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How to Get Rid of Dandruff
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1. What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a condition in which flakes and chunks of dead skin are shed from a persons scalp. Contrary to popular belief, it is not always caused by a dry scalp, many people with oily scalps are also afflicted.
2. What causes dandruff?
There are many conditions known to cause dandruff. Here we will outline known causes and others that have not yet been substantiated. The suggested remedies are discussed in more detail in the following section.
Known causes of dandruff (Cures are discussed in section 3)
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that effects the scalp, face and upper-body. Symptoms include scaly or flaky skin that is itchy and red. It is believed to be caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur that is found naturally on peoples skin. The most common treatments for this condition are ketoconazole creams and shampoos coupled with oral fish oil supplements for Omega-3 fatty acids. There is an ongoing discussion about causes and remedies for this condition here (as well as photos).
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause silvery, flaky patches of skin on different areas of the body. It is commonly seen on the scalp, creases of the nose, eyebrows, elbows, knees and arms. There are many treatment options available including topical ointments, baths, light therapy, injections, and prescriptions. See your doctor if you believe you may have this condition. (For more tips on psoriasis treatments, read how to get rid of psoriasis)
Dry scalp
The simplest and most easily cured dandruff is the result of a dry scalp. Often caused by overly dry environmental conditions or the overuse of cheap hair care products, this condition can be cured by moisturizing. Massage skin moisturizer or oil into your scalp 1/2 hour before bathing and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Oily scalp
People who have oily scalps can also get dandruff. The exact cause has not yet been proven, but has been speculated to be due to the excessive oil promoting the growth of yeast and fungi that can irritate the scalp. Switch to a shampoo meant for very oily hair for a few weeks to see if that clears it up. If not, see your doctor or try some of the remedies in the next section.
Head lice
Head lice can cause itching and flakes that are often mistaken for dandruff. The flakes are actually nits (lice eggs) and the fecal excretions of the insects. (For more information and lice symptoms, see how to get rid of lice)
Other potential causes of dandruff
Following is a list of common things that have been blamed by doctors and former-dandruff sufferers:
- The use of cheap hair care products that dry or irritate the scalp as well as chemical and mechanical over styling - especially conditioners. Go to a salon and ask for product recommendations.
Poor nutrition and food allergies have been blamed for dandruff - especially a deficiency in Zinc or Omega 3 fatty acids, which can be supplemented by taking fish oil.- Dry environments that lead to dryness of the scalp. Consider humidifying your living space if you have dry skin elsewhere on your body.
- Stress and lack of sleep have also been blamed, but what aren't they blamed for?
- Excessively high or low hair PH.
3. Methods of getting rid of dandruff
Commercial dandruff shampoos
Here I will list the active ingredients used in the most common anti-dandruff shampoos and explain what they do. Make sure you read the labels when shopping for a particular ingredient since the same brand often produces similar products with different ingredients. Always follow the instructions on the labels.
1. Zinc pyrithione (Head & Shoulders classic, Pert Plus dandruff control)
Zinc pyrithione, or Zinc omadine is an anti-fungal and antibacterial agent that is most commonly used to fight the dandruff caused by yeasts and fungi. Once you begin using this treatment, stopping will often cause dandruff to return worse than before treatment began.
2. Ketoconazole (Nizoral AntiDandruff shampoo)
Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal drug used to treat dandruff caused by yeasts and fungi. Dandruff usually returns after treatment is stopped.
3. Selenium sulfide(Selsun blue, Head & Shoulders Intensive)
Selenium sulfide is an anti-fungal agent used to treat dandruff caused by yeasts and fungi. In the US, 1% solutions can be purchased over-the-counter and 2.5% solutions are available by prescription. Dandruff often returns when treatment is stopped.
4. Coal tar(Ionil-T, Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic)
Coal tar is a liquid by-product of the distillation of coal. It is used in shampoos meant to treat head lice and psoriasis. Be warned, coal tar is on the NIOSH carcinogen list as a potential cancer-causing agent.
5. Salicylic acid(Ionil)
Salicylic acid based shampoos are used to help the scalp shed excess skin more easily, which in turn helps to keep skin pores from getting clogged.
Home remedies
There are tons of home brew dandruff cures out there, every family likely knows of a different one that they will swear by to cure dandruff. Here I'll list some of the most commonly recommended concoctions.
1. 
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has an anti-fungal quality and can be mixed into lotions, oils and shampoos. Massage the mixture into the scalp and let it sit for 15 minutes prior to rinsing clean.
2. Coneflower and red clover extracts
Aveda has a product named "Scalp Remedy" that is growing in popularity. It contains both coneflower and red clover extracts, comes with a dropper and is applied directly to the scalp after you shower.
3. Oil soaks
Scalp massages with moisturizing oils an hour or so before bathing are said to rejuvenate a dry scalp. Skin lotions will likely work as well.
4. Vinegar rinses
Some people have reported success after rinsing their hair with white or apple cider vinegar prior to bathing. It may have something to do with correcting your hair's PH balance.
Resources:
- Let the Monster Guide teach you how to treat dandruff
- Natural Cures for Dandruff
I don’t see how dandruff could be the least bit disgusting. I have quite oily hair, bathe often, and have short hair. I still have dandruff. But I don’t care.
i tired the vinegar and it work great!
I am a 14 year old with dandruff. I don’t think that anyone knows but who cares I still have danruff. I try to hide it but my head still itches all of the time. I use head and shoulders but it does not work AT ALL. I hate it I get so mad. So does anyone have any tips? If you do tell me ASAP. Thanks
When I first got dandruff I used Head and Shoulders but after awhile of using it it made things worse. I started using my moms regular Pantene shampoo and its slowly starting to go away.
WARNING!!!!!!!!
watever u do
DO NOT SCRATCH YOUR HEAD!
I herd this makes it worse
head and shoulders doesn’t completely end all your dandruff worries but for now it’s the best thing on the market, a little dandruff may appear especially if you’re not washing everyday or every other day but the itchiness is drastically improved.
head and shoulders does NOT work
It makes it worse
try combing your hair constantly in the shower and moisturise once your out the shower.
IT WORKS!
REMEMBER HEAD AND SHOULDERS DON’T WORK!!!!!
I tried so many shampoos to get rid of my dandruff, but it either came back right away or the shampoos left my hair so dull and tangled that I didn’t want to use them anymore. I wanted to try something different and I found a store on the web that had a Dry Scalp Remedy made up of all natural oils. It works great, and it leaves my hair nice and healthy too!
I would definitely recommend giving it a try if you’re having a hard time finding something that works for you.
Never use chemicals or other medicines.I suggest Dandreena Anti dandruff oil for Dandruff and Civettina faca pack for pimples.its 100% natural and organic and very effective in my case.for these products search ayurimports.com in your browser
I will tell you my secret and it will surely work. Natural and costs basically NOTHING.
Well, while showring, have your comb handy and try to brush your hair while the water falls down on your head. It will swipe the DANDRUFF down. You don’t have to comb very hard, just nicely, over and over again. Get ot of the shower, and let your mamma check out your scalp. I bet she or you will find nothing stck in there. Then, rub your scalp with a mild cream. This will prevent it from reoccuring. Try it out.
A very old way to get rid of it is yougurt either on its own, or mixed with a raw egg. Whichever way you do it, leave it on your hair for about 20 mins and then rinse thoroughly with a normal shampoo. It definitely works. In the beginning, try it twice a week, and then once its settled down, just once a week.
Caution: If you mix egg, it might cause your head to smell bad for some time.
Head and Shoulders gives you more dandruff!!
Get rid of f your dandruff within 2 weeks.
Dandreena is one of the most wonderful medicines in Dr. Sreedevi Sreenivasan’s formulations. A mix of 5 herbs in pure coconut oil , basically originates from tribal medicines. Dandreena is 100% effective in all dandruff cases. Dandreena enhances the health and resistance power of hair follicles and arrests excessive exfoliation
and bacterial or fungal infestation in follicles which is the reason for dandruff.I hope its available in website also.visit —ayurimports.com
my dandruff got worse after using head and shoulders DO NOT USE IT.
hi i started getting dandruff last week so i cut my hair so its just covering my ears but it seemed to get worse then today used head and shoulders for men and my hair is raining dandruff literally
i have very thick hair even when short theres lots of it the same as my grandad who was Italian any tips on how to get rid of it fast!
p.s dont use head and shoulders its so bad
Ok, Im 13, I used to live in Missouri, and then I moved to Florida. for some reason I lost all the natural blond streakes in my hair and I got dandruff… well not too long ago I tried putting ketchup in my hair to see what would happen. Well, don’t waist your time, it doesn’t work!
Here are some home remedies. I tried and it works!
- mix vinegar and salt(any type of vinegar will do). Then apply it to your scalp, rub the salt to it. Leave it for 30 mins and wash it off. Believe me it really works! You wont find any more dandruff
hi i never used to have dandruff but ever since i grew my hair i got it and it is ruinin my life .because your afraid of people touchin your hair incase they find out tht you have dandruff and my dad has it or had it so i must off got it from him also i was using head and shoulders for about 2 weeks and it was helping but i wanna get rid of dandruff full stop cause i have good friends a girlfriend and i hate dandruff so much so hopefully these tips will help thanks alot
thank you for the tips
My husband and I both have occasional flakes or a flaky scalp. He shaved his head because it could be so annoying. Neither of us have an oily scalp and we shower every day. We have both used head and shoulders, which didn’t work for us. So one day I tried normal shampooing, and conditioning afterward. I applied a small amount of conditioner to my scalp only. When I rinsed, I didn’t wash it out completely like I normally do. I left only enough to make my hair feel silky, and this has worked for both my husband and me since. For acne I use Noxzemas blackhead scrub when I shower. Before I put make-up on, I use Noxzema anti-blemish pads. they’re non-abrasive and feel really clean, and I’ve noticed I never break-out if I use the pads whenever I wear make-up. However, if I don’t wear make-up I skip the pad. Using too many cleansers can dry out your skin, and even bases like covergirl can have a moisturizer in them to prevent over-drying.