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Sure, dandruff is common, but it’s equally frustrating: the itch, the flakes, the worry about visible flakes on dark clothes, and of course, the massive hair fall.
The good news: most dandruff is manageable once you understand its causes and use targeted steps rather than random fixes.
It is important to deal with dandruff at the ‘root’ (no puns intended) to prevent it from coming back.
This guide explains what dandruff is, why it happens, evidence-backed home remedies, a simple 4-step routine to reduce flakes, and when to seek professional care.
Let’s go.
What Is Dandruff?
Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp, often accompanied by itching and visible white or yellowish flakes.
It’s a sign that the scalp’s natural cycle of cell turnover is accelerated or disrupted. This can happen because of dryness, excess oiliness with yeast overgrowth, inflammation, or an irritated scalp barrier.
Types Of Dandruff: Why Do They Occur?
There are a few types of dandruff that mostly determine their causes and remedies. Most dandruff falls into one of these categories:
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Seborrheic dermatitis: This is the most common type and cause, often characterised by oily, inflamed dandruff. Such dandruff is associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia (a yeast that naturally lives on our skin), but can also be caused by excess oil and inflammation. In such types, flakes tend to be larger, oily, and yellowish.
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Dry scalp: A rather harmless and easy-to-remove condition is dandruff caused by dry scalp. It is characterised by smaller, white flakes, often with tightness rather than oiliness. It is more common in winter, monsoons, and low-humidity conditions.
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Contact dermatitis and sensitivity: Sometimes use of the wrong products can end up inflaming your scalp. Such dandruff is usually caused by a reaction to hair products, fragrances, or preservatives, causing flaking and redness.
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Psoriasis or eczema: Probably the most severe of all, such dandruff is characterized by scaly, thicker plaques. It is best to take a medical diagnosis for such dandruff.
Identifying under which category your dandruff falls will help you pick the right remedy.
Causes of dandruff and itchy scalp
Here are some common causes of dandruff:
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Excess sebum (scalp oil): Probably why people with oily scalp get more dandruff, and you suffer from dandruff more in monsoon, humid climates
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Yeast imbalance (Malassezia)
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Dry, low-humidity environment
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Harsh shampoos, infrequent or over-washing can cause inflammation and reactions in your scalp.
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Heavy styling products and infrequent clarifying: Buildup or product residues can cause dandruff and infection.
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Stress and poor sleep
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Skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema)
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Hormonal changes
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Certain medications or health conditions
3 best home remedies for dandruff
You don’t always need to consult a dermatologist to get rid of dandruff. Easy home remedies can help. Below are some such remedies with practical notes that can help.
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Regular cleansing with an appropriate shampoo
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Why: Removes oil, sweat, and product buildup that feed yeasts and clog follicles.
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How: Use a gentle or medicated shampoo 2-3x per week, depending on oiliness.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Volcanic Minerals & 0.5% Salicylic Acid
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Tea tree oil
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Why: Tea tree oil has demonstrated antimicrobial and antifungal activity in studies and can reduce dandruff severity when used in low concentrations.
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How: Add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of carrier (like shampoo or coconut oil).
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Or use a shampoo infused with tea tree oil.
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Scalp Scrubbing
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Why: Scrubbing helps reduce the product buildup by reducing the chances of fungal infections or inflammation.
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How: Scrub your scalp once a week before shampooing. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that damages the barrier.
The 4-step hair care routine to get rid of dandruff
A simple hair care routine to get rid of dandruff
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Pre-treat: For heavy flakes or buildup, use an oil or anti-fungal pre-treatment 30-60 minutes before washing.
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Medicated or targeted shampoo: Use an evidence-backed anti-dandruff shampoo (salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or) 2-3 times a week, depending on severity. Leave on the scalp for 2-3 minutes before rinsing to let active ingredients work.
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Gentle conditioning: Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends only, avoiding the scalp to prevent product buildup.
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Maintenance: Opt for double cleansing: First wash with a dandruff shampoo, then with a softening, hydrating shampoo. If you have severe dandruff, wash twice with a dandruff shampoo.
When to see a dermatologist
If your dandruff doesn't get better even after weeks, it might be time to talk to an expert. Seek medical advice if you have:
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Severe, persistent dandruff despite Over-The-Counter treatments
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Intense redness, swelling, or pain on the scalp
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Hair loss in patches or sudden diffuse shedding
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Thick, yellow, or crusted plaques (may indicate more serious conditions)
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A dermatologist can distinguish seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections, or contact dermatitis and prescribe stronger topical or oral treatments.
Tips for preventing dandruff and an itchy scalp
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Shampoo regularly based on your scalp type; a dirty scalp is the fastest way to get dandruff.
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Avoid heavy, greasy styling products on the scalp.
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Rinse thoroughly to remove product residue.
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Manage stress and improve sleep; stress can worsen flaking.
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Keep a balanced diet rich in zinc, B vitamins, and omega-3s.
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During cold months, use humidifiers to prevent excessive scalp dryness.
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Rotate anti-dandruff actives if they lose effectiveness (e.g., alternate ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione formulations).
Which shampoo is best to control dandruff?
The choice of the shampoo would depend on your scalp pattern and the ingredients used:
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Oily, flaky scalp with visible oiliness: Use ingredients like Zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide shampoos.
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Flakiness with heavy buildup: Salicylic acid helps remove scales. Pair with conditioner to avoid dryness
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Dry, itchy, tight scalp: Use hydrating, gentle cleansers and occasional antifungal shampoos.
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Sensitive scalp: Low-irritant, fragrance-free formulations, and products with soothing actives like aloe and niacinamide.
FAQs
Is my dry scalp causing dandruff?
Yes, dry scalp can cause small white flakes. Gently cleanse it with a hydrating shampoo. Avoid aggressive scrubs.
Should I wash my hair less often because I have dandruff?
Not necessarily. Oily-type dandruff often improves with regular washing. Tailor frequency to your scalp’s oiliness.
Can I use styling products if I have dandruff?
Yes, you can. But use it sparingly and rinse thoroughly; accumulated products can worsen dandruff.
I have yellow flakes. Is that normal?
Yellow, greasy flakes often indicate oil-related dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis). You can see improvements in them with antifungal shampoos.
What is the best home remedy for dandruff?
There’s no single “best” universal home remedy for dandruff. Use tea tree oil-infused treatments, regular medicated shampoos, and scalp soothing ingredients for gentle dandruff removal.
How to get rid of dandruff overnight?
There is no overnight cure for dandruff. Short-term relief can come from an antifungal shampoo left on for a few minutes or a tea tree pre-treatment, but consistent use is required for control.
How can I reduce dandruff quickly?
Start with a medicated shampoo (zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole) used as directed. Add weekly scalp exfoliation to your routine and combine it with a soothing treatment.
Does oiling hair help with dandruff?
Not always, as it depends on a lot of factors. Oiling can help dry scalps but may worsen oily, yeast-driven dandruff. Use sparingly and shampoo thoroughly afterwards. Dandruff is manageable, but you need to carefully treat it. Identify whether your scalp is oily, dry, or irritated; choose targeted, proven actives. Seek medical help for severe or persistent cases.
