If you’ve been plagued with pesky white flakes, don’t fret — you are not alone. In fact, a shocking 50 million people experience dandruff daily.  Meaning, dandruff is actually a very common condition for both men and women. With that being said, it’s not the most pleasant thing to have to deal with, or see.

What is dandruff?

Our skin is home to billions of microbes. One of those microbes is called malassezia. This yeast is actually found on all scalps but are sometimes activated to create dandruff. Basically, dandruff is created when there is excess oil on your scalp, causing the skin to flake.

Technically, there are three different types of dandruff.

1. Psoriasis: the large, red scales that you see on your elbows, knees and other parts of your body. If you have psoriasis, your scalp won’t respond to a regular dandruff shampoos or treatment so you will need to get a medicated treatment or actual medicine to help.
2. Dry scalp: dandruff will make your hair itch, if you’re lucky, the flakes will fall out of your hair and not stick to the scalp. We recommend using a scalp-oil treatment post-shower for a few weeks.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis: this classic type of dandruff appears in yellow sticky flakes, impacted by the yeast production on your scalp. To get rid of it, use an anti-dandruff shampoo every time you wash your hair.

What causes dandruff?

Although dandruff can be genetic, other things can contribute to this condition. Dandruff can form by not shampooing enough, allergies or reaction to hair care products, dry skin or eczema. Dandruff can also be triggered by stress or illness. In the cold, dry winters, you might also see dandruff.

How can I get rid of it?

First of all, dandruff is not contagious or a threat to our health. With that being said, there are several remedies to get rid of those flakey critters. A gentle daily shampoo can cure most heads of dandruff. We also recommend a medicated shampoo if you have a more severe case. Look for something with zinc as well for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.