Dandruff can occur when your scalp develops a fungus called malassezia. This can happen when you don't wash your hair or scrub your scalp effectively. The result produces white, flaky skin that gets caught in your hair and can be visible on your clothing, particularly your shoulder area. In many cases, individuals are simply more prone to developing dandruff. Fortunately, the problem is usually controlled easily through one of several methods.
Step 1
Switch to a shampoo that combats dandruff. These shampoos contain a compound called zinc pyrithione, which can suppress the fungus that causes dandruff. They also contain antibacterials and antifungals to help kill the fungus and clean your scalp. Head and Shoulders is a shampoo brand that primarily targets individuals with dandruff, as do Neutrogena and Selsun Blue, but many other brands also sell shampoos to target dandruff.
Step 2
Use an alternative dandruff shampoo if those containing zinc pyrithione are not effective. Shampoos with coal tar slow the rate at which your skin cells die, thereby slowing dandruff production. Look for a shampoo containing ketoconazole, which is a strong antifungal agent. Some ketoconazole shampoos are available in prescription form as well as in over-the-counter forms. Salicylic acid found in shampoos also helps kill the fungus; however, this ingredient can also dry out your scalp, temporarily worsening your dandruff. If you use a shampoo with salicylic acid, use a good conditioner as well.
Step 3
Wash your hair daily, scrubbing your scalp with the pads of your fingers to get rid of the dead skin cells. While this is likely to make your dandruff more visible in the short term, the dead, flaking skin needs to be removed regularly so the shampoo can then effectively treat the exposed fungus.
Step 4
Scrub your scalp thoroughly with shampoo for five minutes before rinsing out your hair. This allows the shampoo's ingredients to thoroughly soak in and work.
Step 5
Visit your doctor to discuss alternative medications--such as high-strength shampoos or ointments--that may be able to eliminate your dandruff. Many prescription shampoos feature the same medications found in over-the-counter shampoos but in stronger doses. There are also non-shampoo medications such as hydrocortisone (Hytone) and topical triamcinolone (Kenalog), which treat redness, itchiness and irritation caused by dandruff. Nizoral A-D (ketoconazole) is an anti-fungal medication that contains a prescription-level dosage of ketoconazole.
Step 6
Practice your stress-management skills. High levels of stress can affect your overall health, and it can also induce or exacerbate dandruff.
Step 7
Use styling products less frequently. Products such as gel, hairspray, mousse and wax can add oil to your scalp, creating buildup that sometimes leads to dandruff.
Step 8
Eat a diet featuring zinc and vitamins B6 and B12, which play a role in your scalp's health and can help prevent dandruff from developing, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Things You'll Need
- Dandruff shampoo
- Conditioner
