How to Remove Dandruff, Based on What’s Causing It

Having dandruff can be embarrassing, especially when you feel judged for having flakes and flecks of white scattered across your mane and shoulders. But it’s not the end of the world. Because developing flakes isn’t purely genetic, how to remove dandruff means having to make some tweaks to your lifestyle. In other words, you can do something about it. Here are some common causes of dandruff and how to deal with them.

Spending lots of time in air-conditioned rooms or being constantly under sunlight and heat could lead to a dry scalp, which releases flakes.

Your scalp also tends to become dry if you aren't properly hydrated. So drink lots of water, especially during and after exercise, and even when you’re sitting down during work.

A scalp that’s too moist and oily can also produce dandruff. Human scalp produces oil naturally, and you do need a good amount of it for a healthy head of hair. But when this oil builds up due to unwashed hair, and when there’s extra moisture in your scalp because of sweat, dandruff can ensue.

The solution is to make shampoo a mandatory part of your morning routine and post-workout regimen. Which brings us to...

When you don't shampoo often enough, dust, debris, and oils build up on your head, causing dandruff. Keep a regular and consistent shampooing regimen, and use a shampoo that's specially formulated to give you a clean and healthy scalp. The new and improved CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men comes with a breakthrough LiquiFresh formula, so it’s lightweight, mild, and effective in preventing germs and dandruff. It's especially important to massage this into your scalp for sufficient cleansing.

The human body reacts to various foods and substances. If you’ve noticed that your dandruff worsens after eating a particular food or using a certain product, it’s possible that dandruff is part of an allergic reaction, especially when accompanied by other effects like itchiness and soreness. In this case, consult your doctor and avoid the food or product.

Stress doesn’t directly cause dandruff, but it can create the conditions for it. Stress can make our immune systems weaker, so it becomes easier to suffer from infections. Malassezia, for example, is a type of yeast that causes dandruff, and it can spread and thrive in your scalp. To treat the root of the problem, take things easier at work, give yourself break times, and get your nightly seven hours of sleep.

While dandruff is generally treatable and preventable, some cases require more care and attention. Medical conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, which results in flaking and redness, or other skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema, can cause dandruff. If you suspect you have any of these, consult your doctor.

Finding out how to remove dandruff shouldn’t be a cause of stress or worry. It might take you some time to know the culprit behind your case of the flakes, but using a good shampoo and shifting to a healthier lifestyle can be the foundation of an effective and lasting fix.