Tips

How to get rid of dandruff quickly and effectively

Posted on by Inna Morozova

Do you have a problem with dandruff – fine white flakes that keep falling from your scalp? Do not ignore it. Although it may seem like a minor issue, it is worth tackling with the right scalp care. In this guide we explain how to care for your hair and scalp when you have dandruff and which products are worth using.

What does dandruff look like? Types of dandruff

Getting rid of dandruff takes consistency and the right approach. Dandruff is a very common scalp condition that can result from dry skin, excess sebum production or the activity of Malassezia yeasts. Before you start treating it, check which type you have:

  • Dry dandruff – the mildest and most common form: small white flakes, sometimes with slight itching.
  • Oily dandruff – larger yellowish scales, accompanied by an oily scalp.

Note: several other skin conditions also have “pityriasis” (in Polish “łupież”) in their name – for example pityriasis versicolor, pityriasis rosea or pityriasis rubra pilaris. These are separate conditions that usually affect the skin of the body rather than causing ordinary scalp flaking, and they need to be diagnosed by a dermatologist.

How to get rid of dandruff effectively

Sometimes it does not take much to deal with dandruff. Here are methods that work when symptoms are mild.

Use the right anti-dandruff shampoo

Start with the right shampoo. Treating dry and oily dandruff can begin at home – a suitable shampoo will reduce flaking and itching. Look for a shampoo with the following ingredients:

  • Zinc pyrithione – antifungal and antibacterial.
  • Salicylic acid – exfoliates dead skin cells.
  • Ketoconazole – very effective against yeasts.
  • Selenium sulphide – reduces excessive flaking and has an antifungal effect.

Use the shampoo 2–3 times a week, leaving it on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing. If you are not sure which anti-dandruff shampoo to choose, you can ask our hairdressers for tips. If your scalp is dry, use gentle, moisturising shampoos between anti-dandruff washes. Overusing anti-dandruff products can make itching and irritation worse.

Home remedies for dandruff

Besides anti-dandruff shampoos, some home remedies may help soothe the scalp. Treat them as a supplement, not a replacement for treatment:

  • Apple cider vinegar – dilute it well with water (for example 1:3), massage into the scalp, leave for about 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Skip it if your scalp is irritated or broken.
  • Tea tree oil – add a few drops to your shampoo or mix with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp. Never apply it undiluted.
  • Aloe vera – the gel soothes and moisturises, which can help reduce flaking.

Fighting dandruff requires consistency – and do not overdo it with the number of products, as less is often more. If you are unsure about the cause of your dandruff, consult a dermatologist: home methods that help with dry or oily dandruff may not work for flaking with a different cause.

Dandruff as a scalp condition – what to avoid

Dandruff symptoms are often linked to unsuitable cosmetics or an unbalanced diet, and they should not be ignored. Once you are using the right shampoo and treatment, avoid things that can make dandruff come back:

  • cosmetics with drying alcohols that can dry out the scalp
  • excessive use of straighteners and hairdryers on hot settings
  • stress, which can make symptoms worse

Finally, remember a healthy diet: include nuts, fish, eggs, wholegrain products and vegetables and fruit rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.

Come to Haircut Express for a haircut

We do not offer dandruff treatments, but in our salons you will find professionals who will help you take care of how your hair looks. Haircut Express offers quick haircuts for men, women and children without an appointment. Find your nearest salon and check the prices.

FAQ

Dry or oily dandruff – how can I tell?

Dry dandruff: small, white flakes that fall easily, with a tight, itchy scalp. Oily dandruff: larger, yellowish scales stuck to the skin, and hair that gets greasy quickly. Each type needs a different shampoo.

Which dandruff shampoo really works?

One with zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulphide or – for oily dandruff – salicylic acid. Use it 2–3 times a week for about 4 weeks, leaving the lather on for 3–5 minutes, then once a week as prevention.

Is dandruff contagious?

No. Dandruff is an excessive skin reaction to Malassezia yeasts, which everyone has on their skin. It does not spread through a comb, a hat or a salon chair.

When should I see a doctor about dandruff?

If there is no improvement after 4–6 weeks of using an anti-dandruff shampoo, or if red, painful or oozing patches appear, or the flaking spreads to the face – it may be seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis.

Can I get a haircut if I have dandruff?

Yes, dandruff is not a reason to avoid a haircut. Shorter hair makes washing and using a medicated shampoo easier. At Haircut Express we cut hair without an appointment.

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Inna Morozova