What is the best treatment for dandruff?

Author: Dr. Rubye Huel III  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Regular washing of the scalp with a medicated shampoo may be all that is required to relieve itching scalp. The most common anti-dandruff shampoos contain one or more of: zinc pyrithione or zinc omadine. selenium sulphide.

How do you permanently get rid of dandruff?

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing dandruff or to control it:
  1. Learn to manage stress. ...
  2. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  3. Develop a hair and scalp care routine that suits you. ...
  4. Get a little sun. ...
  5. Limit hair-styling products.

What is the most effective dandruff treatment?

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 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.

Dermatologist Explains Dandruff: What Causes it & Best Dandruff Treatments! | Dr. Sam Ellis

What makes dandruff worse?

Dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly. Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.

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.

Which vitamin deficiency causes dandruff?

Vitamins D, B2, B3, B6, B7 are usually associated with a flaky scalp. A deficiency of these vitamins can directly impact the immune system and increase the risk of inflammation. Vitamin B and Zinc also play an integral role in boosting your immune system to counter dandruff like ailments.

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.

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.

How do you get rid of 100% dandruff?

However, people can also help eliminate dandruff at home using the natural remedies below.
  1. Tea tree oil. Share on Pinterest A person should dilute tea tree oil before use. ...
  2. Lemongrass oil. ...
  3. Aloe vera gel. ...
  4. Omega-3 fatty acids. ...
  5. Aspirin. ...
  6. Baking soda. ...
  7. Zinc. ...
  8. Coconut oil.

What is America's #1 dandruff shampoo?

Head & Shoulders 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner Classic Clean. 3 action formula. Pyrithione zinc. America's #1 dandruff shampoo**.

Which is the No 1 anti dandruff shampoo in the world?

Our top picks for dandruff shampoos in 2025:
  • Best Dandruff Shampoo Overall. Jupiter Balancing Shampoo. Read more.
  • Best Smelling Dandruff Shampoo. Biolage Scalp Sync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Read more.
  • Best Dandruff Shampoo for Type-4 Hair. As I Am Dry and Itchy Shampoo. Read more.

Should you comb out dandruff?

You might clear out some of the flakes which are on top and displace some of the dead skin cells. But unless you attack the underlying cause of dandruff, your body will just keep creating more flakes. So you're going to keep using a dandruff removal comb, and never actually remove dandruff from your life.

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.

What is the root cause of dandruff?

You have dry skin.

Dry skin is one of the most common causes of dandruff. And unfortunately, if this is the root of your dandruff, you might see it get worse this time of year. “If dry skin is causing your dandruff, it's easier to tell as other places of your body are most likely dry as well,” Dr. Kwon says.

What is the best oil for dry scalp and dandruff?

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.

How to tell if dandruff is fungal?

Unlike true dandruff flakes, however, the flakes associated with dry scalp tend to be smaller and whiter. Dandruff flakes are larger and may be yellow-tinged or look oily. While both dandruff and dry scalp tend to come and go, dandruff that is due to a fungal infection is unlikely to get better without treatment.

When I scratch my scalp, I get white stuff in my nails.?

Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.

What to avoid if you have dandruff?

"Diets high in sugar, processed food, and 'bad' fats lead to insulin spikes, which in turn lead to stimulation of hormone surges that can trigger the output of oil," Zalka says. "Overall restriction of fatty foods, fried foods, refined sugar, processed food, and gluten may lead to a reduction in flaking."

What's the best conditioner for dandruff?

We recommend opting for a sulfate-free formula that leaves hair feeling healthier. CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Conditioner is a clinically-tested conditioner designed as part of a dandruff care system that eliminates up to 100% of visible flakes and also relieves itch and irritation.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

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