Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, can cause flaky white scales to form on your scalp. The condition is caused by excess oil production on the scalp as well as overgrowth of the common yeast, malassezia, living on all human scalps. While not dangerous, the condition may be unsightly and embarrassing.
Step 1
Shampoo your hair daily with a medicated shampoo made for dandruff treatment. Massage the shampoo into your scalp for a minimum of five minutes before rinsing well, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Look for shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, coal tar, selenium sulfide, resorcin or ketoconazole.
Step 2
Try applying tea tree oil to your daily shampoo. The oil from the leaves of the Australian tea tree has traditionally been used as an antifungal. While clinical studies of its effect on dandruff have been limited, it may help alleviate dandruff, explains MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Talk to your doctor if dandruff flakes don't improve after over-the-counter treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger medicated lotion or shampoo to apply to your scalp.
Step 4
Limit your use of styling products like hair spray, styling gel or mousse as these products often build up on your scalp and exacerbate existing dandruff.
Step 5
Spend time outside in the sunlight. According to UMMC, dandruff tends to improve during the summer after being outdoors. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin first to protect it from UV radiation.
Step 6
Relax with a cup of tea or a yoga session when you feel stressed. Stress and fatigue can lead to new dandruff outbreaks while worsening existing dandruff.
Tips and Warnings
- A diet rich in zinc and B vitamins may help prevent dandruff.
- Tea tree oil may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
