what dandruff is and how it forms is the first step to determine if you have dandruff - so you can treat it naturally without using harsh products.
What Is the Main Cause of Dandruff?
The main cause of dandruff is a tiny fungus called Malassezia that lives on the scalp. For some people, it grows too much and causes the skin to shed quickly. Other things like dry skin, using the wrong hair products, or having an oily scalp can make dandruff worse. Natural treatments work by calming the scalp, adding moisture, and keeping the fungus under control. Ingredients like tea tree oil, coconut oil and aloe vera are gentle and effective options.
Itching and flaking aren’t always caused by dandruff - other scalp conditions, like dry scalp, can have similar symptoms. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference, so you can choose the right treatment for your scalp’s needs.
What’s the Difference Between Dandruff and Dry Scalp?
Dandruff and dry scalp may look similar, but they have different causes. A dry scalp happens when your skin doesn’t have enough moisture, leading to small, dry flakes and itchiness. Dandruff, on the other hand, is usually caused by too much oil or a yeast-like fungus on the scalp, leading to larger, oily flakes. Dry scalp flakes are often white and fall off easily, while dandruff flakes may be yellowish and stick to the scalp or hair. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right natural remedy. Learn more about the difference between dandruff and dry scalp here.
How to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally?
Tea tree essential oil is one of the best natural remedies for dandruff thanks to its powerful antifungal and soothing properties. Our natural anti-dandruff shampoo is carefully crafted with tea tree oil and aloe vera to calm irritation and reduce flakiness, leaving your scalp refreshed and balanced.
Here's how to use natural tea tree shampoo for dandruff:
1. Wet hair with warm (not hot) water and apply natural tea tree shampoo - massage slowly with fingertips, thoroughly working the gel into the scalp (without scratching the scalp) for about 2 minutes. Lather is not important to the cleansing process but working the gel right into the scalp is important.
2. Leave shampoo on scalp for a few more minutes - you could spend the time washing your face and body with the shampoo. It is excellent for the skin as it contains 70% Organic Aloe Vera and pH balanced with healthy skin.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean running warm water - massage with fingertips to get water right through to scalp.
4. Repeat shampoo process.
5. If you have dry/damaged/dyed/long hair use tea tree conditioner after your final shampooing.
6. Rinse hair, face and body thoroughly - reduce the temperature of the water slightly if possible.
7. For dandruff, it's generally recommended to wash your hair 3-4 times per week, however, this can vary depending on your hair type and severity of dandruff.
Why Tea Tree Oil Is a Natural Solution for Dandruff Relief
Tea Tree Essential Oil is great for dandruff because it fights the yeast (called Malassezia) that often causes those pesky flakes, calms inflammation, and helps reduce itch and greasiness. Its natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties help restore balance to the scalp, moisturise without over‑drying, and ease irritation. [1]
Things to Avoid if you Have Dandruff
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Harsh Hair Products - Avoid shampoos or styling products with alcohol, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances, as they can dry out and irritate the scalp.
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Over-washing Your Hair - Washing too frequently can strip your scalp of natural oils, causing it to overproduce oil and worsen dandruff.
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Not Washing Enough - On the flip side, infrequent washing can lead to product build-up and excess oil, feeding dandruff-causing yeast.
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Hot Water - Using very hot water can dry out your scalp and increase irritation. Use lukewarm water instead.
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Scratching Your Scalp - Scratching can cause tiny cuts or inflammation, making dandruff worse and potentially leading to infection.
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Heavy Hair Oils or Waxes - Greasy products can clog the scalp and trap dead skin, encouraging dandruff.
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Wearing Hats for Long Periods - Trapping heat and sweat can create the perfect environment for yeast and flakes.
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Poor Diet - Diets high in sugar, processed foods, or lacking essential nutrients (like zinc or B vitamins) can contribute to scalp imbalances.
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Stress - High stress can weaken the immune system and worsen skin conditions like dandruff.
Final Thoughts
Dandruff can be frustrating, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to treat it. With the right natural ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera, you can soothe your scalp, reduce flakes, and restore balance gently and effectively. Understanding what causes dandruff, how it differs from dry scalp, and what habits to avoid gives you the power to care for your scalp naturally. Switch to a plant-based routine, be gentle with your scalp, and stay consistent - you’ll be flake-free before you know it.
You might also like:
How to Overcome Dry Skin Naturally
References:
1.NHS. (2025). Hair Care for Eczema of the Scalp. Available at: https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/hair-care-for-eczema-of-the-scalp/
