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Dandruff. Just hearing the word already makes a lot of people cringe and unconsciously scratch their heads. We've all had bouts with these pesky white flakes at some point in our lives—it's like that ex-fling that just keeps coming back and randomly messages you "hey" every few months, lol. But although having dandruff is annoying and uncomfortable to have, the good thing is that it's perfectly normal and treatable.
As with all things, the best way to deal with dandruff is by knowing what it is exactly and all the things that can cause it. Ahead, we'll give you a breakdown of everything you need to know about this scalp condition, plus the best anti-dandruff treatments you can try to rid yourself of the flakes for good. Keep on reading to learn more:
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is one of the most common scalp conditions that people of all ages face. It manifests as white flakes on your scalp and can be caused by multiple factors. If you happen to be suffering from dandruff, don't worry—it's not contagious! Dandruff also isn't just limited to your scalp; you can get it on your eyebrows, nasal folds, and the inside of your ears—anywhere your sebaceous glands might be extra active.
P.S. They may sound and look the same, but having dandruff is different from having a dry scalp. Dandruff flakes are bigger, can have a yellowish hue, and are oily, while dry skin flakes are smaller and drier.
What causes dandruff?
Having dandruff is normal, but it can be annoying and even embarrassing sometimes. (We're all just human, after all.) Understanding the underlying causes can help you manage, treat, and prevent it from coming back. Here are just some of the reasons you might have dandruff:
- Haircare products. If you like experimenting and switching your hair products often, your scalp might get irritated by certain ingredients in the products and be the cause of dandruff.
- Increased stress. Yup, that's right—too much stress can cause white flakes to build up on your scalp. Dandruff can thrive when your immune system is compromised, which is one of the results of chronic stress.
- Infrequent (or too much) shampooing. Not washing your scalp often can cause a buildup of oils and overproduction of normal flora on your hair, one of which is the yeast malassezia. When left unchecked, this can cause a cycle of irritation that leads to pesky white flakes. Conversely, too much shampooing can also cause your scalp to dry out, thus leading to it having to overproduce oil.
- Living in moist, humid climates. If you live somewhere hot AF (*cough* the Philippines *cough*), then you're more likely to get dandruff due to the increased sweating and heightened oil production on your scalp.
How do I prevent dandruff?
Dandruff may be common, but it's totally avoidable. Here are some of the things you can do to prevent your scalp from getting white flakes:
(Editor's note: For more severe cases of dandruff, it's best to consult with your doctor so they can prescribe the best medication for you.)
- Wash your hair regularly. How much you wash your tresses will depend on your hair type, but aim to wash them a few times a week to get rid of excessive oil buildup and dirt.
- Avoid using hot water when washing your hair. When taking a shower, make sure to regulate the temperature of your water. Hot water can dry out your scalp—not to mention, your hair—and can worsen the flaking.
- Steer clear of harsh hair products. If you can, opt for gentler, fragrance-free products that won't irritate your scalp.
- Eat a balanced diet. Make sure to get your regular fix of leafy greens, fish, and vegetables—they'll help in keeping your scalp and hair healthy!
- Use products specifically meant to treat dandruff. Using your regular shampoo might be enough to treat mild dandruff, but for more severe cases, it's best to use a medicated shampoo recommended by your doctor.
SHOP: The best anti-dandruff shampoos to try
Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo
If you've ever had dandruff when you were a child, your mom probably made you shampoo with this to get rid of 'em. It contains ketoconazole, a powerful anti-fungal medication that can treat infections on the skin.
Nizoral Dandruff Shampoo, P75, Shopee and Lazada
Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Gentle Cleansing Shampoo
Dandruff shampoos can be incredibly drying due to the medicine in their formula, but this one from Sebamed boasts of an extra gentle cleansing formula that is still able to get rid of the flakes on your head.
Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Gentle Cleansing Shampoo, P638, Shopee
Head & Shoulders Professional Severe Dandruff Advanced Itch Care Shampoo
Although this seems more advanced than the brand's usual line of anti-dandruff shampoos, you won't have to worry about it drying out your hair—it's also formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid that can soothe and moisturize your scalp!
Head & Shoulders Professional Severe Dandruff Advanced Itch Care Shampoo, P399, Shopee and Lazada
Selsun Blue Pro-X Extra Strength Shampoo
A relatively affordable option to add to your cart if you're suffering from dandruff, this shampoo from Selsun Blue contains selenium sulfide that helps to control flaking and itching. It's also formulated with menthol to help soothe itchy scalps.
P.S. If you find the Extra Strength variant to be too much for your scalp, the brand also offers an Extra Moisturizing version!
Selsun Blue Pro-X Extra Strength Shampoo, P375, Shopee and Lazada
lavojoy Out Of My Head Shampoo
This shampoo from lavojoy contains salicylic acid for a deeper clean—it can help slough away the dead skin cells on your scalp and unclog its pores. It's also formulated with cooling ingredients to help soothe inflamed and itchy scalps.
lavojoy Out Of My Head Shampoo, P499, Shopee and Lazada
Human Nature Natural Anti Dandruff Shampoo
For those looking for a natural anti-dandruff shampoo that isn't made with harmful chemicals, go ahead and add this one from Human Nature to your cart rn. It uses coconut-based cleansers to gently wash your hair without stripping it off its natural oils, and plant-based anti-dandruff actives to fight the flakes.
Human Nature Natural Anti Dandruff Shampoo, P430, Shopee and Lazada
Luxe Organix Scalp Cleanse Hair Detox Scrub Clarifying Treatment Shampoo
If you haven't added this clarifying scrub from Luxe Organix to your everything shower routine, wyd?? Just kidding, but this hair detox scrub will gently exfoliate your scalp to get rid of all the dead skin cells and buildup and leave you with a fresh canvas—it's no wonder it's a favorite among the local beauty community. (Not to mention, this product was also the winner of the best scalp treatment for our 2024 Cosmo Beauty Awards. *wink*)
Luxe Organix Scalp Cleanse Hair Detox Scrub Clarifying Treatment Shampoo, P219, Shopee and Lazada
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