Dandruff is a problem that has plagued almost all of us at some point or another. It can sometimes seem so difficult to get rid of those little white flakes. You may think you’ve alleviated yourself of them, and somehow they just keep coming back. But you may just be using the wrong approach. Looking into alternative ways to treat dandruff might help you find the individual solution that is right for you. And this list may just have the answer to your dandruff troubles that you’ve been looking for. Check out these 5 DIY methods to get rid of dandruff.

Where Does Dandruff Come From?

Before learning how to get rid of dandruff it is helpful to learn more about what it really is. Dandruff is a condition of the scalp that causes itching and flaking. This common condition can be caused by the way hair and skin respond with inflammation to yeast pityrosporum, which is a normal component of the flora of skin. “Dandruff is very visible white flakes that can appear on clothing from the scalp. The top layer of skin cells on our scalps will shed monthly. However when the process of sloughing off the top layer of skin occurs rapidly (every few days) large white, oily clumps present as dandruff”, said expert Veronica Joseph.

How Does Dandruff Occur?

There are many reasons why dandruff happens, including stress, genetics and improper hair care practices. One of the most common reasons is when there is too much sebum produced, as well as the fungus that it feeds on. “We secrete sebum onto our scalp and a yeast (fungus) interacts with the sebum. The body detects this interaction as an irritant and rapidly increases the production of skin cells that flake off and present as dandruff,” explains Joseph.

What Are the Signs You May Have Dandruff?

Dandruff can sometimes be confused with dry scalp. But the two are very different conditions. Each issue can cause itchy skin, but dry scalp is associated with smaller flakes. Dandruff usually manifests as larger noticeable flakes. “White flakes of skin that can be seen on clothing, or an itchy scalp are signs of dandruff,” comments Joseph.

DIY Dandruff Remedies:

Baking Soda Dandruff Shampoo

Baking soda has a gritty texture that can easily latch onto and remove dirty and excess oil. It can also remove loose skin cells that cause dandruff. But this should be used sparingly. “Baking soda has an alkaline pH level, and that throws off the natural pH of hair. It can dry it out and raise the cuticle, which exposes your hair and makes it susceptible to damage over time,” says expert Shab Reslan. Use this method only every four or five shampoos.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

“Apple cider vinegar can help remove build-up on the scalp, balance the pH level of the scalp and hair and help close the cuticles for shinier hair,” explains Reslan. This rinse can help to soothe the scalp while also cleansing it. For this rinse, mix equally with water, pour and massage into hair for a few minutes and then rinse carefully. You can repeat this a couple of times a week until the dandruff has subsided.

Lemon and Sweet Almond Dandruff Shampoo

The citric acid in lemon can be a great way to clean away excess oil, and the almond can nourish hair. Use this method by mixing a few drops of lemon essential oil with about two tablespoons of almond oil. Work this mixture into your hair, and then shampoo. You can do this every day.

Honey Dandruff Shampoo

Honey can help to balance the pH of the scalp, which can eliminate dandruff flakes. “Honey makes a great scalp cleanser as it’s antibacterial and antifungal and gentle on the scalp,” Reslan says. For this method, mix raw honey with water in a squeeze bottle. Apply the shampoo to your scalp while your hair is wet and massage it for one minute. Rinse, and repeat once a week.

Coconut Oil Shampoo

Another great ingredient for your scalp is coconut. “Coconut oil has some anti-inflammatory effects and can help hydrate [your] scalp, but keep an eye on it: if dandruff is severe, it will not work well. Best talk to your doctor,” says expert Jenny Liu. For this dandruff hack, mix coconut oil with jojoba oil. Massage into the scalp and let sit for about 30 minutes. Then shampoo and rinse very thoroughly. You can repeat this once per week.