Skip to contentSkip to search
Head & Shoulders LogoHome page

Natural Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff can be frustrating and difficult to manage, but natural remedies can help keep your scalp healthy.

Many people have tried to get rid of dandruff using baking soda, apple cider vinegar or mouthwash. Does they really work? Let’s find out.

Understanding Dandruff and Its Causes

Dandruff occurs when the scalp sheds excess dead skin cells. This may be caused by dry skin, excess oil production, Malassezia dandruff, or irritation from hair products. Identifying the type of dandruff is key to choosing the best remedy.

Symptoms of Dandruff: What to Look For

Understanding the dandruff symptoms helps in choosing the right treatment, and these include:

  • Flaky white or yellow dandruff

  • An itchy, irritated scalp

  • Excessive oiliness or dryness

CAN BAKING SODA GET RID OF DANDRUFF?

The idea behind using baking soda is that it works as an exfoliant, helping to clarify the scalp.

It may wash out some (but not all) of the dandruff flakes, but it’s only temporary – there’s no active ingredient that tackles the root cause of dandruff

So, it won’t help you get rid of dandruff.

Plus, there are no cleansing agents to clean the hair or conditioners and moisturizers to keep it soft and smooth.

Unlike Head & Shoulders shampoos, which contain Piroctone Olamine – a clinically proven active ingredient that fights the dandruff-causing microbe, Malassezia Globosa - and all the best elements of beauty shampoos.

They’re proven to leave you flake-free and have been designed for everyday use to leave your hair looking great.

CAN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR GET RID OF DANDRUFF?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular natural remedy for dandruff due to its antimicrobial properties.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a strong acid and people use it on their hair and scalp in an attempt to balance the pH.

The idea is that this can help balance the pH and protect against the dandruff-causing microbe Malassezia globosa.

But it doesn’t work.

It will alter the pH of the scalp, but only temporarily. The pH level of your scalp changes so regularly that any change from adding Apple Cider Vinegar will be quickly reversed.

Instead, use a shampoo with an active ingredient that tackles the root cause.

With great-smelling shampoos like Apple Freshyour hair will smell great too (which it definitely won’t with vinegar!)

For those seeking a antidandruff clarifying detox shampoo, the Head & Shoulders Clarify & Shine Shampoo with apple cider vinegar offers an effective solution. It removes buildup while also keeping the hair nourished and dandruff-free*.

What Is a Clarifying Shampoo?

A clarifying shampoo is a deep cleansing one designed to remove excess oil, dirt, and residue from hair products. It is particularly effective for people with oily hair or those who frequently use styling products.

If you experience dandruff in your hair due to product buildup or excess oil, a clarifying shampoo can help. These are intended to remove impurities and restore scalp health.

CAN MOUTHWASH GET RID OF DANDRUFF?

It is claimed that alcohol in mouthwash – much like in antiseptic treatments – kills off the dandruff-causing microbe, Malessezia Globosa.

But despite being tried and tested by regulatory bodies around the world, it’s never been proven to work.

Strong alcohols can also have a negative effect on the scalp and cause redness. 

Instead, choose a shampoo that contains a proven, active ingredient in Piroctone Olamine.

If you want a fresh, minty scent that lasts all day, try our Menthol Fresh Shampoo for great-smelling, beautiful-looking and flake-free hair.

Explore more natural remedies for dandruff:

Coconut Oil
Lemon Juice
Olive Oil

*visible flakes, with regular use