They’ve heard all the myths — that dandruff comes from a dry scalp, is seasonal, or you must scrape flakes before washing — but none of that is true. To find real answers, they spoke to four dermatologists to understand how to stop dandruff.
Dandruff is not about being dirty
Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD explains dandruff is caused by extra oil (sebum), inflammation, and yeast on the scalp, not bad hygiene. These factors cause itching, flakes, and red greasy patches.
Dandruff often flares up during stress or when weather and humidity change, says Dr. Garshick. Sweat buildup after workouts makes irritation worse if the scalp isn’t cleaned well. A balanced diet with fewer processed foods can reduce inflammation and help scalp health, she adds.
How often you wash matters
Dr. Dara Spearman, MD says not washing hair often can worsen dandruff since oil, dead skin, and product build up and cause flakes. But washing too often can dry the scalp, removing natural oils and making it more irritated. The trick is a balanced routine — use a gentle, hydrating shampoo that keeps the scalp clean but not dry.
Dandruff vs other scalp problems
Dr. James Kilgour, MD explains that dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis are different.Dandruff: white or yellow flakes with mild itching.Seborrheic dermatitis: more inflamed and persistent version of dandruff.
Psoriasis: causes thick silvery scales that may spread beyond the hairline to elbows or knees.
Treatments can overlap, but psoriasis needs stronger prescription care, says Dr. Kilgour.
You can’t cure it — but you can manage it
Dr. Brendan Camp, MD says dandruff is a long-term condition with no cure, but it’s easy to control with the right care. The best way: use anti-dandruff shampoo regularly, says Dr. Garshick. Look for antifungal ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide — these fight yeast that causes flakes. Salicylic acid and coal tar shampoos help remove oil and flakes, she adds, as per the report by Yahoo.
Find your washing routine
Dr. Garshick recommends washing every day or every other day to remove oil that feeds yeast. For most people, 2–3 times a week with dandruff shampoo works well. Oily scalps might need daily washing; dry hair can alternate between medicated and gentle shampoos. But don’t over-wash — doing it more than once a day can dry out your scalp, she warns.
Be patient and stay consistent
Dr. Kilgour says use dandruff shampoo consistently for 3–4 weeks before judging results. Apply it 2–3 times a week and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing — many people wash it off too soon.
If there’s no change after a month, switch to a shampoo with a different active ingredient. Some people get better results alternating between two formulas, says Dr. Kilgour. If you see bleeding or redness, see a dermatologist.
Don’t stop once it’s gone
Dr. Kilgour warns that once flakes disappear, don’t quit treatment completely — that’s like “dropping the ball before you cross the goal line.” Keep using dandruff shampoo once a week or every other week for maintenance. Avoid shampoos with strong fragrance or harsh sulfates, which can bring dandruff back. “Think of it like skincare—you don’t stop just because things look good,” says Dr. Kilgour.
The best dandruff shampoos (Dermatologist Picks)
No single shampoo works for everyone, but these are top picks from dermatologists: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – backed by Dr. Garshick and Dr. Camp contains ketoconazole, which fights yeast and may slow hair loss.
CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo – recommended by Dr. Camp uses 1% pyrithione zinc, is gentle and free of dyes, fragrance, and sulfates. Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp Build-Up Control Shampoo – recommended by Dr. Spearman contains salicylic acid to remove flakes.
Head & Shoulders shampoos – good for targeted dandruff needs, says Dr. Spearman. RoyceDerm Coal Tar Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – loved by the writer and supported by Dr. Garshick contains coal tar and tea tree oil, helps reduce flakes and irritation without smelling harsh.
Expert team behind the advice
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD – board-certified dermatologist, MDCS Dermatology, New York.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD – board-certified dermatologist.
- Dr. Dara Spearman, MD – founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates.
- Dr. James Kilgour, MD – board-certified dermatologist, Golden State Dermatology, California.
Dandruff can’t be cured forever, but with the right shampoo, routine, and patience, you can control flakes, itch, and oil. The secret? Consistency and balance — find what works, use it regularly, and stick to it.
FAQs
Q1. Can dandruff be cured permanently?
No, dandruff cannot be cured forever, but it can be controlled with the right shampoo and regular scalp care.
Q2. What is the best shampoo ingredient for dandruff?
Look for shampoos with zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide to fight dandruff and reduce flakes.