Dandruff Treatment: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How to Keep Flakes Away

Got a dusty shoulder and tired of explaining it to strangers? Dandruff may feel annoying, but it’s usually easy to fix. Below you’ll find the real reasons your scalp flakes, the over‑the‑counter products that actually work, and a few kitchen‑shelf tricks you can try today.

Why Your Scalp Is Flaking

The most common cause is an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. It feeds on the oils your skin makes and releases irritants that speed up skin turnover. When skin cells die faster than they can be cleared away, they show up as white flakes.

Other culprits include dry skin, oily scalp, harsh hair products, and stress. If you notice itching, redness, or oil patches, it’s probably the yeast. If the skin looks cracked or you have patches of swelling, you might be dealing with psoriasis or eczema instead – those need a different approach.

Top Over‑the‑Counter Shampoos That Actually Help

Look for these active ingredients on the label:

  • Zinc pyrithione – kills the yeast and reduces oil. Head & Shoulders Classic is a go‑to.
  • Selenium sulfide – slows down skin cell growth. Selsun Blue works well for stubborn cases.
  • Ketoconazole – a prescription‑strength antifungal you can buy OTC in a 1% formula (Nizoral).
  • Coal tar – slows cell turnover, good for dandruff that leans toward psoriasis.
  • Salicylic acid – helps lift flakes off, but follow with a conditioner because it can dry the scalp.

Use the shampoo 2–3 times a week, leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse. On non‑wash days, stick to a gentle, sulfate‑free cleanser to avoid stripping natural oils.

Simple Home Remedies You Can Try Right Now

If you prefer a natural route, these kitchen items have shown real results:

  • Tea tree oil – mix 5 drops with your regular shampoo. Its antimicrobial power calms the yeast.
  • Aloe vera gel – apply a thin layer after washing, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. It soothes irritation.
  • Apple cider vinegar rinse – dilute 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water, pour over scalp, wait a minute, then rinse. The acidity reduces yeast growth.
  • Yogurt mask – cover scalp with plain yogurt, leave 20 minutes, then wash. Probiotics may rebalance scalp flora.

Try one remedy for a week before adding another. Overdoing multiple treatments can irritate the skin and make flakes worse.

Lifestyle Tweaks That Keep Flakes at Bay

Even the best shampoo won’t help if you keep feeding the problem. Here are easy habits:

  • Wash hair regularly – 2–3 times a week for most people. More if you sweat a lot.
  • Avoid heavy styling products like gels and waxes that trap oil.
  • Reduce stress with short walks, breathing exercises, or a quick hobby. Stress can trigger yeast growth.
  • Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (fish, walnuts). Healthy skin starts from inside.

If you follow these steps and still see a lot of flakes, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Prescription options like stronger ketoconazole or oral antifungals can clear stubborn cases fast.

Bottom line: Identify the cause, pick a shampoo with the right active ingredient, add a simple home remedy if you like, and keep your scalp happy with good habits. You’ll be back to a flake‑free life sooner than you think.

Nizoral Shampoo: How It Works, Uses, Side Effects & Buying Guide
Wyn Davies 21 September 2025

Nizoral Shampoo: How It Works, Uses, Side Effects & Buying Guide

Discover everything about Nizoral shampoo-how it fights dandruff, proper usage steps, side effects, and where to buy it safely in 2025.

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