Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) is a fairly common skin condition that affects the scalp, ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose and beard. Dandruff can develop since you were a baby (in English known as cradle cap), and in your teens or adults. Dandruff appears in the form of dry, fine crusts or flakes on the scalp and other parts of the body, accompanied by pink or red skin caused by inflammation. If you have dandruff, you may notice white flakes on your shoulders or chest, especially when wearing dark clothing. Severe or chronic dandruff can be upsetting and embarrassing. In addition, dandruff can also cause itching and discomfort. However, you can treat it using professional products and home remedies, and take the necessary steps to prevent the development of dandruff on the scalp and other parts of the body.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Professional Products
Step 1. Try using an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains zinc or salicylic acid
If your dandruff condition is severe, try using an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains certain ingredients that can kill the fungus that causes dandruff. Look for shampoo products at the nearest pharmacy with ingredients such as:
- Zinc pirition: this chemical helps kill the malassezia fungus that causes the development of dandruff. This substance can be found in products such as Head & Shoulders or Pantene Pro-V Anti Dandruff.
- Salicylic acid: this substance helps soften dead skin cells on the scalp so that they are easily removed. These are found in products like Neutrogena T/Sal or Ionyl T. However, keep in mind that you may experience a dry scalp after using shampoo products that contain salicylic acid. To keep your scalp moisturized, you can use conditioner after washing your hair.
- Selenium sulfide: this substance helps slow down the production of skin cells on the scalp and kills dandruff-causing fungi. This substance is contained in products such as Selsun Blue. However, its use is not recommended for those with blonde hair or chemical treatments (eg straightening) because these products can change hair color.
- Ketoconazole Shampoo: This shampoo has a strong antifungal effect and can treat and prevent dandruff. You can find Ketoconazole in shampoo products such as Nizoral.
- Coal tar shampoo: This shampoo helps slow down the production of dead skin cells and prevent breakouts. Coal tar content can be found in shampoo products such as Neutrogena T/Gel.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use certain types of anti-dandruff shampoo. Always read the instructions for use on the shampoo packaging before using it and talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about using the shampoo.
Step 2. Use the shampoo according to the directions on the package
Once you have chosen the anti-dandruff shampoo you want to use, it is important that you use it properly so that the treatment is more effective. You can use all types of shampoo once a day or alternately until dandruff can be overcome. However, there is an exception for Ketoconazole shampoo as the product only needs to be used twice a week.
- Use shampoo by massaging the product into your scalp and letting it sit for (at least) 5 minutes for the ingredients to work. If you feel that one of the shampoos you are using is starting to become ineffective, try alternately using two different types of anti-dandruff shampoo.
- If the anti-dandruff shampoo you are using seems effective in dealing with dandruff, reduce it to two to three times a week. If the product doesn't show any results after a few weeks of use and your dandruff persists, try talking to your doctor about prescription treatments and treatments.
Step 3. Use a special medicated cream to treat dandruff
In addition to anti-dandruff shampoo, you can also try a medicated cream that can be applied to the scalp to treat dandruff. There are two types of cream that can be used:
- Corticosteroid creams: These creams can relieve inflammation and dry skin, and are widely sold in pharmacies in concentrations of 0.5-1%. You can apply it to your scalp with damp hair after you wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Antifungal creams: These creams are considered effective because they reduce the number of fungal organisms that thrive and live on your skin, including the scalp. Look for cream products that contain clotrimazole at a concentration of 1% or miconazole at a concentration of 2%. You can use the cream once or twice a day.
Method 2 of 3: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply aspirin to the scalp
Aspirin contains salicylate which is the active ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos that contain salicylic acid. Taking aspirin can be a quick and easy way to treat dandruff yourself at home.
- Take two aspirin tablets and crush them into a fine powder. After that, add the aspirin powder to the shampoo you use.
- Use a shampoo that has been mixed with aspirin on the head. Apply and massage the shampoo into the scalp. Leave it on for one to two minutes before you rinse it off.
- Wash again with only shampoo to remove any remaining aspirin powder.
Step 2. Use natural oils to moisturize the scalp
Natural oils, such as coconut oil, almond oil, and olive oil, can moisturize the scalp and prevent the development of dandruff.
- Heat 240 milliliters of natural oil of your choice in a bowl until it is warm enough to touch, but not boiling. After that, apply the oil all over your scalp and massage it thoroughly.
- Use a towel to wrap your hair and scalp, and leave the oil on your scalp overnight.
- The next morning, rinse your hair to remove any adhering oil.
Step 3. Rinse hair with apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent that can prevent the fungus that causes scales on the scalp and dandruff. After shampooing your hair, you can rinse your hair and scalp again with apple cider vinegar.
- Mix 480 milliliters of apple cider vinegar with 480 milliliters of cold water.
- Bend over to the sink or tub and rinse your hair using the water and apple cider vinegar mixture.
- You can also wet your scalp with white apple cider vinegar and wrap your hair in a towel. Leave the vinegar on your scalp overnight and the next day, rinse your hair with your regular shampoo.
Step 4. Use baking soda
Baking soda can be a great home care product to get rid of dandruff.
- Instead of using shampoo, use baking soda to wash your hair. Take a handful of baking soda and apply it on your hair and scalp. After that, rinse with warm water until clean.
- You can still use baking soda instead of shampoo to wash your hair and get rid of dandruff.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Dandruff
Step 1. Wash your hair regularly
Keeping your hair clean can prevent the development of dandruff and keep your scalp and hair healthy. Try to wash your hair once a day, especially if you have an oily or irritated scalp.
Step 2. Avoid using hair sprays and gels
Styling products such as hair sprays, hair gels, mousses, and hair waxes can cause oil build-up on the hair and scalp, which can lead to dandruff. Therefore, reduce the use of styling products, especially if you have an oily scalp and are starting to experience dandruff.
Step 3. Spend more time outdoors, in a sunny spot
Several studies have shown that sunlight helps prevent dandruff. However, you should always apply sunscreen (SPF) all over your body before going outside to prevent exposure to the sun's harmful rays.
Step 4. Manage your stress
Stress is known to trigger dandruff, or make dandruff worse. Therefore, focus on reducing the stress and anxiety you experience at home, school, or work.
Step 5. Stick to foods rich in zinc and B vitamins
Foods rich in zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats help prevent the development of dandruff-causing fungi.
