Dandruff is a common scalp condition and, although not dangerous, it can become a burden. If you’re struggling with this issue and are in search of a solution, you’ve come to the right place. Read on as we explain the causes behind and how to get rid of dandruff with our best scalp treatments!

What does dandruff look like?

Dandruff typically looks like patches of white or light yellow flakes in your hair (or on your shoulders), that can sometimes make your scalp feel scaly, greasy and irritated. These flakes are dead skin cells that come loose from the scalp quicker than usual. In severe cases, dandruff can also cause red or yellow bumps to develop along the hairline.

Although dandruff is usually easy to recognise, it can sometimes be mistaken for dry scalp. The biggest difference is that if you have a dry scalp, there is no greasiness or irritation. Plus, the skin on the rest of your body will likely be dry as well. If you’re unsure, you can always book a free Hair & Scalp Check with one of our experts to get a definite answer.

What causes dandruff?

There are several reasons that can lead to the development of dandruff and, although it can be tricky to identify exactly which one is affecting you, it’s still useful to understand what causes dandruff. Some of the most common factors are:

• You’re struggling with seborrheic dermatitis, a skin disease that causes itchiness and flakiness;
• You have a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, that accelerates the cell renewal process and leads to more dead skin cells (or, in other words, flakes);
• You’re not shampooing enough and more build up is accumulating on your scalp;
• You’re shampooing too much and stripping your hair and scalp of their natural oils;
• You’re having an allergic reaction to a hair care product.

How to get rid of dandruff: Our best scalp & dandruff treatments

Although dandruff isn’t a serious issue, it’s often frustrating, and even embarrassing. The good news is that treating dandruff isn’t complicated - in reality, a lot of it comes down to scalp care.

The first step is adjusting your usual hair care routine to include the right treatments:

scalp benefits™ balancing shampoo

Suitable to all hair types, our scalp benefits™ balancing shampoo is formulated with a nurturing blend of ingredients like burdock root to nourish the scalp, echinacea to strengthen the hair follicles and sage to cleanse excess oil and prevent clogged follicles.

invati advanced™ thickening foam

Another great dandruff treatment, our invati advanced™ thickening foam instantly plumps each hair strand, for thicker, healthier hair from roots to ends. Supercharged with rice protein to strengthen the building blocks of your hair and protect against external stress agents, and amla to reinvigorate the scalp and prevent dandruff and dryness, this foam’s efficacy is undeniable.

Simply apply 3 to 5 pumps onto damp hair, distributing from roots to ends, before blow-drying and styling. For enhanced results, make sure to use this foam with the invati advanced™ three-step system.

invati advanced™ scalp revitalizer

Developed with an innovative blend of tangerine peel and Japanese knotweed, our invati advanced™ scalp revitalizer penetrates the scalp to support hair’s natural keratin, improving your hair’s overall health and appearance.

As a scalp care product, this spray for hair loss can be used as an additional dandruff treatment in your routine. Not only will it help lift the hair at the root for a thicker, fuller look, but also invigorate the scalp with turmeric, a hair-loving ingredient that eliminates build-up to prevent clogged pores.

scalp remedy™ dandruff solution

Perfect for anyone wondering how to treat an itchy scalp, our scalp remedy™ dandruff solution is a leave-in treatment for dandruff that promotes a refreshed scalp by minimising flaking and helping to prevent reoccurrence.

Simply apply to the affected areas two to four times a day (or as recommended by your doctor) to find relief, as the salicylic acid gently exfoliates your scalp, dissolves dead skin cells and rebalances the skin’s moisture levels.

How to treat dandruff: Our extra tips

On top of incorporating dandruff treatments into your hair and scalp care routine, there are certain habits in your daily life that, once adjusted, can also help combat this issue:

Get some vitamin D - Enjoying some sun rays can help combat the fungus that causes dandruff, as long as you do it safely. Make sure to apply SPF on your skin, as well as our UV defense mist on your hair before you get outside.

Change your diet - We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: what you eat has a big impact on the health and appearance of your hair. For treating dandruff, steer away from unhealthy fats that lead to more oil production (and, consequently, to more dandruff) and make sure you’re getting enough vitamin B, as a deficiency of this nutrient might be the reason behind the bothersome white flakes.

Reduce your stress levels - Stress itself doesn’t cause dandruff, but if you’re struggling with itchiness and discomfort, it certainly doesn’t help. If you feel constantly stressed out, try to find an activity that helps you relieve tension - not only for your scalp health but overall wellbeing! From yoga to journaling, boxing or going for a swim, do more of what makes you feel good.

The white flakes, the greasiness, the itchiness... it’s all frustrating, but also treatable! If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of dandruff, now you have the answer. Find the best dandruff treatments at Aveda!