Ever wondered how what the best dandruff treatments are and how to get rid of dandruff?
I’m an expert here cos dandruff and I have been frenemies for ages. Or better, dandruff hangs around my head all the time like it wants to be my BFF. Me? I’ve been trying my best to get rid of it since it started stalking me back in my teens.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in the same boat — dealing with a flaky, itchy scalp that just won’t quit. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried it all: fancy shampoos, home remedies, even cutting out certain foods. Yet, here we are.
Let me tell you, getting rid of dandruff is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. Some treatments work like magic for one person and do absolutely nothing for someone else. It’s a trial-and-error journey, my friend.
What Causes Dandruff?
Dandruff isn’t just about flakes. It’s caused by a pesky little fungus called Malassezia that thrives on the natural oils of your scalp. Add factors like stress, hormonal changes, dry air, or even harsh hair products, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a snowstorm on your shoulders.
To make things trickier, Malassezia doesn’t just cause flakes — it can also make your scalp itchy, red, and irritated. Plus, once you find a treatment that works, your scalp can get used to it over time, making it less effective. Yep, it’s a persistent pest.
What’s the Difference Between Dandruff and Dry Scalp?
It’s easy to confuse dandruff with dry scalp because they both cause flakes and itchiness, but they’re not the same thing.
Dry scalp happens when your scalp lacks moisture. This can be caused by cold weather, harsh shampoos, or not conditioning your hair enough. The flakes from dry scalp are usually small and white, and you might also notice other signs of dryness like tightness or irritation.
Dandruff, on the other hand, is often caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia. This fungus feeds on the natural oils (sebum) on your scalp and can lead to inflammation, excessive flaking, and itchiness. Dandruff flakes are typically larger, can be yellowish or oily, and are often accompanied by redness or irritation.
How to tell the difference:
- If your scalp feels tight or flaky in winter or after using a harsh product, it’s likely dry scalp.
- If your flakes are oily, larger, and persistent no matter the season, you’re probably dealing with dandruff.
Treatments also differ:
- For dry scalp, focus on hydration with moisturizing shampoos, deep conditioners, and oils like coconut oil.
- For dandruff, you’ll need antifungal or medicated treatments that target Malassezia, like shampoos containing zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole.
How Get Rid Of Dandruff: Best Treatments And Ingredients
Your best bet is to experiment until you find what works for you. And, even when you find it, change it up after a while. Sticking to one treatment for long can make it less effective. Bummer.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to start from scratch. Plenty of ingredients are proven to fight dandruff, so you can look for them in shampoos, treatments, and even DIY remedies. Here are the best dandruff treatments:
- Climbazole: It has antifungal properties that treat malassezia, the fungus that causes dandruff.
- Coal tar: It slows down cell turnover. It works for seborrheic dermatitis (flaking of the skin) and psoriasis, too.
- Ketoconazole: An antifungal drug that fights the cause of dandruff. You can use it for seborrheic dermatitis, too.
- Miconazole: Another anti-fungal agent that treats dandruff.
- Natural oils: Many natural oils like castor oil, coconut oil and tea-tree oil can fight dandruff.
- Octopirox: Anti-dandruff agent that reduces its symptoms, especially itching and flaking.
- Piroctone Olamine: an anti bacterial agent that fights the cause of dandruff.
- Salicylic acid: a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) with antimicrobial properties. It loosens dead skin cells, so you can wash out the flaky bits easily. But, it can dry out your scalp.
- Selenium sulfide: it slows down cell turnover. It works well against seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, too, but can discolour blonde, grey or chemically coloured hair.
- Sulfur: it has antibacterial properties that help keep dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis under control. But it can irritate your scalp.
- Zinc pyrithione: a derivative of zinc, it has antifungal properties that prevent the growth of microorganisms that cause infections. Works well to treat seborrheic dermatitis, too.
Related: Is Salicylic Acid The Best Acne Treatment For Oily Skin?
How to Use Anti-Dandruff Ingredients
Finding the right ingredient is step one, but how you use it matters just as much.
- Consistency is key: Use your chosen product as directed on the labela few times a week— and give it time to work. Don’t expect overnight results.
- Don’t overdo it: Anti-dandruff shampoos can be drying, so alternate them with a gentle, moisturizing formula to keep your scalp balanced.
- Try layering treatments: For stubborn cases, pair a medicated shampoo with a scalp oil or treatment mask for extra TLC.
How to Prevent Dandruff From Coming Back
While dandruff isn’t always avoidable, you can take steps to minimise the risk of it coming back. Here’s how:
- Wash Your Hair Regularly: Regular washing helps remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and build-up that can encourage the growth of Malassezia, the fungus that gives you dandruff.
- Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoos: You don’t need to wait for flakes to show up to use anti-dandruff shampoos. Incorporate them into your routine once a week to keep dandruff at bay.
- Avoid Harsh Hair Products: Hair sprays, gels, mousses, and other styling products can lead to build-up on your scalp, creating the perfect environment for dandruff. Stick to lightweight, non-irritating products, and make sure to wash your hair thoroughly to remove residue.
- Keep Your Scalp Moisturized: A dry scalp can mimic dandruff or make it worse. Use hydrating products, such as leave-in conditioners or scalp oils, to lock in moisture.
- Don’t Scratch Your Scalp: Itching caused by dandruff can be hard to resist, but scratching irritates your scalp further and may lead to infection. Instead, use soothing treatments like tea tree oil or aloe vera to calm irritation.
The Bottom Line
Dandruff may be stubborn, but it’s not unbeatable. Whether you go for a medicated shampoo, natural oils, or a mix of both, the key is to find the best dandruff treatment that works for you — and stick with it (at least until it stops working).
And remember: dandruff isn’t something to be embarrassed about. It’s super common and manageable with the right routine.
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