To get rid of dandruff, you can follow these effective steps:
1. Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
- Start with regular cleansing using a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup
- If mild shampoos don’t work, switch to a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredients such as:
- Zinc pyrithione (antibacterial, antifungal)
- Salicylic acid (helps remove flakes but can be drying)
- Selenium sulfide (slows skin cell buildup and fights fungus)
- Ketoconazole (antifungal)
- Coal tar (slows dead skin buildup but may discolor hair)
- Use the medicated shampoo 2-3 times a week, and regular shampoo on other days if needed
- Follow instructions on the shampoo for best results and try different brands if one does not work
2. Home Remedies and Natural Treatments
- Tea tree oil: Has antimicrobial and antifungal properties; dilute with a carrier oil before applying to avoid irritation
- Coconut oil: May improve scalp hydration and reduce inflammation
- Aloe vera: May reduce fungal infections and soothe inflammation
- Apple cider vinegar: Anecdotally helps balance scalp pH and reduce dryness, but it may cause irritation for some
- Aspirin: Contains salicylic acid; crushing aspirin tablets and mixing with shampoo can help exfoliate flakes
- Baking soda: Acts as an exfoliant to remove excess skin cells and oil but should be used sparingly to avoid dryness
3. Additional Tips
- Manage stress, as it can worsen dandruff symptoms
- Avoid vigorous towel drying and excessive heat from hairdryers to prevent scalp dryness and hair damage
- Use anti-dandruff conditioners that complement your shampoo without washing away the active ingredients
4. When to See a Doctor
- If dandruff persists after a month of treatment
- If scalp is very itchy, swollen, or red
- If you have flaky, itchy patches on other parts of the body
By combining regular use of appropriate anti-dandruff shampoos with natural remedies and good scalp care, dandruff can be effectively managed and reduced.
