Advanced Hair Clinic

Effective ways to get rid of dandruff: THE EXPERT’S GUIDE

Wondering how to get rid of dandruff? Read on for an expert’s tips and tricks for banishing dandruff.

Dandruff comes in the form of annoying white flakes, which fall from your head like fresh snow, covering everything in its vicinity. In medical terms, it’s known as seborrhea

What is Dandruff ?

Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It isn’t contagious or serious. But it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. Mild problem can be treated with a gentle daily shampoo.

Cause of Dandruff

Dandruff may have several causes, including:

  • Irritated, oily skin
  • Not shampooing enough
  • A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults
  • Dry skin
  • Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
  • Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema

Can you prevent dandruff before it happens?

Best way to help prevent dandruff is to be proactive about the health of your scalp. As soon as you notice any signs of flaking, itching, or irritation on your scalp, it’s time to change your hair care routine. 

First, when trying to decide how often you should shampoo and condition your hair, pay attention to the way your scalp and hair feels. If you experience scalp discomfort and irritation just two to three days after your wash day, that’s a good indicator that you should wash and condition your locks every two to three days. Meanwhile, if your scalp doesn’t start to feel the slightest bit of irritation until day six or seven, you’re probably okay to shampoo and condition once a week.

Second, regarding elements outside of your control—such as a change in weather. If you know your hair becomes dry in the colder months, make some time in your hair care routine for intensive treatments.

Finally, it’s important to take care of your general health. Your scalp doesn’t just react to the things that affect it externally. If you’re stressed out or not feeling well, it’s possible your scalp might react negatively

Get Rid of Dandruff - Medical Treatment

The itching and flaking of dandruff can almost always be controlled. For mild dandruff, first try daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn’t help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. You may need to try more than one shampoo to find the hair care routine that works for you. And you’ll likely need repeated or long-term treatment.

If you develop itching, stinging, redness or burning from any product, stop using it. If you develop an allergic reaction — such as a rash, hives or difficulty breathing — seek immediate medical attention.

Dandruff shampoos are classified according to the medication they contain:

  • Pyrithione zinc shampoos . These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione.
  • Tar-based shampoos . Coal tar slows how quickly skin cells on your scalp die and flake off. If you have light-colored hair, this type of shampoo may cause discoloration. It can also make the scalp more sensitive to sunlight.
  • Shampoos containing salicylic acid . These products help eliminate scale.
  • Selenium sulfide shampoos . These contain an antifungal agent. Use these products as directed and rinse well after shampooing, as they can discolor the hair and scalp.
  • Ketoconazole shampoos . This shampoo is intended to kill dandruff-causing fungi that live on your scalp. It’s available over-the-counter or by prescription.

Get Rid of Dandruff - Home Remedies

  • Coconut oil. Start by rubbing 3 to 5 teaspoons of this into your scalp, then wait an hour and shampoo your hair.
  • Aloe vera. Rub a bit into your scalp  just before you shampoo your hair.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. Leave it in for at least 15 minutes, then rinse your scalp well.
  • Aspirin. Crush two aspirin and mix them with your shampoo, then shampoo your hair. Let it sit for 2 minutes then rinse it out.
  • Baking soda. Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out.
  • Lemon juice. Rub 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into your scalp, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse. Follow that by mixing another teaspoon of lemon juice mixed with 1 cup of water and pouring it over your scalp.
  • Olive oil. Rub several drops of olive oil into your scalp, cover your hair with a shower cap, then sleep on it. In the morning, shampoo your hair. 

LifeStyle Changes

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing dandruff or to control it:

  • Learn to manage stress. Stress affects your overall health, making you susceptible to a number of conditions and diseases. It can even help trigger dandruff or worsen existing symptoms.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A diet that provides enough zinc, B vitamins and certain types of fats may help prevent dandruff.
  • Shampoo often. If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing may help prevent dandruff. Gently massage your scalp to loosen flakes. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Get a little sun. Sunlight may be good for controlling dandruff. But because exposure to ultraviolet light damages your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer, don’t sunbathe. Instead, just spend a little time outdoors. And be sure to wear sunscreen on your face and body.
  • Limit hair styling products. Hair styling products can build up on your hair and scalp, making them oilier.

F A Q

The fastest way to get rid of dandruff is by using shampoo regularly contains Zinc Pyrithione which helps fight the dandruff causing germ – Malassezia Globosa. For an extreme condition like Seborrheic dermatitis, one should visit a dermatologist who will help you understand the cause and ways to treat it.

Many experts believe stress can trigger a flare up. When you relax, your scalp will, too. Look for ways to relax and destress. A few minutes of meditation in the morning or a cup of green tea in the afternoon may be all you need to reduce stress.

Caused by the reaction of an individual’s scalp to the fungus Malassezia globosa, and this reaction may differ from person to person, and therefore this condition is not contagious. 

It is not directly responsible for hair fall, but it does cause severe itchiness which could lead to a person scratching their head repeatedly, and damaging hair follicles. This could lead to hair fall. Repeated inflammation of the scalp could also result in damage to the hair follicles, which could lead to slowing or stopping of hair growth.

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Dr Bhavesh