How to Get Rid of Dandruff Without Shampoo? (Home Remedies)


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How to Get Rid of Dandruff Without Shampoo?

Dandruff can be irritating, annoying, and just plain bothersome. It can also be embarrassing when you have white flakes of dead skin falling from your head all the time. If you have dandruff, you’ve probably tried many different brands of shampoo to help get rid of it. But what if you’re tired of using shampoos that don’t work or that make your hair feel greasy?

Depending on how severe your dandruff is, you might be able to get rid of it without using shampoo. Sometimes getting rid of dandruff is as simple as brushing and washing your hair on regular basis.

However, you will need to use other methods if your dandruff is on the flakier side. Some of the popular methods to get rid of dandruff without shampoo include:

  1. Using baking soda.
  2. Eating diets rich in zinc, good fats, and vitamin B.
  3. Using coconut oil.
  4. Using essential oils, e.g. tea tree, neem, jojoba, etc.
  5. Giving your hair a deep moisturizing treatment, e.g. hot oil mask.
  6. Using cider vinegar, and more.

Let’s look at some of these non-shampoo ways of getting rid of dandruff…


How to Get Rid of Dandruff with Home Remedies?

There are a number of different home remedies you can use to get rid of dandruff. Lemon juice, white vinegar, and apple cider vinegar are some of the popular options. After using any home remedy, it is recommended that you give your hair a deep rinse as it will help with smoothness, shine, and a healthier scalp.

Create a rinse solution using:

  • 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.
  • 2-3 drops of peppermint oil.
  • 1 cup of green tea (freshly-brewed but not hot).

Create a solution by mixing all of these ingredients. Then massage your scalp with it for about 5 minutes. Finally, wash your hair with fresh water.

Green tea and peppermint oil contain antioxidants and antimicrobial agents that fight harmful bacteria and replenish the scalp, while white vinegar helps prevent dry skin. Apple cider vinegar washes away dead skin cells and soothes the scalp.


Does Lemon Remove Dandruff?

Yes. Lemon juice is in fact one of the easiest ways to get rid of dandruff. Fresh lemon juice contains citric acid that helps break down the fungus causing dandruff.

Not to mention there are no harsh chemicals in it, so it is safe to use. The method to use lemon juice to get rid of dandruff is quite straightforward.

Follow these instructions:

  1. Start by massaging your scalp with two tablespoons of lemon juice and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
  2. Then mix one teaspoon of lemon juice with a cup of water and rinse your hair with this mixture.
  3. For best results, do this before taking your daily shower.

How to Get Rid of Dandruff Without Washing Hair?

Many methods exist to get rid of dandruff without washing hair. The most common long-term solutions include the following:

  • Zinc-Rich Foods: Zinc plays a key role in regulating sebum release. Sebum is the skin oil that protects our scalp and hair. If your dandruff is caused by excessive sebum, then it is highly recommended that you include zinc-rich foods in your diet.
  • Allicin: Commonly found in garlic, this is another compound that you should include in your diet. It has great antifungal qualities and it has proven to be helpful for anyone struggling with dry scalp and dandruff.
  • Dry Dandruff Shampoo: Dry dandruff shampoos, as the name suggests, don’t require you to wash your hair. It’s not the fastest solution to getting rid of dandruff, but you can expect to see good results within a month if you choose an appropriate shampoo.

Can Dandruff Clear Up On its Own?

No. An important thing to note is that dandruff cannot be cured. You can only manage its symptoms over the long run. The most common dandruff is chronic. And since the root cause of dandruff is usually beyond our control, you cannot use the wait-and-see approach to deal with it.

It will not clear up on its own. The only thing you can expect is its symptoms fluctuating from time to time. For instance, dry skin and stress caused by cold weather can cause flare-ups.

Even with occasional relief, dandruff will not go away on its own. You will need to treat it to manage its symptoms like flakiness, itching, etc.


Should I Oil My Hair if I Have Dandruff?

Dandruff is commonly caused by excessive sebum production. That’s why it is not recommended to oil your hair to treat its symptoms. Generally, putting any kind of oil on your hair without doing your homework about the cause of dandruff is not a good idea.

If you have dandruff, then it is highly recommended that you consult with a dermatologist. If it’s suggested to oil your hair, then only apply the oil to the shaft and not your scalp.

Also, don’t leave the oil on your scalp for a long period of time as it will likely increase fungus growth.


In summary, Dandruff is a common problem that affects both men and women. It is caused by oily scalp, which leads to the production of fungus called Malassezia. This fungus produces enzymes that can irritate the scalp and cause inflammation. The result of this inflammation is the excessive shedding of cells from the scalp.

The problem with dandruff is not just about how it looks; it can be very irritating and even lead to hair loss if left untreated.

Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter shampoos that can deal with dandruff. But they are not without side effects, such as dryness and irritation.

That’s why it might be worth trying one of the home remedies mentioned above to get rid of dandruff.

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