How Can You Get Rid of Dandruff?

Tired of those flakes in your hair? Getting rid of them is simple.

You’re dressed and ready to head out the door when you notice them, lying annoyingly on your shoulder. Small flakes speckled around your shirt and a few more lurking in your hair. You dust off your shirt and give your hair a quick shake. And then you head out without thinking about it. Until you get to your destination and realize the flakes aren’t gone.

Did you get something in your hair? Maybe you didn’t rinse it out well enough in the shower. Whatever it is, those pesky flakes can leave you feeling frustrated.

Here’s what to know about dandruff and how to treat it.

What is dandruff?

“We don’t have a clear understanding of why dandruff happens, but it may be due to an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, which leads to a buildup of skin cells, which then flake off,” says Grace Kosik, MD, a dermatologist at Geisinger. When those cells fall off, they look like small flecks or dots.

Dandruff flakes can appear white, grey or yellow. You might notice them:

On your scalp
In your hair or eyebrow
On your shoulders
Around facial hair

Besides flakes, symptoms of dandruff include an itchy or burning scalp. And in infants, you may notice scales or crusts on the scalp.

What are the causes of dandruff?

“Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff can be brought on by many things,” Dr. Kosik says. While we may not always know the cause, common things that can worsen flakiness include:

Temperature changes

When the temperature drops, it can dry out your scalp. And when your scalp gets dry, it can get itchy, leading to flakes.

Yeast overgrowth

This yeast, known as Malassezia, feeds from the oils on your scalp. “It breaks down the oils leaving a substance known as oleic acid behind, which many people are sensitive to,” says Dr. Kosik.

Other skin conditions

Not every scale on the scalp is dandruff. Other conditions that can lead to scales forming on the scalp include eczema or psoriasis.

Both conditions can cause red, scaly patches on the scalp. Those patches can itch and burn. And they can flake when you scratch them.

Allergic reactions

Have you ever used a shampoo or hair care product that left you feeling the burn? “The scalp is sensitive and can react to substances, a condition known as contact dermatitis,” Dr. Kosik says. That reaction can lead to itching, burning and flaky skin.

Product build up

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Your beloved pomade or lifesaving dry shampoo might be able to turn a bad hair day into a good one. But it can also lead to pesky flakes.

Other things that can worsen dandruff include:

Stress
Hormonal changes
Diet
Washing your hair too often or not enough

Say goodbye to your flakes

Dandruff is frustrating. But you don’t have to live with it. Try these easy remedies and say farewell to flakes.

Home remedies

For an easy, low-cost way to get rid of flakes, start with a few solutions you have at home, like:

Apple cider vinegar: Mix ¼ cup apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup water and pour over your scalp. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse well.
Lemon juice: Apply 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse well. This helps to rebalance your scalp’s Ph.
Baking soda: Apply a small amount of baking soda to wet hair. After a few minutes, rinse out.

Anti-dandruff shampoo

Another common dandruff cure? Anti-dandruff shampoo. Find it at most stores and online retailers. However, not all dandruff shampoos are created equal. Different shampoos contain unique ingredients that work differently to treat dandruff. To keep flakes at bay, look for shampoos that contain these ingredients:

Salicylic acid
Coal tar
Pyrithione zinc
Selenium sulfide
Antifungals like Ketoconazole

Depending on the cause of your dandruff, you may need to try a few different shampoos before you find the right one.

“If you still have dandruff after using anti-dandruff shampoo, or if it’s not getting better, contact your healthcare provider,” Dr. Kosik says.

Medications

If other methods aren’t working, your healthcare provider may recommend a prescription medication to help relieve your dandruff.

Stay flake free

For most people, dandruff goes away on its own. If yours hasn’t, talk to your healthcare provider. They can recommend a treatment plan that gets rid of your flakes and helps you feel your best.