Hair Health 101: How To Get Rid Of Dandruff

Whether you had a little too much fun during summer without thinking of your scalp, or the rigours of winter are already getting at it, if you’ve noticed some flakes coming off of your scalp and laying on your shoulders, then I have bad news for you: dandruff has entered the chat. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it and restore your scalp’s health. Read on to know how to get rid of dandruff and get back to having a healthy, nourished scalp!

1. What Is Dandruff?

Let’s start with the basics. What is dandruff? Well, in a few words: dandruff is a quite common, non-dangerous and non-contagious condition that affects the scalp. It presents itself as a flake on your scalp, often accompanied by an intense, itchy sensation. Although generally speaking it isn’t a serious condition, it can psychologically affect those who suffer from it, causing embarrassment and self-esteem issues. Its intensity can go from mild to severe, depending on the cause, underlying conditions and other factors.

2. What Causes Dandruff?

There are many different factors that can cause dandruff on your scalp: from the most common, easiest to treat such as irritated and oily skin, to more serious causes such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and fungal infections.

3. How To Get Rid Of Dandruff At Home Fast?

There are many ways to fight dandruff nowadays. Let’s have a look at the options available to help you get your scalp flake-free, healthy, and detoxed again.

Change Your Shampoo And Conditioner Routine

Perhaps you’re experimenting with a new product that’s a no-go, or maybe your favorite brand has recently changed its formula. Either way, your shampoo and conditioning routine might be the cause of such annoyance. Try to steer away from products containing sulfates and alcohol, as they are two major drying agents that could be contributing to your flaking scalp problem. 

Tea Tree Oil

Historically, this essential oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. With its anti-inflammatory, soothing properties it’s a great solution to provide relief to irritated skin and promote its recovery.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is very popular in hair care and skin care in general, and it’s renowned for its nourishing, moisturizing properties. A dry scalp can surely benefit from this treatment, although too much coconut oil could lead to an excess of build-up.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera gel is well known for its many, many beneficial properties. When applied to the skin, it may help treat skin conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and irritations. Aloe Vera is also great against fungal infections and has antibacterial properties! Find out more about why aloe vera hair is good for your hair in our dedicated blog. 

Change Your Diet

Beauty, health and well-being start from within! Changing the way you eat can help reduce inflammation and promote the health of your scalp and hair follicles. I have talked about the superfoods for hair health in more detail in our dedicated blog.

Keep Stress At Bay

Well, I know this one is easier said than done - but stress is an enemy for your wellbeing in general, not only for hair and scalp. Meditation techniques, positive affirmations and physical activities such as yoga could help you tackle down stress and bring balance to the health of your scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a commonly known resource to naturally fight dandruff. There is little to no scientific evidence supporting the claims of ACV’s numerous benefits, however many hair enthusiasts are swearing by it for many different reasons. 

Omega 3s Supplements

Omega 3s are extremely important for your health, and they are vital to - you guessed it right - the correct functioning of your skin cells. This includes your scalp too, obviously!

A deficiency in Omega 3s can cause a series of rather unpleasant symptoms, including dry hair, dry skin, and even dandruff. Fish oil supplements rich in Omega 3s could help you in the fight for a healthy, intact scalp.

Probiotics

If your dandruff is caused by a fungal infection, probiotics might just be the solution you’re looking for. Not only do they help your immune system, but they are proven to be effective in reducing dandruff’s scaling severity. Probiotics can be found in many fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut for example.

4. Best Products For Dandruff

In the fight against dandruff, if home remedies are not an option - or don’t quite cut it for one reason or another - you may need to invest in some good hair care and skin products to give your scalp some relief. Let’s have a look together at the best products for dandruff.

5. What Is A Good Shampoo For Dandruff?

A-D Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Nizoral contains ketoconazole, a potent anti-fungal ingredient often found in prescription-grade dandruff medications. Unlike some other formulas, Nizoral is gentle enough to be used on color-treated hair, offering a thick lather that leaves a pleasant, clean scent behind.

Shop A-D Nizoral Anti Dandruf Shampoo

Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This is one of the best drugstore options available on the shelf. Dove’s formula is jam-packed with useful ingredients such as pyrithione zinc, which works to reduce the inflammation-causing yeast on your scalp. What’s so special about Dove DermaCare? Well, its shampoo includes shea butter, a nourishing and hydrating ingredient - which many anti-dandruff products lack.

Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Biolage Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

This product tends to lean on the high-end side, and it’s not a budget-friendly option. However, its users swear by it, saying that you can get a clear scalp even after just one use. This soothing anti-dandruff product combines pyrithione zinc (working against the inflammation) with cooling mint (for a freshening sensation) to provide instant relief to an irritated scalp while tackling the problem at the root (pun not intended).

Biolage Scalpsync Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Ginger Anti-dandruff Shampoo

The Body Shop's recipe to say bye-bye to irritated, flaky scalp includes Vegan Silk Protein, making this product vegan-friendly and made with 90% ingredients of natural origin. Their formula is infused with ginger essential oil, birch bark, and white willow bark extracts to clear flakes and leave dry, itchy scalps feeling soothed and rebalanced.

Ginger Anti-dandruff Shampoo

6. How To Get A Dandruff Detox At Home

Dandruff can be the final call for help of a suffocating scalp. Pollution, excessive sun exposure, sweat, and product build-up are only a few  of the factors that could make your scalp ask for a break. If this is the case, you could easily give it some relief with a nice detoxing treatment in the comfort of your own home. I have talked about how to detox your hair in our dedicated blog.

Ouai Detox Shampoo

This gentle yet effective shampoo will feel like a proper spa day for your hair and scalp. Its formula is enriched with apple cider vinegar to delicately exfoliate buildup, flakes, and residue. Infused with hydrolyzed keratin to soften, smooth, and add shine, Ouai Detox Shampoo smells nothing like any medicated product you could think of, with its unique signature notes of bergamot, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk.

Black Pepper Oil Treatment

Some people found huge benefits in making their own detoxing ointment at home. In case you wanted to give it a try, here’s an interesting recipe:

• Combine 1/4 cup ground peppercorns in 1/2 cup coconut, olive, or jojoba oil in a bowl until smooth.
  Store in a sealed jar at room temperature for at least two weeks.
  Drain the oil and dash the pepper away.
  Apply the ointment to the scalp, and cover it with a warm towel for 30 minutes
  Rinse thoroughly and wash.

7. Use A Scalp Scrub

The skin on your scalp looks and feels so sensitive it feels illegal to even just think about scrubbing it. And yet, scalp scrubs are a thing - a huge thing, to be precise - and you can get this kind of treatment at any decent salon. You could also experiment at home with a few products too!

Christophe Robin's Purifying Scalp Scrub

Mid-range price, good ingredients list, impeccable results. What else could I ask of Christophe Robin’s Purifying Scalp Scrub? Its sea salt-based formula gently scrubs off impurities and product build-up, while the sweet almond oil infusion soothes the skin.

Shop Now: Christophe Robin's Purifying Scalp Scrub

Philip B. Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub

This is the royalty of scalp scrubs, especially considering how pricey it is. But at least one thing I could say: it does exactly what it promises (and the packaging isn’t ridiculously small). Scrubbing but not harshly, refreshing without feeling cold or tingly - it seems like this product is all about finding the perfect balance.

Shop Now: Philip B. Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub

Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

The perfect option for those looking to get some decent detox without splashing out. Its formula features a special sugar complex and a plethora of plant oils, removing product buildup and dandruff without drying out the hair.

Shop Now: Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

8. How To Get Rid Of Dandruff Fast Without Washing?

If you need a quick fix on the go, you can always resort to dry shampoo. Nowadays there are colored dry shampoo options that are perfect for adding a touch of color to your roots, which could help hide part of the problem. Gently brush the excess out, preferably with a boar-bristle hairbrush to take out any flakes.

9. Hairstyles To Hide Dandruff

If you want to play it safe, after using your dry shampoo you can always resort to a hairdo strategically designed to hide your flaky scalp. Depending on the zones where your dandruff is more visible, you may want to tie your hair up in a messy bun to help conceal the problem.

Another useful hairstyle could be the ponytail. If your hair is not long or thick enough to get a decently sized ponytail, you can always get wrap-around clip-in ponytail hair extensions to get a killer hairstyle and hide your flaky issue.

Having your hair up will reduce any movement on your scalp too, meaning that your flakes are less likely to fall off and reach your shoulders. Other useful tricks and tips involve the use of hats and headscarves to look glamorous and trendy whilst covering your scalp.

10. Conclusion:

You may be struggling with dandruff, but don’t worry - there are options for you! Before trying any new products we always recommend you to read thorough reviews and do a patch-test in case you may have any allergies. If your problem worsens or if you’re unsure of the cause behind the presence of dandruff and dry, flaky scalp, consult your doctor before using any new products.