How to get rid of dandruff: the best tips, tricks and advice revealed

It is likely that you or someone you know suffers from dandruff. According to Unilever 50% of adults can be affected by dandruff. And more than causing pain or discomfort, the condition can be a bit embarrassing and even dictate what we wear, as the white flakes show up more on darker clothing.

But just what is dandruff? What causes it? And, most importantly, how can you get rid of it? If you are a sufferer of the condition and these are questions you have then you are in the right place.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a common skin condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. Now it sounds a lot worse than it actually is so don't worry, it isn't contagious or serious. But it can be quite embarrassing and difficult to treat depending on how severe it is.

What causes dandruff?

Despite what some say dandruff isn't caused by poor hygiene, although it can be more obvious if you don't wash your hair regularly. There are multiple causes of dandruff ranging from eczema and ring worm, to seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

It can also be caused by malassezia, a yeastlike fungus that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults contact dermatitis, caused by a sensitivity to hair care products, although don't worry too much about what is causing the dandruff as it is difficult to self diagnose.

How to get rid of dandruff

There are various ways you can get rid of dandruff and the one you chose will likely depend on the severity of your condition. You may be required to try a few of these options before landing on the solution.

Often the first course of action is to brush your hair, brushing away from your scalp with slow, firm strokes. This carries the oil away from your scalp, where the buildup of it and skin cells can cause dandruff. Moving it along the hair strands can help keep your hair shiny and healthy.

The next best option would be to use an anti-dandruff shampoo that you can buy over the counter. Check out our list of the 14 best shampoos to soothe and tackle dandruff. If you find you are need of something a bit stronger you can get prescription shampoos as well but will have to consult a GP first.

You can also wash your hair more regularly as an irregular hair washing routine can be a potential cause of dandruff, especially if you are already prone to dandruff. Washing your hair a few times a week as a minimum can be a good way to prevent dandruff.

You can also exfoliate your scalp. Just as you would exfoliate your skin, you can exfoliate your scalp to gently remove the top layer of dry skin.

Another option could be to make changes to your diet. According to Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, a New York–based dermatologist interviewed by The Cut, poor nutrition can cause dandruff. She said, "High-carb foods can result in the buildup of glycogen in the skin, which yeast feeds on”. This means if you are prone to dandruff it may be best to cut down on carbs and sugar.

Another solution is really a no brainer: don't scratch your scalp. Now we understand this is often easier said than done but scratching can exacerbate inflammation and irritation.

There are also a number of natural remedies you can attempt. Baking soda is one option. If you gently rub it into your scalp in the shower and rinse after a few minutes this can make for a great home remedy.

Likewise apple cider vinegar is another option. You can mix 1/4 cup with a 1/4 cup of water and apply it to your hair for 15 minutes to 1 hour, and then rinse it out. Do this twice a week.

Coconut oil could also work. If you rub 3–5 teaspoons into your scalp and leave for 1 hour, then shampoo your hair and wash it out this can be another effective home remedy

Aloe vera can be a more lowkey home remedy. You just rub it into your scalp before you wash your hair.

If you have attempted these treatments to no success you may have to pay a visit to your GP who can provide a proscription for a stronger shampoo or a or topical medication.

Dandruff vs dry scalp

Dandruff can be hard to distinguish from a dry scalp due to similar symptoms, namely due to the fact both conditions cause skin to flake on your scalp. The easiest way to differentiate between the two is that dandruff typically causes bigger flakes, while the flakes that result from a dry scalp tend to be smaller. Both conditions can also cause an itchy scalp.

Although don't be fooled by the similar symptoms: dandruff and a dry scalp are two different conditions that require different treatments.

Another way to differentiate between the two conditions is a dry scalp can cause dry skin on other parts of your body.

What to do if you have a more severe case of dandruff?

While dandruff doesn't usually require medical treatment, if you find it is prohibiting you from wearing black clothes or causing redness or inflammation on your scalp you may need to speak to your GP or pharmacist.

In a segment with Closer in 2014 Embarrassing Bodies' Dr Christian was asked by a reader, "I have really bad dandruff and can’t wear black clothes at all any more. What can I do to control it?"

Dr Christian responded, "Dandruff is caused by excessive shedding of dead skin and doesn’t usually require medical treatment, but yours sounds severe. I’m guessing you’ve tried using an anti-dandruff shampoo – however, there are many different types that work in different ways, so it’s worth trying another.

"Chat to your pharmacist, who can advise further. If you also get some redness and inflammation on your scalp, you may have a condition called seborrheic dermatitis and should see your GP.

"To treat it, you need to regularly shampoo with over-the-counter dandruff shampoos containing ingredients such as coal tar, salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione, or your GP may prescribe a stronger treatment."