Dandruff can be a pesky problem that leaves your shoulders dusted with white flakes and your scalp feeling itchy and uncomfortable.
Luckily, there are plenty of natural remedies you can whip up right at home to tackle this issue. These hair masks use simple ingredients that target the root causes of dandruff while nourishing your scalp.
1. Yogurt and Honey Mask
The natural probiotics in yogurt fight fungal infections while honey’s antibacterial properties soothe inflammation. Mix three tablespoons of plain yogurt with one tablespoon of honey.
Apply to your scalp, massage gently, and leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
2. Aloe Vera Miracle Mix
Fresh from the plant or bottled, aloe vera gel soothes irritated scalps with its cooling effect. Its antifungal properties tackle the yeast that causes flaking.
Extract two tablespoons of gel, add a teaspoon of lemon juice, and apply directly to your scalp weekly.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Solution
ACV balances your scalp’s pH level, creating an environment where dandruff-causing fungi can’t thrive. The acidic nature dissolves dead skin cells that cause flaking.
Mix equal parts ACV and water, spray onto your scalp, wait 15 minutes, then wash normally.
4. Coconut Oil and Tea Tree Blend
Warming three tablespoons of coconut oil until liquid makes application easier. Add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil for its powerful antifungal punch.
Massage this fragrant mixture into your scalp before bed. Cover with a shower cap and rinse in the morning.
5. Banana and Olive Oil Smoother
Mash one ripe banana until completely smooth—lumps will stick in your hair! Add two tablespoons of olive oil for extra moisture and scalp-healing properties.
This potassium-rich mask controls flaking while the oil penetrates dry, irritated skin cells. Rinse thoroughly after 20 minutes.
6. Fenugreek Seed Soak
Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight in water. By morning, they’ll soften enough to grind into a smooth paste with amazing anti-dandruff properties.
The mucilage in these seeds moisturizes while their natural compounds fight fungal growth. Apply weekly for best results.
7. Lemon and Olive Oil Clarifier
Squeeze half a lemon into three tablespoons of olive oil. The citric acid in lemon juice breaks down dead skin cells while controlling excess oil production.
Olive oil prevents over-drying. Massage into your scalp, wait 30 minutes, then shampoo out. The fresh scent is an added bonus!
8. Baking Soda Exfoliating Scrub
Create a gentle exfoliant by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. The fine granules lift away dead skin without harsh chemicals.
Massage in circular motions across your scalp, focusing on flaky areas. Rinse completely to avoid residue buildup.
9. Neem Leaf Infusion
Boil a handful of neem leaves in two cups of water until the liquid reduces by half. This ancient Ayurvedic remedy contains powerful antimicrobial compounds.
Strain, cool, and apply the greenish liquid directly to your scalp with a cotton ball. Let it work overnight for maximum benefit.
10. Egg White and Lemon Tightener
Whisk two egg whites until frothy, then add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. The protein in egg whites helps control excess oil while strengthening hair follicles.
Apply to your entire scalp, wait until it dries completely, then rinse with cool water to prevent cooking the egg!
11. Oatmeal and Honey Soother
Cook half a cup of plain oatmeal and let it cool completely. Mix in a tablespoon of honey for its antibacterial properties and binding texture.
This gentle mask soothes irritated scalps while absorbing excess oils. Apply to damp hair, focusing on your scalp, and rinse after 20 minutes.
12. Green Tea Antioxidant Rinse
Brew two strong cups of green tea and allow to cool completely. The catechins in green tea are powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and fight dandruff-causing microbes.
Pour over freshly washed hair as a final rinse, massaging into your scalp. No need to rinse out!
13. Avocado and Jojoba Oil Treatment
Mash half a ripe avocado until completely smooth. Blend in a teaspoon of jojoba oil, which closely resembles our scalp’s natural sebum.
This rich mask deeply moisturizes dry, flaky scalps without clogging pores. The healthy fats repair your skin’s moisture barrier while fighting inflammation.
14. Fuller’s Earth Clay Detox
Mix two tablespoons of Fuller’s Earth clay with enough rose water to create a smooth paste. This mineral-rich clay draws out impurities and excess oils from your scalp.
Apply to your roots, let dry until slightly firm but not completely hardened, then rinse thoroughly. Use weekly for best results.
15. Aspirin and Honey Solution
Crush two uncoated aspirin tablets into powder and mix with a tablespoon of honey. Aspirin contains salicylic acid—the same ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos.
This powerful combination exfoliates dead skin while honey soothes inflammation. Apply to your scalp for 20 minutes before shampooing.