If you've stopped wearing black clothing to camouflage the flakes that fall from your scalp to your shoulders, it's time to take control of your life again. Dandruff is caused by dry skin; seborrheic dermatitis, an overproduction of oil on the skin; psoriasis, a skin condition that causes silver-colored flakes on the skin and scalp; or a fungus called "malassezia," says MayoClinic.com in the article "Dandruff." If it's okay with your doctor, you can cure dandruff at home with over-the-counter shampoos.
Step 1
Shampoo your hair every day, says MayoClinic.com. Instead of lathering up only a few times a week, increase how often you wash your hair. Each time you wash your hair, you exfoliate your scalp and wash away flakes that are causing dandruff.
Step 2
Wash your hair with an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. Effective active ingredients present in over-the-counter dandruff shampoos may include salicylic acid, zinc, ketoconazole, coal tar, resorcin or selenium. Try one shampoo at a time until you find the active ingredient that keeps your flakes away.
Step 3
Massage the head while shampooing for at least five minutes, recommends MedlinePlus.com. With your fingernails, carefully dislodge the flakes from your scalp.
Step 4
Sit in the sun for several minutes each day. Exposure to the sun may help reduce dandruff in some cases, says MayoClinic.com. Sunbathing is not recommended, but a few minutes in the sun may help reduce flakes.
Step 5
Eliminate stress from your life. Deal with stressful situations by taking deep breaths, writing it down, or talking it out with a friend instead of internalizing it. Stress may trigger dandruff and make flakes even worse.
Tips and Warnings
- Always apply sunscreen before sitting in the sun.
- Consult a doctor if dandruff is not cured with over-the-counter remedies.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter dandruff shampoo
