While dandruff is a normal, small amount of skin flakes, it can still be very annoying. This is especially true when it also causes an unpleasant itching of the scalp, making certain hairstyles impossible because of the flakes. Here you'll learn about the different causes of dandruff and how to easily get rid of it!
Difference Between Dry and Oily Dandruff
First and foremost, you should know that there are two different types of dandruff – oily and dry. It's essential to determine which type of dandruff you have beforehand in order to treat the problem effectively.
Finally, the methods also differ greatly depending on whether you are prone to dry or oily dandruff.
Oily Dandruff
- They are associated with a rather oily scalp
- Larger, slightly yellowish particles that stick to the hair
- Sometimes mild itching
- They occur more frequently in men than in women
Dry Dandruff
- Small, white particles that trickle down onto the shoulders
- Reddened and itchy scalp
- They occur more frequently in women than in men
Causes of Dandruff
Here too, we must of course distinguish between dry and oily dandruff – because in many cases they have different causes.
However, the basis for both is cell renewal. It is a completely normal process of the skin – but if cell renewal is disrupted or accelerated, the skin cells clump together and become visible as flakes.
Dry dandruff is often caused by:
- Washing hair with hot water and styling it with too much heat
- Dry air from heating
- Cold weather, e.g. at the turn of the year
- Aggressive shampoos
Oily dandruff is often caused by:
- Excessive sebum production, leading to yeast growth (Malassezia)
Other triggers can include lifestyle factors – high stress and lack of sleep can negatively affect the scalp. Nutrition is also important – imbalances and nutrient deficiencies can manifest in the skin.
However, certain skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, or psoriasis can also cause dandruff. Therefore, you should definitely consult a dermatologist if your scalp doesn't improve despite trying these tips.
Tips For Getting Rid of Dandruff
These tips should help you get your dandruff, whether dry or oily, under control:
- Avoid or at least pause dyeing and perming to prevent further irritating the scalp.
- Avoid mechanical irritation such as rubbing with a towel.
- Brush your hair thoroughly before washing to remove dandruff.
- Apply a special scalp treatment to the scalp overnight – it has a soothing effect and can reduce dandruff.
- Only blow-dry your hair on a medium setting, maintaining a generous distance of approximately 20 centimeters from the scalp.
- For oily dandruff, use a special anti-dandruff shampoo temporarily as a treatment.
- Don't wash your hair with water that's too hot.
- Gentle formulas that care for the skin and are free of fragrances and alcohols
- Clean your brushes regularly by soaking them in an apple cider vinegar and water mixture – this dissolves sebum and product buildup.
The Right Hair Care for Dandruff
- Apply a scalp serum the evening before your hair washing day that specifically addresses your scalp problem (dry or oily).
- Brush your hair thoroughly before washing.
- Wash the treatment out thoroughly with shampoo the next morning. For oily dandruff, use an anti-dandruff shampoo 2-3 times a week – but only for a few weeks. Leave the anti-dandruff treatment on for a few minutes and then rinse the shampoo out thoroughly.
- Use only lukewarm water when washing your hair.
- Apply scented conditioners and masks only to the lengths and ends of your hair to avoid further irritating your scalp.
- Blow-dry your hair on a medium setting and keep a good distance from your scalp.
Product Recommendations For a Flaky Scalp
maria nila – Head & Hair Heal Shampoo
31,90 €
31,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 27,11 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
maria nila – Head & Hair Heal Conditioner
31,90 €
31,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 31,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Hairburst – Hydrating & Balancing Tonic
28,90 €
20,23 €
with the code
-30%
Latest lowest price: 23,12 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Transparent Lab – Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment
18,90 €
18,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 18,89 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
maria nila – Purifying Cleanse Exfoliating Serum
29,90 €
29,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 29,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Living Proof. – Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment
35,90 €
35,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 35,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Home Remedies for Dandruff
Of course, there are also some home remedies for dandruff – here is a brief overview:
- Aloe vera has a soothing effect and moisturizes the scalp. Mix some aloe vera with thermal water and a few drops of almond oil in a spray bottle and spray the mixture on your scalp from time to time. Ideal for dry dandruff.
- Massage a few drops of olive oil into your scalp and wash it out by the next day at the latest. This can help with dry dandruff.
- Massage a tablespoon of coconut oil into the scalp, wash out no later than the next day – only use for dry dandruff.
- Apple cider vinegar regulates sebum production and helps balance the pH level. Mix it 1:1 with lukewarm water, for example, 50 ml of each, and apply directly to the scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse the toner out thoroughly. Ideal for oily dandruff.
- Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties and inhibits fungal growth, making it ideal for oily dandruff. Add a few drops to your shampoo and wash your hair as usual.
