Buzz
Dandruff is often not as noticeable as people commonly think, and a few quick prevention methods will make it even harder for others to spot. Typically, dandruff forms on the scalp in varying degrees, from light flakes to heavy, stubborn crusts attached to the skin. It affects people of all ages, but it mainly impacts men throughout their lives. Medically, dandruff results from seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis, and especially dandruff, are the results of chronic and recurring rashes on the surface of the scalp. There are various techniques and methods you can try to tackle this common issue.
Steps
Quickly Dealing with Dandruff
Brush dandruff from your hair using dry shampoo. Dry shampoo can cleanse and moisturize your scalp when used before going out. It is available at supermarkets or online stores in spray or powder form. To use it, spray the product onto your hair a few times or sprinkle a little powder onto your scalp. Then, brush your hair; this action will help you remove the dandruff flakes. Wash the comb after each use.
- You can also use talcum powder as a substitute, but it may turn dark or black hair gray or spotted.
Conceal the dandruff-prone areas by styling your hair. Identify the spots with the most dandruff on your scalp, then style your hair to cover these areas completely. Hair styling products can be helpful, but using them to make your hair messy can serve as a temporary fix.
- Covering the dandruff-prone areas won't actually treat the condition at its root, and it's important to remember that this is merely a cosmetic solution. The best way to eliminate dandruff is by treating the underlying causes.
Choose light-colored clothing. You can wear dresses, skirts, or tops in white, gray, or metallic shades. These colors will help make yellow or white dandruff flakes less noticeable.
- Clothing with patterns and designs can also help disguise the flakes.
Wear a hat or headscarf. Any type of cap, wide-brimmed hat, or headscarf can be used to cover the dandruff spots on your scalp. These items will also help minimize dandruff falling onto your clothes. Plus, others won’t be able to see any flakes on your hair.
Carry a lint roller with you. Keep a small lint roller in your bag whenever you head out. If you notice dandruff on your clothes, head to the bathroom and roll it off your outfit.
- If you're unable to roll it off the back of your shirt, ask a friend or loved one to help you.
Minimizing Dandruff in a Day
Apply warm mineral oil. Heat up a bowl of oil and massage it into your scalp. The oil will help moisturize your scalp and reduce dandruff. If you prefer using essential oils, tea tree oil with 5% concentration has been shown to be effective. Olive oil and pure peanut oil are also sometimes recommended, although their use is debated because they could potentially feed the fungi responsible for dandruff.
- Rumors about the harmful effects of mineral oil, such as its toxicity or ability to clog pores, are unfounded, as long as you use pure mineral oil sold as a skincare product. Products that claim to reduce dandruff are FDA-approved and cannot be sold on the market if they contain harmful substances.
- Heat the oil. Avoid making it too hot to use, and do not allow it to boil or produce smoke.
Leave the oil in your hair for a few hours. While this treatment can reduce heavy dandruff more quickly than regular dandruff shampoos, it's best to leave the oil in your hair for a few hours to enhance its effectiveness. A shower cap can be quite helpful in keeping your hair clean during this process.
Shampoo with a mild cleanser. Simply using water won’t effectively remove the oil from your hair. Instead, you should wash your hair several times with shampoo. If this method doesn't fully remove the oil, leave the conditioner in your hair for 10 minutes before rinsing. A small amount of dish soap can also be used as a last resort, but it may damage your hair or leave it feeling dry and brittle.
- Tar-based shampoos can also be quite effective, helping you remove even more dandruff flakes, though some people find their smell unpleasant, and they can sometimes leave stains.
Use an overnight treatment. Many long-term scalp treatments using oils and shampoos are highly effective in reducing dandruff when left in the hair for 8 hours, typically overnight. Look for dandruff shampoos containing tar and keratolytic agents. If you can't find a product with these ingredients or one that helps remove dead skin cells, opt for a product containing urea, salicylic acid, or sulfur.
- Make sure to purchase a shower cap that fits snugly before applying the product to your scalp if you plan to leave it on overnight.
Use Dandruff Shampoo
Choose a dandruff shampoo for mild cases. There are several ingredients that help treat dandruff. For mild dandruff that doesn't cause much irritation or itching, opt for a shampoo containing salicylic acid or urea, which can break down dead skin cells. However, as they can dry out the scalp and worsen dandruff in some cases, it's best to pair them with a moisturizing conditioner to balance out the drying effects.
Yan Kandkhorov
Hairstylist
Hairstylist
Look for a sulfate-free dandruff shampoo to treat mild dandruff. Many dandruff shampoos contain sulfates, which are strong dandruff fighters. However, you can find sulfate-free options with ingredients like salicylic acid to treat dandruff, such as the R+Co Crown shampoo.
Find a shampoo for severe dandruff. If your dandruff flakes are thick, white, and concentrated on your scalp (whether on the scalp alone or extending to your hair), the issue may be caused by a yeast called malassezia. Malassezia is a fungus that lives on the skin and is thought to contribute to dandruff in some individuals. It also interacts with the immune system. In severe cases, look for a shampoo containing ketoconazole (at least 1%) or ciclopirox. Selenium sulfide (at least 1%) is also quite effective, but many users dislike the oily residue it leaves on the scalp.
- Your doctor may prescribe stronger shampoos than those available over-the-counter, including antifungal shampoos containing 2% ketoconazole. This is often prescribed in foam or shampoo form, to be used twice a week to alleviate the dandruff symptoms. Afterward, you may be instructed to reduce the frequency to once a week or every other week. You may also be prescribed a shampoo containing 1% ciclopirox, typically used twice a week.
- If you have coarse, thick hair that easily becomes dry from frequent washing, you might consider topical steroid creams like fluocinolone acetonide as an alternative. These can be applied to dry hair, much like styling wax.
Use dandruff shampoo. To use, wet your hair, then gently massage the dandruff shampoo into your scalp. Leave it on for 5–10 minutes before rinsing. You should use the dandruff shampoo once daily until flaking, itching, and inflammation subside.
- If the dandruff doesn't improve after a few days of using dandruff shampoo, you should switch to a product with a different active ingredient. Since dandruff is often caused by yeast, antifungal shampoos may help target the root cause.
- Many people notice results when they alternate between two different shampoos, using a different one each time they wash their hair.
Reduce the frequency of hair washing once the condition improves. Once you notice significant improvement, it is advisable to wash your hair only 2-3 times a week, or even less if the dandruff is at a manageable level. After the severe dandruff flakes have been eliminated, there is no need to continue washing your hair daily.
- If you're using a strong medicated shampoo or multiple treatments, consider reducing the frequency of hair washing or discontinuing the product completely after two weeks. Otherwise, harmful side effects may arise.
Long-Term Dandruff Control
Stop using hair care products. If your dandruff is thin, translucent, and only appears on your hair without affecting the scalp, it might be a reaction to hair styling products. Check if the products you're using contain Paraphenylenediamine, which is known to cause dandruff. Also, be cautious of harsh chemicals or alcohol in hair dyes. Dandruff can also result from using too many different products.
- You can address this by eliminating or changing the hair styling products and washing your hair more frequently.
- If you're unsure which product is the culprit, try eliminating them one by one until you identify the problem.
Wash your hair more often. Seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes scalp irritation and oil production, can worsen due to the oils secreted from your hair and pores. Regular hair washing will help remove irritants and prevent dandruff.
- Even quickly washing and rinsing your hair before going out can work wonders for your dandruff.
Increase sun exposure. Allowing your scalp to get moderate sunlight can be very beneficial. Ultraviolet rays will help reduce dandruff flakes on your scalp. However, too much sun exposure can harm your skin, so avoid prolonged sun exposure. Instead, remember to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors and spend a little time allowing your scalp to "sunbathe."
Discuss treatment options with your doctor. If you're dissatisfied with the condition of your dandruff after a few weeks of self-treatment, it's time to consult a doctor. Dandruff rarely causes other health problems, but if you wish to eliminate it for personal reasons, your doctor can prescribe stronger medications. They may also recommend steroid treatments to reduce inflammation and itching.
- In severe cases, your doctor may suggest isotretinoin, though this medication can have severe side effects, so it should only be used as a last resort.
Advice
- If medical treatments don't work, consider exploring some home remedies using ingredients found in your kitchen. Although scientific studies haven't validated their effectiveness, many people report success with these methods. If your scalp becomes drier, itchier, or more irritated, stop using them immediately.
- Always follow the prescribed instructions for any medications. Overuse or prolonged use of medication can lead to unwanted side effects.
