How to remove white flakes from scalp?

Author: Aliya Williamson  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

6 Tips to Fight Flakes
  1. Wash your hair often. ...
  2. If lots of washes with a regular shampoo aren't working, try dandruff shampoo. ...
  3. When using dandruff shampoo, lather twice and let the lather sit for 5 minutes. ...
  4. Use a conditioner after a dandruff shampoo. ...
  5. Try not to scratch if flakes itch.

How do I permanently get rid of flakes on my scalp?

Combine equal amounts of coconut oil and lemon juice and massage the mixture on your scalp. Keep it for about 10-15 minutes and rinse your hair thoroughly. This will not only help you get rid of dandruff but also boost hair growth and nourishment.

Why are there white flakes in the scalp?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, noncontagious, easy-to-manage skin condition. This type of dermatitis causes itchy red patches and greasy scales on your skin along with white or yellow crusty or powdery flakes on your scalp. “Seborrheic” refers to the “sebaceous” glands while “derm” means “skin.”

How do I get rid of the white stuff on my scalp?

A person can often treat their scalp buildup at home by using a shampoo and conditioner most suitable for their hair. Avoiding certain products, keeping the hair clean and groomed, and moisturizing the scalp can also help. A person should talk to their doctor if they cannot get rid of the scalp buildup on their own.

How do I Decalcify my scalp?

Scalp massage is a simple and effective way to encourage circulation and loosen buildup. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar can also help remove buildup and restore your scalp's pH balance. If you prefer a more intensive exfoliation, you can try a scalp scrub or chemical exfoliant.

Why your scalp is flaky and HOW to FIX it

When I scratch my head, my nails are filled with white stuff.?

Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells. It's hard for shampoo alone to wash away your oily scalp issues. And issues like stress and weather can increase the scalp's sebum production, making you even oilier.

Why do I still have flakes after washing my hair?

An overgrowth of Malassezia is the most common cause of persistent dandruff. Malassezia feeds on sebum and dead skin cells, leading to an accelerated skin cell turnover. Factors like humidity, temperature, and personal hygiene can influence the growth of Malassezia, contributing to dandruff.

How to exfoliate the scalp?

Here's how the hair experts get their scrub on:
  1. Choose a quality scalp scrub like our Nexxus Clean and Pure Exfoliating Scalp Scrub.
  2. Wet your hair thoroughly.
  3. Apply your scrub directly onto your hair.
  4. Massage your scalp by moving your fingertips in gentle circular motions to spread the scrub.

What shampoo is good for flaky scalp?

Pyrithione zinc shampoos (DermaZinc, Head & Shoulders, others). These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione. Tar-based shampoos (Neutrogena T/Gel, Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo, others). Coal tar slows how quickly skin cells on your scalp die and flake off.

Should I pick the flakes off my scalp?

It can be tempting to pick at scabs on the scalp if they are itchy or painful, but this can cause complications such as infections or skin damage.

Should you scratch dandruff before washing hair?

When you scrap away the skin on your scalp, you risk exposing it to infection and making your dandruff worse. If you feel the urge to scratch, use your time to the shower to gently massage your scalp instead. This will give you some relief and not disturb your scalp as much.

Which shampoo is most effective for dandruff?

Dandruff Top Brands
  • Dot & Key,
  • Plum,
  • Minimalist,
  • L'Oreal Paris,
  • L'Oreal Professionnel,
  • The Derma Co,
  • Wishcare,
  • Dove,

How often should I wash my hair if I have dandruff?

If you have fine or naturally straight hair, or an oily scalp, wash your hair often. For example, you may need to shampoo daily and use your dandruff shampoo twice a week. If you have coarse or naturally curly or coily hair, wash your hair when needed, and use your dandruff shampoo about once a week, if tolerated.

What is the best oil for flaky scalp?

Argan oil –

This oil, that comes from the Argan tree fruit, is probably the best oil for dry scalp and dandruff. It creates a protective layer on your scalp and prevents moisture loss from the head. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can sooth the itching.

What is the home remedy for dry flakes on scalp?

Home Treatments for Dandruff
  1. Apple cider vinegar. Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. ...
  2. Aspirin. Crush two aspirin and mix them with your shampoo, then shampoo your hair. ...
  3. Baking soda. Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. ...
  4. Lemon juice.

How do I deep clean my scalp?

To ensure that your scalp is thoroughly cleansed and free of all buildup, massage a clarifying or exfoliating shampoo into the skin with your fingertips. Be sure to focus on the scalp, rather than the hair itself. Rinse thoroughly and repeat, then follow up with your favorite conditioner.

What is the best DIY scalp exfoliator?

Clarifying DIY Scalp Scrub
  • 2 tablespoons of natural sugar.
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
  • A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 teaspoon of honey.
  • 3 drops of rosemary essential oil.

Does apple cider vinegar exfoliate the scalp?

It is the ultimate way to clean and restore scalp and hair follicle health, naturally. Pink Himalayan Sea Salt and Apple Cider Vinegar help physically and chemically exfoliate to remove dead skin, dandruff and product residue without disturbing the pH level of the scalp.

When I scratch my scalp, white stuff comes off.?

Dry dandruff is made up of small, white flakes that can easily fall off the scalp. It is usually caused by a dry scalp. Wet dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by excess oil in the hair. The yellow flakes of wet dandruff are much larger and can become sticky, causing them to clump together and cling to your hair.

What is a good scalp scrub?

Our top pick is Briogeo, a clarifying shampoo and scalp-scrub combo treatment that our testers said banished itchy symptoms and flakes for days on end.

How to moisturize a dry scalp?

Here are some common ways to treat a dry scalp:
  1. Moisturising shampoo.
  2. Exfoliating scalp masks.
  3. Post-shower hair tonic.
  4. Coconut oil.
  5. Essential oils like tea tree and jojoba.
  6. Aloe vera gel or aloe vera-based products.
  7. Home remedies such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar.

How to get rid of white buildup on scalp?

A regular exfoliation will help lift away build up. Try using a pre-wash scalp brush, and your fingertips (but not your nails) to massage in your shampoo. This will further help to physically remove any lingering build up. A clarifying shampoo two or three times a month can work wonders.

How can I get rid of a flaky scalp?

Try to work some of these tips into your routine:
  1. Switch to a gentle, moisturizing shampoo.
  2. Wash your hair less frequently.
  3. Manage your stress.
  4. Drink more water.
  5. Quit smoking.
  6. Add more moisture to your home with a humidifier.

How to remove dead skin from scalp naturally?

How to Get Dead Skin Off Your Scalp
  1. Proper Cleansing Techniques.
  2. Use a Soft Bristle Brush.
  3. Oil Your Scalp.
  4. Use a Honey-Infused Scalp Treatment.
  5. Give Yourself a Scalp Massage.
  6. Try an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse.

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