Dandruff on the scalp is nothing to worry about. Nevertheless, the white deposits annoy us. From the wrong care to an unhealthy diet to external factors such as the climate – dandruff can have various causes. Home remedies can help here, but caution is advised with anti-dandruff shampoos. We show you how to treat dandruff on the scalp at home.

Dandruff is a common scalp problem. In many cases, the deposits disappear again after a short time. If this is not the case, you can get rid of dandruff with a few home remedies and a little patience. From baking soda to anti-dandruff shampoo, get rid of dandruff on your scalp for good.

What is the cause of dandruff?

Dandruff is not just dandruff. Knowing the type of dandruff you have is important to finding the right treatment method. There are dry and greasy scales. Depending on the type, a different treatment is then effective.

dry scales

Dry dandruff is when the hairline or scalp is covered with small white flakes of skin. These then usually trickle down so that they are visible up to the tips of the hair. Those affected often also suffer from itching, sometimes redness and have a dry or greasy scalp.

Greasy scales

If the scalp produces excessive amounts of sebum, this can lead to the spread of bacteria and fungi. As a result, greasy scales develop. These are yellowish and larger than dry scales and have an oily consistency, which means that they can usually only be seen at the hairline.

Home remedies for dandruff: what works best?

Have you already found out if you suffer from dry or greasy dandruff? Then you can start the treatment.

Baking soda for dry dandruff

Baking soda acts like an exfoliant on the scalp, removing dead skin cells and excess sebum. In addition, a baking soda peeling is said to curb the growth of fungi and relieve itching and skin irritation.

Uses: However, since baking soda dries out the scalp, it should not be used for dandruff more than once a week.

Here’s how you do it:

• Wash your hair as usual.
• Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in water.
• Massage the solution in gently.
• Leave the baking soda on for a few minutes.
• Then rinse your hair well with warm water.

Natural yoghurt for dry dandruff

Plain yogurt can be used if you suffer from dry dandruff or dandruff caused by yeast. The yoghurt cultures fight the yeast fungus and moisturize the scalp.

Applications: You can repeat the hair treatment with natural yoghurt 2 to 3 times a week.

That’s how it’s done:

• Massage a small cup of plain yoghurt well into your hair.
• Then leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes.
• Then first rinse the mask well with water.
• Then wash your hair with shampoo as usual.

Olive oil mask against dry dandruff

With olive oil you can moisturize your scalp, which is removed by shampoo and the like. The most successful way to combat dandruff is with an overnight olive oil treatment.

Applications: An olive oil mask can be used up to 3 times a week.

That’s how it’s done:

• Put a few drops of olive oil on your scalp and gently massage the oil in.
• Then wrap your head in a towel.
• In the morning after getting up, wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo. Tip: first massage in the shampoo and only then rinse the hair with water. This will keep your hair from looking greasy.

Apple cider vinegar for dandruff

Apple cider vinegar has a stabilizing effect on the pH of our skin. It also cleanses the scalp and sebaceous glands. Finally, apple cider vinegar can reduce the growth of fungi.

Uses: Apple cider vinegar should not be used for dandruff more than 1 to 2 times a week as it can dry out and irritate the scalp.

That’s how it’s done:

• Mix half a glass of apple cider vinegar with half a glass of lukewarm water.
• Pour the mixture over your scalp.
• Wrap a towel around your head and leave the mixture on for about 30 minutes.
• Then wash your hair with water.
• The vinegar smell should go away as your hair dries.

Tea tree oil for greasy dandruff

Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. This can limit the growth of fungi. Since greasy dandruff is usually caused by fungi on the scalp, the use of tea tree oil is ideal.

Applications: Used three times a week, tea tree oil helps greasy dandruff disappear.

That’s how it’s done

• Massage your scalp with a few drops of tea tree oil directly or diluted with coconut oil.
• Leave the oil on for about 15 minutes.
• Then wash your hair with warm water.

Coconut oil for greasy dandruff

The fact that coconut oil is used against greasy dandruff may sound strange at first. Nevertheless, coconut oil has established itself as an effective remedy. Because coconut oil provides the scalp with valuable moisture and also fights the growth of bacteria and fungi. Since the origin of greasy dandruff is often associated with the presence of fungi, the fixed oil is a welcome method of treating greasy dandruff.

Uses: Use coconut oil 1 time per week or 2-3 times per month to treat greasy dandruff.

Here’s how you do it:

• Take a tablespoon of the solid oil in your hands until it melts.
• Then gently massage the oil into the scalp.
• Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes.
• After that, the oil needs to be waxed out very thoroughly with a mild shampoo.

Anti dandruff shampoo

Not every anti-dandruff shampoo is suitable for fighting dandruff. Many shampoos that are available in retail stores contain harmful substances. In the worst case, these can irritate the mucous membranes and cause allergies. In addition, some of these shampoos contain PEG derivatives, which means that foreign substances can be absorbed through the skin. These derivatives are made from petroleum. Some ingredients can even promote the formation of dandruff.

If you still don’t want to do without anti-dandruff shampoos, it is advisable to buy the shampoo from your doctor, pharmacy or drugstore. The shampoo should be as mild as possible and the hair should not be washed with it too often.