How to get rid of dandruff and keep it away

Dandruff is mostly caused by a yeast that lives on every scalp and feeds on oil. When it grows too much, the scalp sheds faster and itches. You can control it with the right ingredient and a steady routine.

Dry scalp or dandruff?

Dry scalp gives small, white, powdery flakes and a tight feeling, often in winter. Dandruff gives larger, oily, yellowish flakes with itching, and gets worse when you skip washes. They need opposite care, so check which one you have.

A simple routine to clear dandruff

  1. Pick a medicated shampoo: Look for ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide or salicylic acid. These target the yeast or loosen flakes.
  2. Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes: Massage it into the scalp, not the lengths, and wait before rinsing so the active ingredient can work.
  3. Use it 2 to 3 times a week: Use your normal mild shampoo on other wash days. Continue for 4 weeks.
  4. Condition only the lengths: Keep conditioner and serums away from the scalp, as they add oil.
  5. Dry your scalp fully: Never tie up or sleep on damp hair. A wet scalp lets yeast grow.
  6. Switch to once a week to keep it away: Once flakes clear, a weekly medicated wash prevents them returning.

Rotate between two different anti-dandruff ingredients every few months if the first one stops working as well.

Mistakes that make dandruff worse

  • Oiling overnight and washing rarely. Oil feeds the yeast.
  • Scratching flakes off with nails or combs, which injures the scalp.
  • Washing with very hot water.
  • Sharing combs, towels and pillow covers.

Know your scalp type

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Frequently asked questions

Can dandruff be removed permanently?

Dandruff can be controlled very well but tends to return if you stop care completely. A weekly medicated wash usually keeps it away long term.

Does curd or lemon remove dandruff?

They may soothe mild flaking for some people, but they are not reliable and lemon can irritate the scalp. A medicated shampoo works far better.

Does dandruff cause hair fall?

Heavy dandruff and scratching can increase hair fall. Clearing the dandruff usually brings shedding back to normal.

When should I see a doctor for dandruff?

If flakes do not improve after 4 weeks of medicated shampoo, or you have thick crusts, redness, bleeding or patches spreading to the face, see a dermatologist.