Dandruff is not a single issue; It is connected with various scalp issues for unique reasons. They vary from person to person, and at the same time, they don't have one fixed remedy. Treatment varies from persons based on their scalp type and type of dandruff.

It is important to treat them in the right way, else the allergies will trigger and might become serious over-time. There are a lot of products available in the market, but get your hands on the right product to cure them naturally and over a time period.

The 5 Common Types of Dandruff & Home Remedies

1) Dandruff in Dry Scalp 

When your scalp is dry and causes loss in moisture, then dry flakes may pop up! They generally come in cold seasons or when you use strong shampoos. As per a study from Mayo clinic, gentle cleansing and scalp-safe products would be a great help!

When your scalp barrier loses moisture, tiny dry flakes appear—common in colder months or after strong cleansers. Gentle cleansing and scalp-friendly temperatures help. 

Home Remedies:

• You can use a thin layer of aloe vera gel all over your scalp, leave for 20mins, and wash off.

• You can even apply warm coconut oil all over your scalp, leave them for 30mins or overnight, and wash off the next morning with mild shampoo.

2) Dandruff in Oily Scalp 

Too much oily secretion may also lead to bigger and flaky scalp. This is because of the dead skin build-ups, which is called “Seborrheics”.

Home Remedies for Seborrheics:

• Micx Pure Aloe Vera Gel with Lemon juice, and apply on the flaky areas through a cotton ball. If you have a sensitive scalp, patch test for being on the safer side.

• Mix 1 cup of ACV with 3 cups of water. You can rinse them post shampoo-ing. And wash them off after 5minutes.

3) Fungal Dandruff 

There is a yeast secretion called “Malassezia” which will  be on the scalp; This is because of too much oily secretion in the scalp! 

Home Remedies:

• Mix a few drops of Tea Tree Oil with aloe vera gel; Apply and leave them for 15 - 30mins, and wash off after 10mins.

• Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water. Spray all over your scalp for a couple of minutes, and rinse them off. 

• You can also include adding Clarifying Shampoo once in a week.

4) Product Build-Up Dandruff

Too much usage of styling products, dry shampoo, and sprays may lead to cause a coating in your scalp, and that is called “Pseudo Flakes”

Home Remedies:

• Using a Clarifying Shampoo, once in a week helps  in shedding away the flaky build-ups in the scalp.

• You can also use “ACV:water” rinse in 1:3ratio . Leave them for 15mins, and wash them off with a mid shampoo.
  
  

5) Seborrheic Dermatitis

This is one case which should be carefully curated. You will get reddish and greasy skin in hair; This will also extend and spread to eyebrows, and minute hairs in the face.

Treating them early is important, else the issue will need medical care for a longer time period.

Home Remedies:

• Mix Aloe Vera Gel with Neem Seed Oil or Neem Paste or Neem Powder. Apply and let them sit for 30mins minimum, and you can wash off with shampoo.

• You can also use scalp exfoliators like coffee powder or coarsely-ground oats powder. This helps in soothing the scalp gently without irritation.

How to Tell Which Type of Dandruff You Have

Here is a simple checklist, which helps you analyse what kind of dandruff you have. Even though most of them can be resolved from the comfort of your home, treating them earliest is a quick choice. 

• If you have small white flakes which are dry and become worse in winter or after using shampoo’s, you are having “Dry Scalp Dandruff”.

• If your flakes are yellowish and are greasy, then you are having “Oily Dandruff”.

• If you have itchiness and irritation, and getting white flakes despite being washing hair frequently, then you are having “Fungal Dandruff”

• If you feel flaky scalp after using hair tools, sprays, and even dry shampoo’s, you are getting “Product Build-up Dandruff”.

• If you see reddishness on the scalp, and get flakiness on facial hair, it's “Seborrheic dermatitis”. This is an extreme case, where medical advice is needed.

Weekly Scalp Routine by Dandruff Type

Here is a 7day scalp routine, which helps in resolving your dandruff issue and at the same time will keep your hair and overall scalp healthy.

1. Scalp Routine for Dry Scalp Dandruff:

• Day 1 : Apply fresh aloe vera gel for 20 - 30mins, and wash off with mild shampoo.

• Day 2: Just keep your hair braided; And don't use any hair styling tools.

• Day 3: Oil your hair focusing on ends, and give a gentle wash with mild shampoo. 

• Day 4: Use Aloe Vera Gel on patches prone areas, and wash off in 15 - 20mins.

• Day 5: Apply serum on ends, and massage your scalp with fingertips.

• Day 6: Rest day; Ensure to take healthy foods for hair health like nuts, seeds, and protein rich foods.

• Day 7: Again use aloe vera gel mask; Leave them on your hair for 20mins, wash off, and towel dry your hair.

2. Scalp Routine for Oily Scalp Dandruff:

• Day 1:  Mix a few groups of lime juice with pure aloe vera gel, apply on the scalp for 10 - 15mins, and wash them off with gentle shampoo.

• Day 2: Incorporating “Anti-Dandruff Shampoo”, helps  in working better on active dandruff.

• Day 3: You can leave the hair; But make sure to wash when you sweat or use helmets with everyday shampoo.

• Day 4: Incorporate using Anti-dandruff shampoo, this helps in soothing dandruff flakes.

• Day 5: Use Aloe Vera Gel mask focussing on scalp, and wash off with gentle shampoo.

• Day 6: Rest; keep roots product-light.

• Day 7: Use Anti-dandruff shampoo, and use conditioner on lengths alone.

3. Routine for Fungal Dandruff:

• Day 1: Start using mild shampoo or the one your doctor suggests!

• Day 2: Mix Tea tree drops with aloe vera gel, and wash off with a gentle shampoo.

• Day 3: Rest and avoid using any products on the scalp! You can massage your scalp with fingertips

• Day 4: Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo.

• Day 5: Use a hair mask with Aloe Vera Gel and any oils/herbs of your choice. Leave for 10 - 15mins and wash off with gentle shampoo.

• Day 6: Rest; Ensure to keep scalp dry after workouts.

• Day 7: Oil and wash your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo.
  
  

4. 7 Day Routine for Product Build-Up Dandruff

• Day 1: Dilute aloe vera and diluted ACV, spray all over your scalp,hair and wash off with a clarifying shampoo.

• Day 2: Rest your hair, and don’t use any dry shampoo.

• Day 3: Use a gentle shampoo and hair wash with a light-weight shampoo.

• Day 4: Now, use a clarifying shampoo and wash off with gentle shampoo.

• Day 5: Try aloe vera gel and wash off with gentle shampoo.

• Day 6: Rest; Ensure to massage your scalp and hair for enhancing blood circulation.

• Day 7: Wash off your hair with gentle shampoo.

5. Haircare Routine for Seborrheic Dermatitis

• Day 1: Try using anti-dandruff shampoo and wash off with a gentle cleanser.

• Day 2: Use Aloe + Neem, and wash off after 20–30 min.

• Day 3: Now wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

• Day 4: A simple massage without using any hair styling tools works best.

• Day 5: Again use anti-dandruff shampoo and wash off for best results.

• Day 6: Now use Aloe Vera Gel, and wash off with gentle shampoo.

• Day 7: Try incorporating anti-dandruff shampoo, and use conditioner for best results.

Common Mistakes That Make Dandruff Worse

• If you are using medicated shampoo’s, make sure the shampoo stays on your scalp for a few minutes before washing off.

• Make sure you use the product for the suggested time period, Dont stop using when flakes disappear.

• For dandruff, ensure not to oil your hair, and let them sit in your scalp for a long time period.

• Skip using styling products like sprays, curlers, etc for a time period to make the medicine effective.

• Use mild shampoo and conditioners. Harsh products might lead to dry scalp, which leads to flakiness.

• Wash your scalp once in a couple of days for best results

• Avoid scraping your scalp, since they may lead to skin irritation and infection.

When to See a Dermatologist

• If your flakiness does not go off within 6 to 8 weeks, even after using medicated shampoos.

• If you feel any kind or irritation or itchiness post product usage, immediately consult your doctor.

• Consult if you suspect psoriasis or infection.

Conclusion

When you spot any kind of flakiness post hair scratch, ensure to immediately take proper care instead of making them spread. Try washing your hair at least twice to thrice in a week with a gentle shampoo.

Use anti-dandruff shampoo often like once in a month to keep them under control. Try using natural remedies like neem, aloe vera, tea tree oil, etc in your weekly or monthly hair care routine for best results.

FAQs

Why does dandruff occur in the scalp?

Dandruff might be because of many reasons like irregular hair care, too much product build up, oily scalp, and a lot more. A proper hair care every week helps!

Can contact dermatitis look like dandruff?

Yes. When you are allergic to certain ingredients like PPD in hair dye, the fragrance or preservatives, you will get red, itchy, and flaky patches.

Is there “seasonal” dandruff?

Yes, one of the common concerns which most of us have. Some of the seasonal flakes occur due to climatic conditions too. Ensure to adjust routines based on the seasonal changes.

Do beards and eyebrows get dandruff too?

Yes. If your condition is seborrheic dermatitis, they commonly show flakes in areas like beards, brows, and sides of the nose. 

How to cure dandruff 100%?

If you are looking for home remedies, use neem, tea tree oil, aloe vera gel, lemon, ACV. You can also consult your doctor and use haircare products accordingly.

Does hot water cause dandruff?

No, they don't cause dandruff. They may be a sole reason because they tend to strip off natural oils in the scalp.