Dandruff is a chronic condition that affects an estimated 50 percent of all people at any given time, according to the State Government of Victoria. It causes flaking and scaling of the scalp and may be triggered by stress, weather, fungal scalp infection, hormones and diet. Dandruff is not contagious, but it may be embarrassing and difficult to manage. Mild cases generally respond to home treatment with over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. More severe cases may require professional care, at least until symptoms are under control.
Step 1
Wash your hair every day with a dandruff shampoo containing zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. The University of Iowa explains that dandruff is not the same thing as dry scalp, and that washing your hair more often may help improve your symptoms.
Step 2
Try an over-the-counter shampoo that contains ketoconazole, salicylic acid or tar if your symptoms do not improve after several weeks using a zinc or selenium shampoo. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology suggests purchasing more than one type of shampoo and alternating them every few days.
Step 3
Leave the dandruff shampoo on your scalp for at least five minutes, or per the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse the shampoo from your hair, and then condition as normal.
Step 4
Use dandruff shampoo every few days even after your symptoms are under control. While you can decrease the frequency of use, stopping the shampoo completely will likely trigger a return of your symptoms.
Step 5
Change your hair styling products and avoid using hairsprays and gels as much as possible. These products can cause scalp irritation that may cause or contribute to dandruff. They also leave a residue on your scalp that can make your scalp and hair oilier, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 6
Call your doctor or a dermatologist if your dandruff is not manageable with over-the-counter shampoo. You may require a prescription-strength medicated shampoo.
Tips and Warnings
- MayoClinic.com recommends learning stress-control techniques, eating a diet rich in zinc and B vitamins and exposing your scalp to the sun for a few minutes each day to help manage dandruff.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter dandruff shampoo
