How to wash your hair properly if you have dandruff?

Author: Mr. Delaney Adams  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Get your hair a little damp, before applying anti-dandruff shampoo, get your hair a little wet with warm water, and then apply shampoo on your hair and massage it gently. Rinse your hair with cold water after applying the anti-dandruff shampoo on your hair, rinse it gently with cold water in a downward manner.

How to wash your hair to reduce dandruff?

Warm Water Rinse: Start by rinsing your hair and scalp with warm water. This helps to loosen the dandruff flakes and any oil buildup. Gentle Scrubbing: Use your fingertips to gently scrub your scalp while rinsing. Focus on areas where dandruff is most prominent. Avoid using your nails to prevent irritation.

Should you keep washing your hair if you 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.

Is it okay to comb out dandruff?

Yes, it is generally okay to comb out dandruff flakes from your hair. Combing can help remove loose flakes and improve the appearance of your scalp and hair. However, be gentle when doing so to avoid irritating your scalp.

Should I peel off my dandruff?

So that's that – as tempting as it might be to scrape your scalp until it's raw, just don't do it. If your dandruff's not that bad, treat it at home with a specialist shampoo (of which there are many). If it's so severe you want to scrape it all off for clicks, get yourself to a doctor post-haste.

Hair care routine every man should follow *Everyday*

Should I oil hair if I have dandruff?

Oiling your hair helps boost blood circulation to the scalp and nourishes your hair strands[2]. It also keeps your scalp moisturized as dandruff prone scalp is usually very dry. However, oils alone cannot combat dandruff. Some oils contain ingredients that can help fight the fungus which causes dandruff.

What kills dandruff permanently?

Dandruff Shampoos
  • Coal tar preparations. Brand names for this type include Denorex Therapeutic Protection, Neutrogena T/Gel, and Scytera. ...
  • Pyrithione zinc. This ingredient kills bacteria and fungus. ...
  • Salicylic acid and sulfur. ...
  • Salicylic acid. ...
  • Selenium sulfide. ...
  • Ketoconazole.

What is the main cause of dandruff?

Dandruff may have several causes, including: Irritated, oily skin. Dry skin. A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.

How do you scratch out dandruff?

Don't Scratch

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.

Should I use conditioner if I have dandruff?

If you're prone to dandruff, make sure to use an anti-dandruff conditioner as the final step in your wash routine. While products won't cause dandruff itself, they could make some scalp conditions worse. So try a few products out to see which ones work best for you.

How to moisturize scalp?

How To Moisturize Your Scalp
  1. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner can help replenish lost moisture and restore your scalp's natural balance.
  2. Apply a scalp treatment. ...
  3. Apply oils. ...
  4. Massage your scalp. ...
  5. Apply aloe vera. ...
  6. Exfoliate your scalp.

Is hot or cold water better for dandruff?

For a healthy scalp and hair care routine that will preserve natural oils and keep your hair hydrated, it's recommended to wash your hair with lukewarm water.

How often should dandruff hair be washed?

Washing Hair 3 Times A Week Can Treat Dandruff

That's because other shampoos and conditioners can remove the anti-dandruff actives left on your scalp, reducing their effectiveness. So keep using our anti-dandruff shampoo.

How to remove dandruff quickly?

For mild dandruff, first try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.

Does hot water cause dandruff?

Does Hot Water Cause Dandruff? Hot water itself doesn't cause dandruff, but it can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and potentially worsening dandruff symptoms. It's advisable to use lukewarm water when washing your hair to prevent excessive drying of the scalp.

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,

Which oil is best for dandruff?

Oils like tea tree oil, coconut oil, neem oil, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil can help to reduce dandruff by moisturizing and soothing the scalp, while also providing antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Do head and shoulders make dandruff worse?

Head & Shoulders is highly effective at controlling dandruff flaking, as has been proven in hundreds of clinical studies.

How to fix a very dry scalp?

Your dermatologist may also recommend:
  1. A medicated shampoo such as anthralin (Zithranol®).
  2. Scale softeners containing salicylic acid to help soften thick patches.
  3. Topical medications containing vitamin D such as calcipotriene (Dovonex Scalp®). ...
  4. Light therapy (phototherapy), which exposes your skin to ultraviolet light.

Does greasy hair make dandruff worse?

But when your scalp has excess oil, it provides fertile ground for this fungus to explode. This leads to red patchy skin, severe itching, and dead skin in the form of flakes. This is what we know as dandruff. If your hair and scalp is excessively oily and greasy, it is usually accompanied by oily scalp 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's the best anti-dandruff shampoo?

  • Best dandruff shampoo for sensitive scalps: Vanicream Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.
  • Best dandruff shampoo for curly and coily hair: As I Am Dry & Itchy Scalp Care Dandruff Shampoo.
  • Best dandruff shampoo for color-treated hair: Jupiter Balancing Shampoo.
  • Best for flaking: Head and Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo.

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