Dandruff

Dandruff can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and irritating, but as long as the skin is not damaged or broken, it's more of a cosmetic problem than a serious medical problem.

In medical terms, dandruff is called seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is the appearance of dead flaky skin cells on the scalp that appear in the hair or clothing as white or yellow flakes.

Dandruff can be caused by excess oil on the scalp, inflamed skin, fungal infection, and overuse or underuse of hair products. Stress, improper hair care, harsh hair products, cold weather, and certain medical conditions can worsen it.

Causes of Dandruff:

  • Yeast Overgrowth: Excessive growth of the Malassezia or Candida yeast on the scalp leads to the shedding of dead skin cells as dandruff flakes.
  • Sebum Production: Glands on the scalp produce an oily substance called sebum. An excess of sebum can encourage yeast growth and skin cell flaking.
  • Skin Sensitivity: Sensitive skin can become inflamed by the yeast resulting in dry, flaky skin that sheds more frequently.
  • Dry Skin: All skin sheds. Dry skin on the scalp can flake and look like dandruff, although the cause differs.
  • Skin Conditions: Psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis cause flaking itching of the scalp.
  • Poor Cleaning Practices: Clean the scalp by shampooing hair at least 3 times a week to remove oil and dirt buildup and thoroughly rinse all products from the hair.

The most common cause of dandruff is having an oily scalp which causes a fungus called Malassezia to grow. Candida is another yeast that causes an infection that thrives on the skin in warm and moist environments.

Some more medical problems cause what looks like dandruff but will not be helped by these home remedies and should be evaluated by a medical professional. Examples include seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema,  allergic reactions, and neurological disorders.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Dandruff

Dandruff can be helped by practicing good hair and scalp hygiene, choosing a shampoo with anti-dandruff ingredients, and trying other home remedies.

Anti-dandruff Shampoo

Select an over-the-counter (OTC) shampoo that contains dandruff-fighting ingredients. There are several causes of dandruff, and each of these active ingredients listed below addresses a different reason, so don't be discouraged if one doesn't work right away. Move on to the following product with another active ingredient until you find the brand that works for you.

  • Zinc Pyrithione: An antifungal agent that helps control yeast growth. Brands are Denorex Everyday Dandruff Shampoo, Head & Shoulders Shampoo, DHS Zinc Shampoo, Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp, Selsun Blue Itchy Dry Scalp, T/Gel Daily Control, and Zincon Shampoo.
  • Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in aspirin and helps to exfoliate dead skin cells from the scalp. Brands are Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, Keralyt 5 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Denorex Extra Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner Treatment
  • Selenium Sulfide: Selenium sulfide reduces yeast production on the scalp. Brands are Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-dandruff Shampoo, True+Real Moisturizing Dandruff Shampoo, Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Shampoo
  • Ketoconazole: An antifungal medication that can effectively treat dandruff. Brands are Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, KAMEDIS Dandruff Therapy Shampoo, Seborrheic Dermatitis, and Psoriasis Shampoo.
  • Coal Tar: Reduces skin cell turnover and inflammation. Brands are True+Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Major Thera-Gel Therapeutic Coal Tar Shampoo, Medicasp Coal Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo

Low Sugar Diet

Yeast and fungus feed off sugar and protein in the skin. Following a low-sugar diet can help reduce the growth of yeast. Eating a healthy diet and restricting the amount of sugar for general health and well-being is a good idea. 

Supplements

According to the Head and Shoulders website, A deficiency of vitamins D, B2, B3, B6, and B7 is associated with a flaky scalp. These vitamins are vital to the immune system, and a lack of them can increase inflammation. Vitamin B complex and Zinc are also important to help your immune system fight dandruff-like problems. Other vitamin and mineral supplements beneficial as home remedies for hair are Biotin, Vitamin A, Zinc, and omega fatty acids.

Vinegar

Vinegar works great as a natural home remedy for dandruff. The acidity of vinegar can help balance the pH levels of the scalp, preventing the growth of yeast that causes dandruff. Vinegar has antifungal properties that can help eliminate the fungus and bacteria on the scalp that causes dandruff.

Make a mixture of one-part vinegar to three parts water. Shampoo your hair normally, rinse thoroughly, pour the vinegar-water mix over your head, and massage your scalp for 5 minutes. You don't need to rinse it out. Wrap your hair in a towel and dry it normally. You can also put this mix in a spray bottle and spritz it on the scalp when the hair is dry. If flakiness is in a specific area, apply the vinegar and water to the scalp with a cotton ball and leave it on overnight. Do this once a week to help control dandruff.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can help with dandruff by moisturizing and nourishing the scalp, reducing flaking. Apply the gel to your scalp for 30-60 minutes to condition the scalp, then wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo. Pay particular attention to massaging the scalp to loosen flakes. You can try this 2-3 times a week and follow up with a vinegar rinse for an extra boost.

Listerine

Listerine (Regular, amber-colored type) is a great remedy for dandruff. Listerine has antifungal agents that can improve scalp health and reduce dandruff. Mix three parts of water with 1 part of Listerine. Shampoo your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo, then pour or spray the solution on your scalp, massage it on your scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse. Don't apply it on a damaged scalp, as the alcohol will cause burning sensations and irritation.

Aspirin

Aspirin can be used as a natural cure to help eliminate dandruff. Aspirin contains salicylic acid, one of the ingredients used in dandruff shampoos. Salicylic acid helps remove dandruff flakes, reducing oily buildup and inflammation on the scalp. Aspirin is also an anti-inflammatory when used topically.

Crush two tablets into a powder and add it to your regular shampoo. Wash your hair as directed and rinse thoroughly.

Olive or Almond Oil

Olive or Almond oil is a light oil that rinses off easily and is a great remedy to add moisture to the skin on a dry, flaky scalp. You can mix both oils or use them separately. Pour oil on the fingertips and massage the scalp to restore moisture to dry skin. You can leave it in overnight and shampoo in the morning. Use as needed.

Cautions

Some medical conditions can cause or contribute to dandruff. If these remedies do not help you, your symptoms worsen, or you are concerned, discuss this with a medical professional.