Those little white flakes that drop from your scalp to your shoulders can be a great source of embarrassment. Dandruff is caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that can cause an itchy scalp and a buildup of dead skin cells on your scalp. Dandruff usually worsens in the fall and winter and improves in the summer, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Although removing dandruff and keeping it from coming back can be challenging, there are a few things you can do to keep dandruff at bay.
Step 1
Shampoo every day if you have oily hair. Oil in the scalp causes dandruff flakes to clump together and become more noticeable in your hair.
Step 2
Remove flakes by combing your hair with a fine-toothed comb. While combing won't stop the dandruff, removing as many flakes as you can see will eliminate anxiety about anyone noticing that you have dandruff.
Step 3
Don't use hair gel is dandruff is a problem. Hair gel can act in the same way as natural oils, causing dandruff flakes to clump together. Some types of hair gel also can cause flaking that looks like dandruff when the gel dries.
Step 4
Use an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione to relieve itching and flaking. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and wait five minutes before rinsing.
Step 5
Try a shampoo that contains tar if other anti-dandruff shampoos don't help. Use tar-based shampoo every day until the dandruff is under control, then use the shampoo two or three times each week to keep dandruff from returning.
Step 6
Ask your doctor for a prescription steroid cream if home remedies don't help relieve dandruff. Steroid cream can be helpful in treating severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
Tips and Warnings
- It is possible to eventually develop a resistance to a particular brand of anti-dandruff shampoo. Alternate two or three different brands of shampoo to avoid this problem. Tea tree oil may be helpful in relieving dandruff if applied to the scalp. Some people may be allergic to tea tree oil and it is important to make sure that you don't have an allergy before using tea tree oil. Place a small amount of the oil on your wrist before applying it to your scalp. If redness develops, don't use the oil on your scalp. Eat a balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables and zinc for healthy skin. You can find zinc in meat, fish, grains and egg yolks.
Things You'll Need
- Fine-toothed comb
- Anti-dandruff shampoo
- Prescription steroid cream
- Tea tree oil
