Dandruff is characterized by flaky skin and itching on the scalp. According to "Essence," dandruff is common among men and women -- and it can result from poor circulation of blood and a buildup of oil and dead skin on your scalp. To treat and prevent dandruff, avoid applying oil to your hair and wash it daily with a shampoo designed to combat flaking and itching. Use additional products formulated to stimulate blood flow and moisturize your scalp.
Step 1
Comb your hair before you shampoo it. "Essence" says that this will help loosen any dandruff on your scalp and make it easier to wash the dead skin away. Gently run the comb through your hair and use it to lightly massage your scalp as well. This will help encourage blood flow.
Step 2
Wet your hair and scalp, and place a quarter-sized dollop of moisturizing dandruff shampoo into your palms. Trichologist David H. Kingsley, Ph.D. recommends looking for a product designed to care for a dry scalp in addition to dandruff -- this will help restore any lost hydration to your skin. Massage the product into your scalp using the pads of your fingers, and work it through your hair to the tips. Do this for at least 1 minute, and then wash it out.
Step 3
Reapply the shampoo while you are still in the shower, and this time, allow it to stay on your hair and scalp for five minutes. Celebrity hair stylist Roberta Rogers recommends this step to allow the product's active ingredients to penetrate your scalp and help treat dandruff. After five minutes, rinse out the shampoo thoroughly to avoid leaving any buildup.
Step 4
Squeeze the extra water out of your strands, and smooth on a fortifying conditioner. This will moisturize and repair your scalp and hair, and help it become softer and smoother. Allow the conditioner to stay on for 20 minutes and then wash it out. Repeat this step once a week to maintain a moisturized, flake-free hair and scalp.
Step 5
Apply sunscreen to your part if you are going outdoors. "Cosmopolitan" says flaky skin on your scalp can result from sunburn as well. Look for a sunscreen designed especially for the scalp and apply it before sun exposure. Wash it out at the end of the day to avoid oil buildup.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not use hairspray when styling your hair. "Essence" notes that these products often contain alcohol, which can dry out your scalp and make dandruff worse.
Things You'll Need
- Comb
- Moisturizing dandruff shampoo
- Fortifying conditioner
- Hair and scalp sunscreen
