If you’ve been noticing little white flakes all over your shirt for a while, here’s some news: you have dandruff, and it probably won’t go away if you don’t figure out how to treat it. Luckily for you, we’ve got 9 handy tips to help you get rid of dandruff and provide your scalp with some instant relief. From using a shampoo and conditioner for dandruff to finding out the best hairstyles to conceal it, read on to learn how to get your scalp in the clear.
- 1
Know What Causes Dandruff
So, how do you get rid of dandruff? Before we share our expert tips, you need to know what you’re dealing with. Dandruff is caused by a whole array of factors, so it’s important to know where yours is coming from before treating it. The build-up of Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus that thrives on oily scalp areas, is one of the most common causes of dandruff.
When the scalp is unhealthy, its natural defences are compromised, and irritants produced by Malassezia penetrate the scalp barrier, causing it to produce and shed more skin cells than usual.
These skin cells translate into white flakes falling from your scalp, also known as dandruff.
- 2
Hydrate Your Scalp
Do you drink at least eight glasses of water daily? Being dehydrated can lead to a dry scalp, which can worsen dandruff symptoms like itching and flaking. Aside from increasing your H2O intake to replenish lost moisture, make sure you wear hats or use an umbrella on sunny days to protect your scalp from external damage.
Over-styling your hair can also lead to dryness, so minimise the use of hairdryers, curling irons and straighteners to avoid damage.
- 3
Get Rid of Excess Oils
To keep your locks shiny and moisturised, your scalp produces sebum, a natural oil designed by your body as a layer of protection that keeps the scalp hydrated. But too much of anything is never good - excess sebum can result in greasy hair, leading to dandruff.
Try to minimise the use of hair styling products, and ensure that you thoroughly rinse your hair after shampooing. This removes the build-up of residue that aggravates further oiliness, which can give your hair an unwanted greasy and dirty look.
- 4
Use An Anti-dandruff Shampoo
This may seem like the most obvious step to take when learning how to get rid of dandruff, but it is essential to note that many people often pick the wrong kind of anti-dandruff product and fail to ease their problems.
For an effective anti-dandruff treatment, try using CLEAR Shampoo, which is specially formulated with Triple Anti-Dandruff Technology, ending recurring dandruff concern*. With regular use, the shampoo works to defeat recurring dandruff concern* while nourishing your hair, leaving it soft, healthy-looking and flake-free*.
- 5
Use An Anti-Dandruff Conditioner
If you’re washing your hair often to ease your dandruff problem, make sure to always follow up with a moisturizing dandruff conditioner. Scalp conditioner nourishes your scalp and hair and helps relieve any tightness.
Using a shampoo and conditioner for dandruff will help you get the best results, as both will work in tandem to help you treat and manage your condition.
- 6
Treat Yourself to a Scalp Scrub
To calm and soothe your scalp, also consider adding a clarifying scalp scrub to your routine. When your scalp is clogged with build-up of oil and dead skin, using a scalp scrub is a great way to exfoliate it. You don’t want to overdo it either, so make sure to use a scalp scrub once or twice a week so you don’t cause damage or irritation.
- 7
Don’t Scratch
While you might believe scratching your scalp will help you get rid of dandruff, this tempting habit causes more harm than good. When you scrap away the skin on your scalp, you risk exposing it to infection and making your dandruff worse.
If you feel the urge to scratch, use your time to the shower to gently massage your scalp instead. This will give you some relief and not disturb your scalp as much.
- 8
Visit a Doctor
If you are not noticing a difference in your dandruff or if you think it’s getting worse, make an appointment with a doctor. They can assess your dandruff and recommend you to a specialist who can suggest the next steps.
- 9
Overall, Keep Up a Good Hair Routine
If you’re keeping up with a good hair routine and using a shampoo and conditioner for dandruff, you should notice a positive difference in your scalp’s health. For more help with establishing a tailored dandruff-fighting routine for your hair type, check out this article: The hair dandruff solution every woman should know.
Take these 9 simple steps, starting from today, and you’ll quickly find yourself free from the clutches of dandruff concern and ready to face the world with nothing to hide.
