Growing up, many of us might have believed that an itchy, flaky scalp meant we weren’t clean. Now that we’re older, we’ve realized that this notion isn’t true, and we’re also not alone in our struggle. Dandruff is super common and affects tons of people. In fact, the International Journal of Trichology reports that many studies have found roughly 50 percent of the world’s general populatio deal with unwanted flakes.
Dandruff, aka seborrheic dermatitis, can be caused by a variety of factors, including dry skin, sensitivity to hair products, and even certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It’s important to understand that it’s a condition that can be managed, and there are plenty of effective treatments available, both over-the-counter and through a skin-care provider. Anti-dandruff shampoos, for instance, often contain active ingredients like zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole, which can help reduce flakiness and itching as you wash. Moreover, regular washing and using gentle, hydrating hair-care products can make a significant difference in the overall health of your scalp.
Ahead, we’re coming to you with Dandruff Training 101, with some super effective tips about how to banish those pesky flakes instantly, plus a few of the go-to products that the experts absolutely swear by to help you along the way to a soothed, flake-free scalp.
Experts Featured in This Article
Kari Williams, PhD, is a trichologist, stylist, and director of education at Cécred.
Helen Reavey is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Act+Acre.
How to Get Rid of Dandruff Instantly
If you’re looking for tips on how to get rid of dandruff in one wash, Kari Williams, PhD, trichologist, stylist, and Director of Education at Cécred, suggests adding some anti-dandruff shampoo to your wash day routine. “Use an anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole or salicylic acid,” Dr. Williams tells PS. “Medicated shampoos can dry the hair, so it’s important to follow up with a hydrating shampoo, such as Cécred Hydrating Shampoo ($30) to restore moisture and maintain healthy hair.”
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Celebrity hairstylist and founder of Act+Acre, Helen Reavey, says the key to fighting dandruff for a (nearly) instant fix is daily and weekly maintenance. “Use a weekly scalp treatment, specifically a chemical exfoliant such as our Salicylic Acid Scalp Exfoliator ($48), as a weekly maintenance for dandruff,” Reavey says. “It’s made with salicylic acid, which exfoliates the scalp to remove flakes and balance oil production. It also has antifungal properties to help treat dandruff.”
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How to Get Rid of Dandruff Permanently
There isn’t a one-stop solution to banish dandruff for good, but there are some simple steps to maintain a healthy scalp, such as consistent scalp care, a healthy diet, and stress reduction (according to the Saudi Medical Journal, high cortisol levels can aggravate dandruff, although it’s not a direct cause). However, in more advanced cases, you may require a visit to a dermatologist for specialized seborrheic dermatitis treatments.
Maybe a dermatologist visit isn’t in your budget? No problem. Reavey recommends using Jupiter Balancing Anti-Dandruff Shampoo ($30), which contains zinc pyrithione. “This clinically proven and FDA-approved OTC active ingredient has fungistatic and bacteriostatic properties that help to treat dandruff,” says the hairstylist.
How to Get Rid of Dandruff Naturally
Natural remedies to get rid of dandruff include applying diluted apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or aloe vera gel to the scalp. however, Reavey warns against using products with heavy, pore-clogging ingredients. “I recommend steering clear of topical products formulated with sulfates and silicones, which are often used to smooth the hair and lock in moisture,” Reavey says. “Over time, they can build up on the scalp, increasing the chance of dandruff.”
If you want to know how to get rid of dandruff without shampoo, Dr. Williams has some suggestions. In addition to using apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or aloe vera gel, add a splash of omega-3 fatty acids to the mix. “Boost your scalp health from the inside out by incorporating omega-3 fatty acids through your diet or supplements,” says Dr. Williams.
Holistically, Reavey advises that reducing stress through practices like meditation, yoga or therapy can also help alleviate dandruff symptoms.
Stixx Mathews is a New York City-based freelance beauty writer with 11 years of experience who is passionate about telling stories that merge beauty and pop culture. He enjoys sharing his expert insights about the latest trends and must-have products, with a particular focus on lipstick and fragrance.