10 Best Homemade Hair Masks for Dandruff Hair 

Dealing with dandruff can be frustrating. Those white flakes appearing on your shoulders, especially when you wear dark clothes, can be quite embarrassing. But the real issue isn’t just the flakes—it’s the itchiness, the dryness, and the constant irritation that comes with it. The reason behind dandruff is often inflammatory skin disease like seborrheic dermatitis, which leads to flakiness, shedding of dead skin cells, and sometimes even redness. Cold winter months tend to make it worse, leaving the scalp even drier.

This is why using a homemade hair mask for dandruff is one of the best solutions. Unlike strong shampoos and harsh treatments, which can strip your scalp of natural oils, nourishing masks made from simple kitchen ingredients work gently to balance sebum production and promote a healthier scalp.

Instead of turning to chemicals that may be harmful to your tresses, opting for a natural solution like a homemade hair mask for dandruff can be a game-changer. These masks help eliminate dandruff, soothe itching, and prevent further damage while keeping your hair soft and conditioned. Many of these remedies are fragrance-free and free from artificial treatments, making them a safer, long-term solution for your hair.

With millions struggling with this condition worldwide, the best approach is to switch to an anti-dandruff mask that doesn’t just fix the problem temporarily but provides additional benefits like nourishing the scalp and encouraging hair growth. We have compiled a list of the top 10 hair masks to help you get rid of a flaky scalp. Keep reading to learn more about the DIY hair masks for combating dandruff.

What causes dandruff?

Understanding the root cause of dandruff is the first step toward finding an effective solution. Various factors contribute to this issue, affecting individuals differently. Below are some of the common causes:

• Yeast Overgrowth: A naturally occurring fungus called pityrosporum orbiculare feeds on skin oils, leading to an oily scalp and excessive flaking.
• Dry Skin: Those with dry skin are more prone to dandruff, as the lack of moisture causes the scalp to shed more flakes than usual.
• Excessive Shampooing or Lack of It: Washing too often can strip away natural oils, while not enough shampooing leads to a buildup of oils, creating a perfect environment for fungus to grow.
• Stress & Weakened Immune System: Severe stress weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to deal with flare-ups, worsening the skin condition.
• Poor Diet: A balanced diet is essential, as certain food items can aggravate skin conditions, leading to persistent dandruff.
• Hair Products & Styling: Excessive use of hair sprays, styling gels, and mousses can worsen symptoms by providing lipids for yeast to survive and grow.
• Skin Conditions: People with eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis are at a higher risk of developing dandruff.
• Neurological Conditions: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological illnesses are more susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis and related scalp issues.
• Unclean Scalp: An unclean scalp with too much oil attracts fungus, leading to irritation, itching, and excessive flaking.

10 Homemade Hair Mask For Dandruff Hair

Below are 10 homemade hair masks for dry scalp you can try to add moisture to your hair and scalp.

1. Yoghurt, Lemon, and Honey Hair Mask

When dealing with dandruff, a homemade hair mask for dandruff can work wonders. The mixture of combining yoghurt, lemon juice, and honey creates an effective remedy that soothes the scalp and restores hair health. Lemon juice is packed with citric acid, which balances the scalp’s pH levels, helping to control flakiness. Yoghurt, being rich in probiotics, works to repair damage and supports a healthy scalp environment, reducing the growth of dandruff-causing fungi. Meanwhile, honey is a powerful moisturizer that prevents dryness and itchiness, ensuring the scalp remains hydrated.

How to make: 

• To create this simple mask, mix 1 cup of yoghurt 
• 2 tablespoons of honey 
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth. 

How to apply:

Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair, focusing on the roots. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with a sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm water. For the best results, use this mask twice a week to maintain a dandruff-free, nourished scalp.

2. Green Tea and Peppermint Essential Oil Hair Pack

A natural remedy for dandruff, this hair pack combines the power of green tea and peppermint oil to cleanse the scalp and restore its balance. The antifungal properties of green tea help fight Malassezia fungus, which is often the cause of dandruff. In addition, peppermint oil provides a cooling effect, soothing itching, and reducing inflammation. 

This treatment not only helps in getting rid of dandruff but also improves the overall health of the scalp. The effects of this process have been tested in studies where bath therapy with green tea extract showed a significant reduction in skin symptoms related to atopic dermatitis. 

How to make:

• One cup of green tea,
• 1teaspoon of white vinegar, 
• A few drops of peppermint essential oil 

How to apply:

After washing your hair, pour the rinse along the length of your hair, massaging it into the scalp for a few minutes. Applying this rinse three times a week for four weeks can yield beneficial results. Using a mild, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner afterwards ensures the best outcome. If you’re struggling with persistent scalp issues, incorporating this natural treatment into your routine can help control oil production and maintain a healthy pH level

3. Hibiscus And Fenugreek Hair Pack

If you are struggling with dandruff, a natural hair pack made with hibiscus and fenugreek can be an effective remedy. Hibiscus leaves and the hibiscus flower is known for their anti-dandruff properties, while fenugreek is a powerful agent for hair growth and scalp conditions. These ingredients are packed with nutrients, including protein, nicotinic acid, and antioxidants, which help cleanse the scalp, remove impurities, and control hair fall and baldness. 

How to make:

• To prepare, soak fenugreek seeds overnight in water,
• Blend them with yoghurt and olive oil to form a smooth paste.

How to apply:

Apply it to the roots and affected areas, let it dry, and wash it off with lukewarm water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo. The polyherbal nature of this treatment provides soothing relief from flaking, inflammation, and irritation, making it a great natural alternative to harsh chemicals. Studies have tested its potential benefits, proving its efficiency in treating scalp health issues like seborrheic dermatitis. The combination of essential herbal extracts works as a conditioning, nourishing, and safer solution for a healthier scalp.

4. Coconut Oil Therapy

One of the best natural ways to treat dandruff and improve scalp health is using coconut oil therapy as part of a routine. This traditional and trusted method deeply nourishes the hair shaft, helping to repair and restore damaged strands while also preventing dryness. Thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, coconut oil effectively fights flakes, itching, and inflammation, making it a powerful yet gentle solution for scalp concerns.

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, it helps rejuvenate and strengthen hair while improving its quality and preventing future flakes. The proven effectiveness of this alternative treatment lies in its ability to provide rapid healing with deep penetration, making it an essential choice for those seeking an effective and natural way to maintain scalp health and boost hair growth.

How to use: To use, warm a few tablespoons of oil and massage it into the scalp and along the length of your hair with your fingertips for deep absorption. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing with a mild shampoo or sulfate-free shampoo. Regular use, ideally twice a week, ensures hydration, moisture, and lasting protection against underlying causes of dandruff. 

5. Avocado Hair Mask for Scalp Health

Using an avocado hair pack is a natural way to fight dandruff while adding hydration and nourishment to your hair. Packed with antioxidants, this effective remedy helps repair dryness and strengthens the scalp to prevent flaking. 

How to make:

• Simply mash a ripe avocado in a bowl until smooth
• Mix in honey and olive oil to create a uniform paste. 

This combination not only restores luster and leaves hair soft and shiny, but also deeply soothes and conditions. 

How to apply:

Apply the mask from the roots to the tips, ensuring it is entirely covered, and let it sit for the recommended processing time. After waiting, gently wash with a mild sulfate-free shampoo to maintain scalp health. When used once a week, this proven method can become an essential part of your hair care routine, providing long-lasting protection and promoting a traditional yet alternative solution for scalp conditions.

6. Honey, Lemon, and Banana Hair Mask

Using bananas in a hair pack is a great way to nourish dry and dull hair while also treating dandruff. This natural mask deeply conditions the scalp and makes hair soft and stronger. The lemon juice works to balance pH levels, helping to clear dandruff and maintain scalp health. Olive oil and honey add hydration, making this an effective treatment. This nutritious mask also works as a protein treatment, helping to plump strands, improve fullness, and strengthen fine hair. The amino acid content makes it an ideal smoothie for hair repair.

How to make:

• Mash two ripe bananas, 
• Add one tablespoon of lemon juice, 
• One tablespoon of honey, 
• And one tablespoon of olive oil.

How to apply :

Mix everything into a paste and apply it to your hair. Let it sit for half an hour, then wash it off using a mild shampoo. Recommended by a trichologist, this treatment gives immediate results that last until your next shampoo.

7. Aloe Vera Scalp Therapy

Using aloe vera is a natural way to soothe the scalp while nourishing the hair from root to tip. It contains fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes that help regulate oil production and prevent dandruff. Its antifungal properties make it effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis, a condition known for causing stubborn flakes and irritation.

How to use: To make a powerful mask, mix pure aloe vera gel with olive oil and a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Gently massage this blend onto the affected areas, ensuring the follicles absorb the nutrients. Leave it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow deep penetration. The soothing and cooling effects help reduce itching, inflammation, and discomfort while promoting healing. Rinse with lukewarm running water and wash with a mild cleanser. For best results, apply this treatment 2-3 times a week to keep your scalp moisturized and healthy.

8. Egg Yolk and Olive Oil Hair Pack

Egg yolk and olive hair pack is the best homemade hair mask for dandruff, can work wonders. The richness of vitamin A in eggs keeps hair soft and shiny, while olive oil deeply conditions and promotes scalp health. 

How to make:

• To make this pack, simply take two egg yolks.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 

Whisk the mixture in a bowl until smooth, creating a uniform paste. This mask not only enhances shine but also helps maintain a healthy scalp while fighting dandruff.

How to apply:

To use, apply the mask from root to tip, ensuring the strands and scalp are covered entirely. Massage gently and leave it on for an hour to allow deep nourishment. After waiting, wash it off with a mild shampoo or a sulfate-free shampoo to keep moisture intact. Finally, rinse with cool or lukewarm water to seal in the hydration. This simple yet powerful remedy keeps your mane healthy and helps to fight against dryness while improving texture from tip to root.

9. Egg and Yogurt Hair Mask

If you’re struggling with dandruff and dryness, this homemade hair mask for dandruff is the perfect remedy to restore your scalp’s health. A combination of egg and yoghurt provides deep nourishment while making your hair soft and manageable. The lactic acid bacteria in yoghurt have an antifungal effect, helping to cleanse dirt and remove dead skin cells from the scalp. Meanwhile, the proteins, biotin, and sulfur in the egg strengthen the mane, reducing breakage and keeping the hair strong. To further enhance its benefits, olive oil adds shine, while lemon juice helps balance oil production and refresh the scalp.

How to make:

• An egg
• Two tablespoons of olive oil
• One tablespoon of lemon juice, 
• One cup of yoghurt

Mix in a bowl until you get a consistent mixture.

How to apply:

 Apply this hair pack, starting at the roots and working your way down to the tips, ensuring the strands are entirely covered. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off using a mild shampoo. Always rinse with cool water instead of hot or warm water. Using this mask once a week will keep your scalp clean, hydrated, and free from dandruff while maintaining strong, shiny hair.

10. Neem and Olive Oil Hair Mask

A remedy that works wonders for dandruff is using neem and olive oil, both known for their ability to promote a healthy scalp. While neem is rich in antifungal and antibacterial properties, helping to fight flakes and irritation, olive oil deeply moisturises the scalp, reducing dryness and flakiness. 

How to make: To prepare this mask, take a handful of neem leaves and boil them in water to form a smooth paste. Once cooled, mix the paste with two tablespoons of olive oil to create a nourishing mixture. 

How to apply:

Applying this solution to the affected areas while gently massaging ensures deep penetration into the scalp.

Let the mask sit for about 20–30 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo.

Another remedy with neem oil: For an even more effective treatment, blend neem oil with olive oil in equal proportions in a bowl, apply the combined oils, and cover your hair with a towel or shower cap. Let it stay for a while before rinsing thoroughly to cleanse the scalp using a gentle shampoo. This simple yet powerful hair treatment helps treat and prevent dandruff, leaving your hair fresh and well-nourished.

Conclusion

Dealing with dandruff can be frustrating, especially when it leads to itching, irritation, and dryness. Instead of relying on commercial products with harsh chemicals, a homemade hair mask for dandruff can be a safe, natural, and cost-effective solution. Using ingredients like neem, olive oil, yoghurt, and aloe vera, these masks help soothe the scalp, reducing flakes, and nourishing the hair. Regular use ensures deep conditioning, maintaining a healthy scalp and stronger hair. Unlike store-bought treatments, a DIY solution targets dandruff at its root, enhancing overall hair health. If the issue persists despite proper hair care, consult a doctor, as it might indicate an underlying medical condition.

FAQ’s

1. What is the best homemade hair mask for dandruff?

A yoghurt, lemon, and honey hair mask is one of the best remedies for dandruff. It soothes the scalp, controls excess oil, and deeply nourishes hair while preventing flakiness.

2. What hair mask is good for dandruff?

A neem and olive oil hair mask is highly effective, as neem fights dandruff-causing bacteria, and olive oil deeply hydrates the scalp, reducing dryness and flakes.

3. How to make a neem hair mask for dandruff?

Boil neem leaves in water, blend them into a smooth paste, and mix with olive oil. Apply to the scalp, leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse with a mild shampoo.

4. Which oil kills dandruff?

Coconut oil is one of the best oils for dandruff as it has antifungal properties that combat flakes while moisturizing and soothing the scalp.

5. Does aloe vera remove dandruff?

Yes, aloe vera has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe itching, reduce flakiness, and maintain a healthy, balanced scalp.