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From Unilever Beauty Experts

How to Get Rid of Dandruff the Simple Way

Keeping the flakes away doesn't need to be complicated.

January 28, 2021
Read Time: 5 Minutes
Man with a great hairstyle.

Time

15 Minutes

Skill

easy

hair

Cape

cape icon

hair

Towel

towel icon

hair

Scissors

scissors icons

hair

Spray Bottle

spray bottle icon
There are loads of tips on how to get rid of dandruff, and here’s the easiest one to commit to.

You Will Need

Guys who keep their hair really short--think shaved sides, fades, and buzz cuts--will have a harder time hiding a flaky scalp. While it’s important to know how to get rid of dandruff for better scalp and hair health overall, it’s much more pressing when you want to pull off trendier hairstyles without any fuss.

It may sound simplistic to say that switching shampoos will do the trick, but in reality, it does help. Causes of dandruff include dirt and oil buildup in your scalp. They contribute excess oil and moisture, both of which can be a breeding ground for a fungus called Malassezia – the primary bad guy when it comes to stubborn flakes.

Using a hard-working shampoo like Dove Men + Care Refreshing Clean Shampoo can do a deep clean that removes gunk and flakes, leaving your hair and scalp feeling fresher.

Another easy thing you can do to help treat dandruff is to improve your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial to healthy skin, since they manage oil production and ensure enough moisture on the surface. They even promote wound healing. So start eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and other fatty fish, and nuts like walnuts. Consult your doctor about taking fish oil supplements.

It’s wise to also add yogurt and other probiotics-rich foods like kimchi into your diet. They can boost your immune system, thus helping your body prevent fungal infections that cause dandruff. Make sure you have your daily serving!

Finally, get 7 hours of sleep every night. If you stress your body out too much and not let it repair itself from all the strain, you weaken your immune system. This makes you more vulnerable to dandruff-causing fungi.

Now if you find yourself needing a cut, whether trendy or basic, you can try doing it yourself at home. It sounds daunting, but our step-by-step guide below will help you through the whole process. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A big piece of plastic as your cutting cape
  • Towel
  • Scissors
  • Clip
  • Hair clippers
  • Comb
  • Baby powder
  • Water in a spray bottle

Next, watch this video guide of top hairstylist Lourd Ramos, and follow along when you’re ready:

Man cut his hair at home.

Wash Your Hair

Your hair and scalp need to be clean to avoid anything weighing your hair down or distracting you from cutting it.

Man washing hair

Cover Your Body Up

Place a clean towel over your shoulders and secure it with a clip in front. Put the piece of plastic on your towel as your second cover. You can also try a robe.

Asian man wearing bathrobe

Comb and Clip

Comb it backward to get rid of the tangles, then secure your hair on the crown of your head with a clip.

Combing hair

Trim the Sides

Comb through a section on a side of your head and position the comb right above your ear. Run the clipper above the comb to begin trimming your hair. Once done, raise the comb a little to cut more hair until you’re finished with one side. Repeat the step on the other side and at the back.

Asian man trimming sideburns

Cut the Top

Take off the clip from the crown area, then comb your hair backward then upward. Next, flank the tips of your hair with your index and middle fingers to measure how much hair you want to trim. If you want to add texture or layers, hold your scissors vertically as you snip.

Asian man combing hair

Powder and Style

Apply some baby powder (just like how they do it in the barbershop) on your face and neck, then style your hair using wax or pomade. Using the tip of your index finger, scoop a small amount. Brush the pomade on your palm, and warm it by rubbing your hands together. Apply the pomade by smoothing out your hair backward with your hands. Once done, brush your hair as you wish.

Asian barber brushing hair off neck

Remember: You need to know how to get rid of dandruff (and successfully do so) if you want to be sure you can pull off really short haircuts. And to cut your hair and minimize mistakes, go through each step carefully but surely. Good luck!

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