

What are the best natural dandruff treatments? In addition to the dandruff treatments described above, some SPY writers and editors have found success fighting dandruff with natural shampoos that contain tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar, both of which have natural anti-fungal properties. “The salicylic acid helps to clear the scalp of any buildup that might encourage yeast to grow and essentially exfoliate the scalp to keep it clean and flake-free,” Green said.įinally, there’s coal tar, which may help slow the flaking process, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many shampoos use salicylic acid to break down dry scalp buildup and clear away oils, which can be hugely beneficial against dandruff. For those who’ve struggled with acne, you’ll be familiar with another helpful ingredient, salicylic acid. Green also mentioned pyrithione zinc, saying, “For most cases of dandruff, whether due to a dry or an oily scalp, an over-the-counter shampoo containing the ingredient pyrithione zinc should suffice for eliminating symptoms and providing relief to an itchy, flaky, irritated scalp.”īeyond those two, both dermatologists also mentioned ketoconazole, an antifungal, as an ingredient that can help fight Malassezia at the source. Two ingredients you definitely want to be on the lookout for are pyrithione zinc and selenium sulfide, Hartman said.

#Home remedies for dandruff how to
Learning how to get rid of dandruff requires a familiarity with the ingredients used in common over-the-counter dandruff products. Despite the gazillion anti-dandruff products out there, the vast majority are just different formulas using the same active ingredients. So to get rid of your dandruff at the source, you can fight the fungus, you can fight the excess oil that serves as its fuel and you can moisturize your scalp when dealing with drier skin.

#Home remedies for dandruff skin
Having dry dandruff is indicated by the presence of small, dry flakes and is usually accompanied by dry skin on other areas of the body,” Green said. Though over-the-counter dandruff treatments will be able to clear up dandruff, for most people no matter the cause, here’s how you can tell the difference between dry and oily dandruff: “Red, oily, and scaly skin, an itchy scalp, and large, oily flakes that are yellow or white in color are characteristic of oily dandruff. It can also crop up from excess oil, which feeds the Malassezia, a dry scalp, especially during colder seasons, and poor hygiene, said Green. When that fungus migrates to your scalp or overgrows, it can feed on your scalp’s oils and cause skin irritation, which can lead to dandruff, exacerbate existing scalp conditions or develop into something closer to scalp psoriasis. The difference has to do with Malassezia, a common yeast, that exists on your scalp as a natural part of hair follicles, according to Hartman. Keep scrolling for our experts’ advice on how to get rid of dandruff, and the products you’ll need to fight flakes.įirst, everybody has a little bit of scalp flaking, but for the majority of people, it never reaches a point of concern where it will be felt or seen. As with anyway skin or hair problem, we always recommend checking in with your primary care physician or dermatologist, especially if over-the-counter treatments and dandruff products just aren’t cutting it. They walked us through the causes of dandruff, contributing factors and how to get rid of dandruff at home. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who runs her own practice in New York City. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, and Dr. To get the lowdown on dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, and some tips on how to get rid of it, we reached out to two of our go-to dermatologists for their advice: Dr. If you’ve ever noticed the tell-tale white flakes on your back or shoulders (or, God forbid, someone else noticed them for you), then you’ve definitely wondered how to get rid of dandruff.īut with so many dandruff shampoos and supposedly dandruff-fighting products out there, not to mention debatable “natural” home remedies, we understand why folks struggling with dandruff might not know where to begin. Table of Contentsĭandruff-Fighting Ingredients You Need To Know If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.
