Dandruff is a very common scalp problem that causes white or yellowish flakes, itchiness, and sometimes redness. The good news: it’s usually manageable with the right routine and products.

Below is a practical, step‑by‑step guide on how to get rid of dandruff fast and keep it from coming back.

# 1. Understand What Causes Dandruff

Dandruff is usually caused by one or more of these:

  • Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp
  • Excess oil (sebum) production
  • Sensitive or dry skin
  • Seborrheic dermatitis (inflamed, greasy, flaky skin on scalp and sometimes face)
  • Irritation from hair products (contact dermatitis)
  • Infrequent shampooing causing buildup of oil, sweat, and product

If your flakes are:

  • Dry, small, and white → often simple dandruff/dry scalp
  • Greasy, yellow, stuck to scalp → often seborrheic dermatitis
  • With thick plaques, silver scale, or bleeding → could be psoriasis (see a dermatologist)

# 2. Start With a Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Most people improve significantly just by using the right over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo regularly.

Look for these active ingredients (you can alternate between 2 types for better results):

  • Zinc pyrithione (e.g. Head & Shoulders, many generics)
    • Fights yeast and reduces inflammation
  • Ketoconazole 1–2% (e.g. Nizoral)
    • Powerful anti-fungal; excellent for stubborn dandruff
  • Selenium sulfide (e.g. Selsun Blue)
    • Slows skin cell turnover and reduces yeast
  • Coal tar (e.g. Neutrogena T/Gel)
    • Slows down shedding of skin cells; best for thick scale
  • Salicylic acid (e.g. Neutrogena T/Sal)
    • Helps break down flakes so they wash away easily

# How to use anti-dandruff shampoo correctly

Most people rinse too fast. For best results:

  1. Wet hair thoroughly.
  2. Apply shampoo directly to scalp, not just hair length.
  3. Massage gently with fingertips for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Leave on for 3–5 minutes to let it work.
  5. Rinse well; repeat if hair is very oily or flaky.
  6. Follow with a light conditioner on hair lengths only, not on scalp.

Use schedule:

  • For severe dandruff:
    • Use medicated shampoo every wash, 2–4 times per week, for at least 4 weeks.
  • For maintenance once flakes improve:
    • Use medicated shampoo 1–2 times per week and a gentle regular shampoo on other days.

If one ingredient doesn’t help after 3–4 weeks, try another (for example, switch from zinc pyrithione to ketoconazole).

# 3. Build an Anti-Dandruff Scalp Routine

# A. Wash your scalp often enough

  • If your scalp is oily: wash at least 3–4 times a week.
  • If your scalp is dry: wash 2–3 times a week, but use a gentle or hydrating anti-dandruff formula.

Infrequent washing can worsen dandruff by allowing oil, sweat, and yeast to build up.

# B. Avoid harsh or irritating products

Limit or avoid:

  • Strong hair sprays, gels, waxes, or heavy oils that build up on scalp
  • Shampoos with strong sulfates and heavy fragrance if you have sensitive skin
  • Very hot water and intense scrubbing (can irritate and worsen flaking)

Look for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos for non-medicated days.

# C. Scalp exfoliation (careful and occasional)

If you have thick, stuck-on flakes:

  • Use a salicylic acid shampoo once or twice a week.
  • You can very gently massage with fingertips or a soft scalp brush, but never scratch with nails.

Avoid DIY scrubs with sugar, salt, or harsh physical exfoliants on sensitive, irritated scalps.

# 4. Proven Home Remedies That Can Help (and How to Use Them Safely)

Home remedies can support medical treatments, but shouldn’t replace proper medicated shampoos for severe or persistent dandruff.

# 4.1 Tea tree oil (anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory)

Studies suggest tea tree oil can reduce dandruff due to its anti-fungal properties.

How to use:

  • Never apply undiluted (it can burn or irritate).
  • Mix 3–5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut).
  • Apply to the scalp only, leave for 15–20 minutes, then shampoo out.
  • Use 1–2 times a week if your skin tolerates it.

Stop immediately if you feel burning, severe redness, or swelling.

# 4.2 Aloe vera gel (soothing, cooling)

Great for itchy, irritated scalp:

  • Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the scalp.
  • Leave for 20–30 minutes, then wash with a gentle shampoo.
  • Can be used 2–3 times per week.

# 4.3 Apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse

ACV may help balance scalp pH and reduce yeast growth.

How to use:

  • Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3–4 parts water.
  • After shampooing, pour over scalp, massage gently, leave 2–3 minutes, then rinse.
  • Use once a week at most, and avoid if you have open cuts, very sensitive skin, or eczema.

# 4.4 Coconut oil (for dry, flaky scalp)

Coconut oil can help with dryness but may worsen dandruff in very oily scalps.

  • Warm 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil between hands.
  • Massage into scalp, leave for 20–30 minutes, then wash thoroughly with shampoo.
  • Use once a week to avoid buildup.

# 5. Lifestyle Habits That Reduce Dandruff

# A. Manage stress

Stress doesn’t “cause” dandruff but can make it worse, especially in seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Helpful strategies:

  • Regular exercise (even walking 20–30 minutes per day)
  • Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga
  • Consistent sleep schedule

# B. Optimize diet

There’s no magic anti-dandruff diet, but:

  • Eat enough zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats
    • Sources: eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens
  • Limit very sugary, ultra-processed, and oily fast foods, which may worsen inflammation in some people
  • Drink enough water for overall skin health

For more on healthy eating patterns, see World Health Organization nutrition advice.

# C. Keep hats and tools clean

  • Wash hats, scarves, pillowcases regularly.
  • Clean combs, brushes, and avoid sharing them.
  • Avoid tight hats that trap heat and sweat for long periods.

# 6. When Dandruff Might Be Something Else

See a dermatologist or doctor if:

  • Dandruff doesn’t improve after 4–6 weeks of regular use of medicated shampoos
  • Your scalp is very red, painful, or has pus-filled bumps
  • You see thick plaques, silver-white scales, or bleeding → could be psoriasis
  • Flakes spread to eyebrows, sides of nose, ears, chest → possible seborrheic dermatitis
  • You’re losing a lot of hair in patches or overall thinning along with flaking

A dermatologist can prescribe:

  • Stronger ketoconazole or other anti-fungal treatments
  • Topical corticosteroid lotions/foams to calm inflammation
  • Treatment plans for psoriasis, eczema, or contact dermatitis

You can locate a dermatologist via your local health service or directories like the American Academy of Dermatology’s “Find a Dermatologist” tool.

# 7. Sample Weekly Anti-Dandruff Routine

Here’s an example you can adapt:

  • Day 1:

    • Wash with ketoconazole shampoo, leave 5 minutes, rinse
    • Light conditioner on hair lengths only

  • Day 3:

    • Wash with zinc pyrithione shampoo, leave 5 minutes
    • Optional ACV rinse (once per week), then rinse thoroughly

  • Day 5:

    • Gentle, non-medicated sulfate-free shampoo
    • Apply aloe vera gel before or after wash as a short mask if scalp is itchy

  • Once weekly (if dry, not very oily):

    • Coconut oil or diluted tea tree oil pre-shampoo treatment, then a medicated wash

Adjust frequency based on oiliness, flake severity, and how your scalp feels.

# 8. Frequently Asked Questions About Dandruff

Is dandruff contagious?
No. You can’t “catch” dandruff from someone else. Many people have the same scalp yeast, but not everyone’s skin reacts the same way.

Can dandruff cause hair loss?
Mild dandruff usually doesn’t cause permanent hair loss. However, constant scratching and ongoing inflammation can weaken hair over time. Treating dandruff helps keep hair and scalp healthier.

Should I stop using conditioner?
You don’t have to stop using conditioner—just avoid applying it on the scalp. Use it only on mid-lengths and ends of hair.

Can I oil my hair if I have dandruff?
If your scalp is very oily, heavy oils can make dandruff worse. Use oils only sparingly and always wash them out thoroughly with shampoo.

# 9. Key Takeaways

  • Use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo correctly (leave for 3–5 minutes, use several times per week).
  • Consider rotating two different active ingredients (e.g. ketoconazole + zinc pyrithione).
  • Keep your scalp clean but not over-irritated; avoid harsh products and scratching.
  • Add soothing home remedies (aloe vera, diluted tea tree oil, occasional ACV rinse) if your skin tolerates them.
  • If there’s no improvement after 4–6 weeks, or you have severe redness, pain, or hair loss, see a dermatologist.

If you tell me your hair type (oily/dry, curly/straight, colored/natural) and how often you currently wash your hair, I can suggest a more personalized anti-dandruff routine.