Hair & Beard Care
How to Get Rid of Dandruff: Medicated Shampoos and When to See a Doctor
Short answer: Most mild dandruff can be controlled at home with an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo containing zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, sulfur or coal tar. Massage it into the scalp, leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes or as the label directs, then rinse. If one active stops helping, rotate to another, and see a dermatologist if flaking is severe, spreads, or does not improve with home treatment.
What dandruff is, and what it is not
Dandruff is a common scalp condition in which skin cells shed faster and clump into visible white or yellowish flakes, often with some itch. It is not caused by poor hygiene, though infrequent washing lets flakes build up and become more noticeable.
Many cases are a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, which can also affect the eyebrows, the sides of the nose and the beard. Other conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, a fungal infection or a reaction to a hair product can look similar, which is why stubborn flaking deserves a proper diagnosis.
The medicated shampoos dermatologists recommend
The American Academy of Dermatology lists six active ingredients that treat dandruff, and shampoos containing them are sold over the counter at most pharmacies. Each works a little differently, so the right one is sometimes found by trial.
Read the ingredient panel for the active and its percentage rather than trusting the words "anti-dandruff" on the front. Our wider guide on how to choose a shampoo explains how to read the rest of the label.
- Zinc pyrithione: a widely used first choice for everyday flaking.
- Ketoconazole: an antifungal that targets the yeast linked to dandruff.
- Selenium sulfide: slows shedding; may discolour light, grey or colour-treated hair, so rinse well.
- Salicylic acid: loosens and lifts scale, but can dry the scalp.
- Sulfur: another scale-softening option, often combined with salicylic acid.
- Coal tar: slows skin cell turnover; makes the scalp more sensitive to sun.
How to use a dandruff shampoo so it actually works
Contact time is the step most men skip, and it is the reason many decide medicated shampoo "does nothing". A dandruff shampoo needs to sit on the scalp, not just pass over it.
- Wet your hair and brush or rub gently to loosen surface flakes.
- Massage the medicated shampoo into the scalp itself with your fingertips.
- Leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes, or the time on the label.
- Rinse thoroughly, then condition the lengths if your hair is longer or textured.
- Repeat on the schedule for your hair type (see below) for several weeks.
- If there is no improvement, switch to a shampoo with a different active.
How often to use it depends on your hair type
Men with fine or straight hair or an oily scalp may need to shampoo daily and use the dandruff shampoo about twice a week, according to AAD guidance. Men with coarse, curly or coily hair can shampoo when needed and use a dandruff shampoo about once a week, if the scalp tolerates it.
With curly or coily hair, keep the medicated shampoo on the scalp only, because the actives can dry the lengths. Follow with your usual conditioner. Once flaking settles, many people keep it away with a maintenance wash once a week or so.
Why a fade can make flakes more visible
A short cut does not cause dandruff, but it takes away the cover. On a skin fade, flakes sit on bare skin and dark hair, and they collect along the line where the fade meets the top. Winter makes it worse for many people in Ontario, with dry indoor heat and toques trapping warmth against the scalp.
If you have a flare, tell us at your appointment. We can still cut, and a gentle wash before the clippers helps, but we cannot diagnose a scalp condition, and a barber should never be a substitute for a doctor. If you use a coal tar shampoo, protect the scalp from sun with a hat or SPF 30 or higher, especially with a fresh fade.
When to see a doctor or dermatologist
Book with your family doctor or a dermatologist if home treatment has not helped after a few weeks of correct use, or sooner if the scalp is very red, sore, weeping or crusted. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger shampoos or other treatments and can tell whether the flaking is really dandruff.
Also get checked if the flakes spread to your face, ears or beard, if you see thick silvery plaques, if you have hair loss in patches, or if the itch is keeping you up at night. Those can point to seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema or a fungal infection, which need a proper diagnosis.
How to get rid of dandruff: common questions
Is dandruff contagious?
Ordinary dandruff is not passed from person to person. A fungal scalp infection can look similar and can spread, which is one reason persistent flaking should be checked by a doctor.
Can I get dandruff in my beard?
Yes. Flaking skin under a beard is common, and dermatologists suggest brushing the beard and washing beard and scalp with a dandruff shampoo at least once a week. Our beard oil guide covers the moisture side.
Is a dry scalp the same as dandruff?
Not quite. A dry scalp tends to give small, fine flakes and tightness, often after harsh washing or in winter, while dandruff flakes are usually larger and slightly oily. If you cannot tell which you have, a doctor can.
Will dandruff go away for good?
Dandruff tends to come and go, so most people control it rather than cure it. A weekly maintenance wash with a medicated shampoo keeps many cases quiet.
