Some people seem prone to the itchy, flaky scalp condition, and there’s a very clear reason for that. Experts explain what causes dandruff, why it recurs, and how to keep the itch and flakes under control.
Our expert staff answers frequently asked questions in their areas of expertise and defines common terms so you can be a smarter shopper. Read moreI experienced my initial bout of dandruff at 18 years old, mid-fall during my first semester at college.
I was a little homesick, overwhelmed by the workload, and not eating properly, causing me to lose the freshman 15 and then some. Suddenly,prescribed a prescription-strength anti-fungal shampoo and told me to alternate it with a Neutrogena tar-based shampoo to slow the rapid skin-cell turnover that leads to flaking. The excess shedding may have been related to the scalp inflammation, but I later learned that nutrient deficiencies such as zinc, vitamin B, and healthy fats can also contribute to dandruff — and hair loss. It all felt interconnected.But ever since that first bout, the dandruff always comes back. When I spot flakes or feel the itch, I switch my routine to include an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo until it clears.To understand why dandruff keeps coming back, you have to start with what it actually is. “People just think of it as a f,” says Mariwalla. “But it’s actually an overgrowth of malassezia, a yeast that naturally lives on the scalp.” That yeast feeds on sebum , and when the scalp environment becomes unbalanced from excess oil, product buildup, stress, diet, or even change of seasons, it can multiply. Dandruff exists on a spectrum of the same condition, known medically as seborrheic dermatitis. The milder form shows up as flakes, while more severe cases can include redness, irritation, greasy scales, and can extend beyond the scalp such as eyebrows, sides of nose, ears, and chest. When malassezia overgrows, it speeds up cell turnover. So, instead of shedding skin cells every 28 days, the scalp starts shedding every 7 to 14, and those cells clump together, creating visible flakes, Everyone has malassezia, but why one person gets dandruff and another doesn’t depends on your scalp environment and whether that yeast will grow out of control.The reason malassezia doesn’t go away is because it lives on your scalp naturally and plays a role in the scalp’s microbiome . “The goal isn’t to eliminate it, it’s to keep it in check,” says Mariwalla. “It’s like the kid on the playground who you always have to remind to behave.” “Dandruff comes and goes because its underlying triggers, like oil production, hormones, and even diet, don’t remain constant,” says Caspara. “Shifts that start as early as your teens can keep the scalp in a cycle of imbalance, making you more prone to recurring flakes.” People withor heightened sensitivity to malassezia are especially prone, she adds, and lifestyle factors like stress and hair-washing habits can increase susceptibility.When you’re dealing with an itchy, flaky scalp, it’s important to take a two-pronged approach: Target the yeast itself and calm the inflammation it causes, says Mariwalla. Anti-fungal ingredients such as ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione reduce malassezia, while others like coal tar help slow down the rapid skin-cell turnover that leads to flaking.and sulfur help loosen and remove buildup, and many of the same ingredients — salicylic acid, zinc, sulfur, and coal tar — help calm the inflammation behind the itch., for a short period, to get the overgrowth under control. Once the scalp calms down, you can return to your regular routine. Maintenance is key. “Using a dandruff shampoo about once a week is usually enough,” says Caspara. If you wash less often, using one two times a month can help. “Think of it as preventative scalp maintenance rather than a onetime fix.” It’s also important to maintain a balanced scalp environment. “Wash frequently enough to prevent buildup, manage stress, and be mindful of inflammatory triggers like high-sugar intake or alcohol, which can disrupt the scalp and increase oil production,” says Caspara.If flakes persist or worsen, a professional can rule out other conditions such as scalp psoriasis or more seborrheic dermatitis. The latter may require a prescription-strength anti-fungal shampoo and even a mild steroid solution.The active ingredient in this formula is one percent ketoconazole, an anti-fungal that works on the malassezia. While this one is sold at drugstores, there’s a prescription-strength version available through physicians.The classic dandruff brand has a clinical-strength formula with one percent selenium sulfide, which works faster, even on stubborn dandruff.T-Gel, the Neutrogena tar-based shampoo I once used, has been discontinued. T/Sal contains 3 percent salicylic acid to clear dead-skin buildup, thereby reducing flakes.A big drawback of most dandruff shampoos is that they can be drying. CeraVe help that by pairing zinc pyrithione with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate hair and the scalp.The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about48 Travel Accessories We Don’t Leave for the Airport Without12:13 p.m.*Sorry, there was a problem signing you up.You'll receive the next newsletter in your inbox.New YorkNew York*Sorry, there was a problem signing you up.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Joe Jonas can't keep his hands off girlfriend Tatiana Gabriela during passionate airport makeout sessionChuck Norris has died at 86 following a medical emergency, leaving behind a legacy as a martial arts legend and “Walker, Texas Ranger” star. “The Bachelorette” contestant Doug Mason is speaking out in support of Taylor Frankie Paul after the show’s abrupt cancellation.
Read more »
Feds keep Texas border communities in dark about $1 billion buoy project in Rio GrandeHomeland Security officials receive a buoy tour of the Rio Grande River along the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas, Feb. 3, 2026. This article
Read more »
Why Wall Street seems to keep believing TrumpIf you’ve been paying attention to, like, the news, you may be tempted to see Wall Street’s Monday morning 180 from despair to euphoria as a sign that stock traders are all a bunch of rubes.
Read more »
Austin ISD turns closed school into affordable housing to keep teachers in the cityTeaching in one of the most expensive metro areas in Texas has become unaffordable for many. In an effort to keep teachers, Austin ISD is doing something about it.
Read more »
Why my Walk Across America must pause and why it's not ending anytime soonFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Why Trump may be eyeing Iran's Kharg Island — and why that's a riskAlexander Smith is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital based in London.
Read more »