How to Get Rid of Dandruff Fast: 8 Effective Ways

Noticing those white and yellow flakes on your favorite black dress again? We know that dandruff may not be contagious or harmful but it can be very irritating and embarrassing. Especially when it keeps on falling off on your shoulders.

When Dandruff hits, it’s something we all want to get rid of fast, and we have some great tips and advice from the Happy Cappy team to get rid of dandruff fast.

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin condition in adults and children alike, that causes itching and flaking of the skin on the scalp. 

Seborrheic dermatitis is a more intense version of dandruff with scaling and redness and it commonly extends beyond the scalp and can affect the face and behind the ears.

Often referred to as “cradle cap” in children, seborrheic dermatitis causes oily, flaky, scaly, irritated skin that can also flake off and look like dandruff.

Dandruff Causes

Malassezia, the yeast, is the culprit for both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. This yeast interacts with an oily substance produced by the skin, called sebum, and this causes irritation and inflammation that leads to skin flaking off more quickly than usual.

Dandruff is not solely caused by Malassezia yeast other factors may play a part in triggering dandruff such as:

• Dry skin
• Contact dermatitis
• Stress
• Overwashing or underwashing the scalp
• Reaction to certain hair care products

How to Get Rid of Dandruff Fast?

Dandruff can be easily managed with the use of a dandruff shampoo and taking proper care of the scalp.

1. Anti Dandruff Shampoo

The best, fastest, and most effective way to get rid of dandruff is to use a medicated dandruff shampoo, like one that contains pyrithione zinc. Pyrithione zinc is an ingredient that improves the symptoms of dandruff possibly by targeting the Malassezia fungus on the scalp.

• Rub the shampoo well on the scalp so that it reaches the scalp.
• Let the shampoo rest on the scalp for 3 to 5 minutes before washing it.
• Rinse the scalp thoroughly.
• Leave no residue behind as it can further irritate the scalp. 
• Use the shampoo 2 to 3 times a week to see visible results.
• Consult your doctor if you are unsure about how often you should use an anti-dandruff shampoo.

2. Home Remedies

There are a few common home remedies that some believe can also help get rid of dandruff fast, including:

• Frequent Shampooing – Shampooing more often can indeed help reduce oil on the scalp, which in turn helps prevent flaking. Keep in mind that some ingredients in adult shampoos can cause scalp irritation.
• There are other remedies like Green Tea, Peppermint Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice that we cannot endorse as their risks may be greater than their benefits.

3. Is it Dandruff or Something else?

First, it is important to determine what you are dealing with. There are chances you are not getting positive results with the use of dandruff shampoo because you are experiencing some other condition.

Other skin conditions may manifest symptoms like flaking and scaling similar to those of dandruff. Some of the most similar conditions are:

• Eczema
• Scalp psoriasis
• Ringworm (tinea capitis)

If you are unable to diagnose your condition properly then consult a doctor. 

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

For people who have sensitive skin, harsh chemicals in hair products can trigger and worsen their dandruff. It is important to avoid hair products like shampoo, conditioner, and hair sprays that are free from the following harsh chemicals.

• Fragrance
• Sulfate
• Paraben
• Artificial dyes 
• Phthalates

These chemicals tend to irritate the skin and cause flaking and scaling.

5. Brush Your Scalp

Brush your scalp to get rid of the excess flakes. Make sure that you don’t over-brush your hair as it can also worsen the condition due to oil buildup on the scalp. 

• Brush your hair at least once or twice daily.
• Detangle your hair gently.
• Use a cradle cap brush to massage the scalp in a circular motion.

Brushing the scalp will not only help remove flakes but also increase the blood flow in the scalp.

6. Prescription Medication

If your dandruff is not getting better with the use of a medicated shampoo. Then the doctor may prescribe the use of medications such as antihistamines, topical steroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors. These are mostly prescribed for severe cases of dandruff.

7. Don’t Scratch

Itching is one of the prominent symptoms of dandruff and we know that it’s very difficult to control yourself from scratching. But you mustn’t vigorously scratch your scalp. This can lead to other complications like skin infections and hair loss. 

8. Healthy Diet

There are also thoughts that diet may influence dandruff flare-ups. Some doctors believe that too much sugar and too few vitamins can contribute to dandruff build-up, and therefore recommend a diet that cuts out sugar and simple carbohydrates and increases fresh vegetables and fruits. 

Though there is little specific science to connect diet and dandruff, a healthy balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains is always beneficial.

How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Dandruff?

It all depends on the severity of the condition and how the scalp reacts to the treatment. Most people start seeing visible results after 2 weeks of the use of dandruff shampoo. If not seeing results in that time frame, try a different active ingredient in your OTC shampoo.

There are chances that your scalp will react more positively towards any other active ingredient and help reduce the scaling and flaking. Some common active ingredients to look for in your dandruff shampoo are

• Pyrithione Zinc
• Coal tar
• Ketoconazole
• Selenium sulfide
• Salicylic acid

Can You Get Rid of Dandruff Permanently?

If you are under the impression that once the flaking and scaling of dandruff is gone, after a couple weeks of use of dandruff shampoo, and it won’t come back again after stopping the medicated shampoo–you may be wrong. Dandruff is a chronic skin condition. 

This means it can appear or be triggered again and again in the form of flare-ups. A flare-up is when the symptoms of dandruff appear or get worse, and remission is the period when the symptoms disappear. 

There is no permanent cure for dandruff; however, it can be easily managed and controlled with the continued intermittent use of a medicated shampoo. 

Happy Cappy Medicated Dandruff Shampoo

The majority of medicated shampoos on the market are made for adults and contain ingredients that might be harmful to children’s sensitive skin. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash is the best anti dandruff shampoo safe for kids, adults, and teenagers.

It is pediatrician-formulated, dermatologist-tested, and made with 95% natural ingredients. It is 

• Fungal acne safe
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
• BPA-free
• Sulfate-free
• Fragrance-free
• Paraben-free.

Get rid of irritating and uncomfortable dandruff symptoms fast with Dr. Eddie’s Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash!

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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