There are many different ways to treat dandruff including using antifungal shampoos, shampooing more often, exfoliating your scalp, and applying topical treatments.
If you try all of these remedies and your dandruff persists, you should consult a dermatologist.
There is no actual "cure" for dandruff. It's usually a chronic condition, said Banker, but there are ways to control it. Below are four different ways to keep those white flakes at bay.
Use the right shampoo.
If you're dealing with a dry, itchy scalp, switching out your normal shampoo for one with dandruff-fighting ingredients can help immensely, said Holly Hanson, a dermatologist in Minnesota. "Shampoos that contain an antifungal component, including Nizoral (ketoconazole) shampoo, Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) or Head and Shoulders (zinc pyrithione) are helpful," she told INSIDER. "If someone doesn't like using this every day, these can be rotated every other day with another shampoo," she added.
Looking for a more natural approach? "I often recommend washing with dilute apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil-based shampoos," Banker added.
Whether you choose a store-bought dandruff shampoo or a natural remedy, Banker said to think of your shampoo as a scalp treatment. "They should be lathered in and left in for a few minutes to reach their full treatment potential and then rinsed out," she said.
Shampoo more often.
Recent beauty advice says that you shouldn't wash your hair every day. But if you have dandruff, it's best to shampoo your tresses each day of the week, said Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist in New York. "For many people, just washing the scalp more frequently can help eliminate dandruff as it can help to remove the extra build up of skin," she told INSIDER.
Take preventative measures.
Dhaval Bhanusali, a dermatologist based in New York, told INSIDER that dandruff is more common in the colder, drier months of winter. One of his best tips? Start treating it early.
"For prevention, I usually have my patients use the shampoos at the end of fall before symptoms to remove the yeast before it becomes an issue," he said.
See a dermatologist.
If you've tried all of these dandruff-fighting techniques and your symptoms persist, it may be time to see a professional, Banker said. "It is always best to see a dermatologist for an exact diagnosis and focused treatment," she said.