SULFATE- & PARABEN-FREE HAIR CARE

RIGHT NOW: 25% OFF EVERYTHING

Vegan hair care products made in Sweden

What is dandruff? The 4 most common causes of dandruff and tips on how to get rid of it

February 20, 2023

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a common problem that many people experience, and it can be hard to know what causes it and how to get rid of it. In this article, we’ll go over the four most common causes of dandruff—dry scalp, fungal infection, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. You’ll also get practical tips for getting rid of dandruff. Let’s get started!

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is an extremely common skin condition that is usually associated with small white flakes on the scalp. Dandruff can also appear yellowish or grayish and accumulate in the hair or fall onto the shoulders. There are many different causes of dandruff, and in addition to an irritated scalp and flakes of skin that accumulate in the hair or on the shoulders, dandruff can make your hair look lifeless.

Why do people get dandruff?

Dandruff caused by a dry scalp: Dandruff caused by a dry scalp usually appears as small white flakes that may come off when you run your fingers through your hair. Additionally, in cases of dandruff caused by a dry scalp, itching and flaking may worsen during the winter months when there is less moisture in the air. If you have these symptoms and don’t experience any redness or inflammation on your scalp, this may indicate that it’s a case of dandruff caused by dry skin rather than a fungal infection. If you think your dandruff issues might be caused by a dry scalp, you can read more about our best tips for treatinga dry scalp.

Dandruff caused by fungal infections: Fungal infections of the scalp can also cause dandruff due to increased cell shedding from the irritated area.

If dandruff is accompanied by an itchy, red scalp and greasy patches of skin or flakes, it may be caused by a fungal infection. Fungal infections are often difficult to identify on your own but can be confirmed through a scalp scraping test performed by a dermatologist. Other signs pointing to a fungal infection include the presence of yellowish-white flakes on the scalp, hair loss in circular patches, flaking around the ears or neck, and itching that worsens with scratching.

Is it dandruff or psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to reproduce rapidly, resulting in dead skin cells shedding faster than usual.

If your dandruff appears suddenly and in patches rather than spreading across your scalp, or if you have other signs of psoriasis such as redness, itching, and scaling on other parts of your body (such as your elbows or knees), it’s likely that psoriasis is causing the dandruff.

Is it dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that irritates the skin and disrupts its normal renewal cycle, resulting in excessive flaking. In any case, the right treatment for dandruff must be determined to reduce symptoms and promote healthy hair growth.

Dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis is generally characterized by red, scaly patches on the scalp, accompanied by oily or dry flakes. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyebrows, the folds behind the ears, the areas around the nose and mouth, the chest, and the upper back. Other symptoms may include itching, a burning sensation in the affected area(s), and tenderness of the scalp or skin when scratched. In contrast to a fungal infection, which typically results in flaky white or yellowish scaling on the scalp (without signs of inflammation), seborrheic dermatitis is more likely to be accompanied by redness and irritation.

How do you get rid of dandruff?

There are many ways to treat and prevent a dry scalp. Here are 6 of our best tips:

1. Get rid of dandruff with a sulfate-free shampoo: You need a shampoo that is moisturizing and restorative. Avoid shampoos containing chemicals such as sulfates, cyclic silicones, and parabens at all costs, as these will only dry out your hair further. Instead, choose a mild shampoo that Caring Shampoo with natural ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, and Piroctone Olamine, which has a soothing effect on the scalp.

2. Wash your hair no more than 2–3 times a week: There’s a myth that you should wash your hair every day to keep it healthy and remove dirt and oil. In reality, it’s actually better to wash your hair no more than 2–3 times a week. This is especially true if you have dry or damaged hair. If you wash your hair too often, it will instead become dry and lifeless.

3. Use a moisturizing conditioner after every wash: While shampoo shouldn’t be used more than 2–3 times a week, you can actually use our Caring Conditioner in your hair every day to moisturize it and keep it healthy. The conditioner takes care of the dry and damaged areas of your hair, making it soft and easier to detangle. Also, remember that you should never shampoo your hair without using conditioner afterward, as this can make it even drier and more damaged.

4. Drink enough water: A dry scalp is primarily caused by a lack of moisture in the scalp. Therefore, be sure to drink enough water. An adult needs about 1.5–2 liters of water per day.

5. Add a hair mask to your weekly routine: A moisturizing hair mask like our Caring Masque is a perfect way to rehydrate your hair. A hair mask with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and avocado oil makes your hair softer, shinier, and more elastic. Apply the mask 1–2 times a week, or more often if your hair feels dry and lifeless.

6. Protect your hair when using heat styling tools: Most of us occasionally use heat styling tools to style our hair in some way, and it’s not always easy to do so gently. High heat is very damaging to your hair, so it’s important to protect it from damage. Always use some kind of heat-protective spray or cream, such as ours Nourishing Heat Protection before using heat to style your hair.

FAQ

Q: How do you get rid of dandruff caused by a fungal infection?
A: If you think your symptoms are caused by a fungal infection, you can read more about treatments for dandruff caused by fungal infectionshere.

Q: How can I get rid of dandruff caused by psoriasis?
A: If you suspect that psoriasis is the cause of your dandruff, the only way to know for sure is to see a doctor who can help make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Q: How do you get rid of dandruff caused by seborrheic dermatitis?
A: If you suspect you have seborrheic dermatitis, you can read more about this common condition and get helpful tips in this article on seborrheic dermatitis.

Shampoo
Sale
Shampoo Gentle, sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo


The original price was: €26.00.The current price is: €19.00. available by subscription every 7 weeks
Hair mask
Sale
Hair mask Intensive nourishing hair mask with shea butter


The original price was: €35.00.The current price is: €26.00. available by subscription every 10 weeks
Volume Infusion
Sale
Volume Infusion Volume right out of the shower, without styling


The original price was: €30.00.The current price is: €22.00. available by subscription every 7 weeks
Dry shampoo
Sale
Dry shampoo Invisible Formula


The original price was: €27.00.The current price is: €20.00. available by subscription every 10 weeks
Dry shampoo
Sale
Dry shampoo Volume for blonde & light hair


The original price was: €27.00.The current price is: €20.00. available by subscription every 10 weeks
Conditioner
Sale
Conditioner Gentle, sulfate-free moisturizing conditioner


The original price was: €26.00.The current price is: €19.00. available by subscription every 7 weeks
Dry shampoo
Sale
Dry shampoo Volume for dark hair


The original price was: €27.00.The current price is: €20.00. available by subscription every 10 weeks
Heat shield
Sale
Heat shield Ultra-protective, nourishing leave-in cream


The original price was: €27.00.The current price is: €20.00. available by subscription every 7 weeks
Texture Spray
Sale
Texture Spray Instant volume without a sticky feel


The original price was: €27.00.The current price is: €20.00. available by subscription every 7 weeks
Silver Infusion
Sale
Silver Infusion Color-correcting booster for cool tones


The original price was: €30.00.The current price is: €22.00. available by subscription every 7 weeks
Hair oil
Sale
Hair oil Nourishing & shine-enhancing hair oil


The original price was: €45.00.The current price is: €33.00. available by subscription every 7 weeks
Repair Infusion
Sale
Repair Infusion Intensive Multi-Repair Booster


The original price was: €30.00.The current price is: €22.00. available by subscription every 7 weeks