How To Get Rid of Dandruff According to Experts

Dandruff is one of the most common hair care concerns during winters and here's how to deal with it

October 22, 2024

Has your dandruff returned like that toxic ex? Have you started spotting white flakes on your black jacket and ignoring it like those evident red flags in your partner? Well, if your answer is yes, it’s time for some grooming therapy! While we don’t have any blueprint on how to get rid of your toxic partner, we have an expert to help us understand how to deal with and get rid of dandruff. According to Dr Jaishree Sharad, Celebrity dermatologist and author, the reason winter aggravates dandruff is the lower levels of humidity indoors and outdoors. “This causes the scalp to become drier which can lead to flaking and irritation,” she adds.

Increase in Dandruff During Winter

Apart from the daily aggressors and product build-up, there are several reasons that contribute to the increase in dandruff and flaky scalp in winter. One of the most common reasons is the use of room heaters and air conditioners as they add up to the dryness of the scalp by stripping off the moisture. According to Dr Sharad, hot showers are another reason people complain of dandruff in winter. “People often take hot showers in winter which strip the scalp of its natural oils, worsening the dryness and flaking.”

Talking about the drop in temperature, Dr Sharad says, “Malassezia, the yeast responsible for dandruff, thrives in cold and dry environment which leads to increased scalp irritation.” Add pollution and UV damage to the factors above and you have a sure-fire recipe for the flaky, dry, and unhealthy scalp.

How to Get Rid of Dandruff?

Use A Moisturising Shampoo: If you haven’t been doing it already, make it a practice to read the ingredient list while picking up the products especially to target specific concerns. If your dandruff returns or aggravates during winter, pick up shampoos with hydrating ingredients. “Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, jojoba oil help prevent scalp dryness,” says Dr Sharad.

Appy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: While the grooming aisles are full of products claiming to target dandruff, Dr Sharad recommends shampoos that contain ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole or selenium sulfide as these help control dandruff. "Use these shampoos twice a week," suggests Dr Sharad.

Avoid Hot Water for Shower: While it’s tough, replacing hot water with lukewarm water prevents stripping of natural oils from the scalp.

Avoid Over Washing: If you are one of those who wash or wet hair every day even though you find it too cold to take a shower, be aware that this habit is contributing to the increase in dandruff. “Even excessive washing of hair can strip off natural oils of the scalp worsening the dryness and flaking,” says Dr Sharad. Winter is the season where you can actually have a couple of days gap between your next hair wash without it looking greasy or oily.

Right Products, Right Way: You could be a styling pro, but minimise the use of gels, sprays, and styling products in winter because they cause product build-up which aggravates the issue. On the other hand, if you enjoy hair oiling, don’t massage the scalp but only the hair if you have dandruff.