Dandruff is usually caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on an oilier scalp, plus individual sensitivity. The fix is rarely one single change. Most people clear fastest by combining small tweaks to routine, products, and environment. Use the ideas below like a menu. Pick several, try them consistently for 3 to 4 weeks, then adjust.

Daily habit tweaks

• Wash the scalp, not just the hair. Use fingertips to massage the skin in small circles for 60 to 90 seconds.
• Let medicated shampoo sit for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing. Contact time matters.
• Rinse thoroughly until hair squeaks. Residue can flake and feed yeast.
• Keep water warm, not hot. Heat increases oil production and irritation.
• Dry gently. Pat with a towel and air dry or use cool settings.
• Stop scratching. It worsens inflammation and sheds more visible flakes. Use a soft scalp brush instead.

Product changes that work for many people

Rotate one or two of these active ingredients. Use an active every wash at first. When clear, taper to 1 to 3 times weekly for maintenance.

• Pyrithione zinc shampoo
• Selenium sulfide shampoo
• Ketoconazole 1 percent shampoo
• Salicylic acid shampoo or tonic to lift scale
• Coal tar shampoo for stubborn scale, note odor and possible staining on light hair
• For very oily scalps, a gentle clarifying shampoo once weekly to remove buildup

Tips for using actives well

• Apply to the scalp in sections, not just on top. Use a nozzle bottle if helpful.
• Alternate actives every few washes if one stops working.
• Follow salicylic acid with a regular shampoo so hair does not feel coated.

Conditioner and leave-ins

• Keep conditioner on hair lengths only. Avoid the first 1 to 2 centimeters of scalp.
• Choose lightweight, non-occlusive formulas. Heavy waxes, butters, and pomades can worsen flakes.
• If you need scalp moisture, use a light, water based scalp serum with humectants such as glycerin rather than oils.

Scalp care extras

• Weekly gentle scale lift. Before shampoo, use a soft silicone scalp brush or a diluted salicylic acid rinse. Be gentle.
• Tea tree oil can help some people. Use a properly diluted product. Stop if you feel stinging or redness.
• Avoid undiluted essential oils and strong vinegar soaks. These often irritate the scalp.

Routine by hair type

• Straight or wavy hair. More frequent washing usually helps, often daily or every other day during a flare.
• Curly or coily hair. Keep wash day regular, for example every 3 to 5 days, but use targeted scalp application of actives and co-wash the lengths. In protective styles, use a pointed tip bottle to reach the scalp and blot dry with a microfiber towel.
• Dry hair. Pair medicated shampoo with a light conditioner on the lengths every wash and add a once weekly deep conditioner from mid-length to ends only.

Styling and accessories

• Minimize heavy gels, waxes, and dry shampoo on the scalp. If used, clarify once weekly.
• Clean combs, brushes, and bonnet or scarf weekly.
• Wash hats and beanies often. Trapped sweat and oil can flare dandruff.
• Avoid tight headwear that rubs the same spot and causes irritation.

Lifestyle and environment

• Manage sweat. After workouts, rinse or quickly shampoo the scalp.
• Sleep. Aim for steady sleep times. Stress and poor sleep can worsen seborrheic flares.
• Humidity. Use a humidifier in very dry seasons to reduce itch and micro-cracking of the scalp.
• Hard water. If you have mineral heavy water, a chelating shampoo once or twice monthly can reduce buildup.

Nutrition that may help

• Steady protein and whole foods pattern supports skin turnover.
• Omega-3 sources such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, or flax.
• Zinc, B complex, and biotin from food or a standard multivitamin if diet is limited.
• Fermented foods or a basic probiotic may help some people, especially after antibiotics.
• Limit very sugary drinks if you notice flares after them.

A simple 3 week plan

Week 1

• Wash every day or every other day with an active shampoo. Leave on 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse well.
• Keep conditioner off the scalp. Avoid heavy stylers.
• Use a soft scalp brush 2 times this week.

Week 2

• If flakes persist, switch or add a second active. For example alternate ketoconazole and selenium sulfide.
• Clarify once if you use products regularly.
• Clean hats, pillowcases, and brushes.

Week 3

• If improved, taper to 2 to 3 medicated washes weekly for maintenance.
• If not improved, continue daily active use and review the troubleshooting list below.

Troubleshooting

• Still flaky after correct use of two actives for 3 weeks. Consider adding salicylic acid to lift scale, then follow with your antifungal shampoo.
• Worse with oils. Stop scalp oils. Many people with dandruff worsen with coconut or castor oil on the scalp.
• Itchy with redness behind ears or around eyebrows too. This pattern fits seborrheic dermatitis. Stay consistent with antifungal shampoos and consider a gentle hydrocortisone 1 percent cream at the hairline for a few days if not sensitive.
• Circle shaped bare patches, black dots, or intense hair shedding. This can indicate tinea capitis or another diagnosis. See a clinician.
• Very thick plaques, silvery scale, nail pitting, or rash on elbows and knees. Consider psoriasis. Get medical guidance.

When to see a professional

• No change after 4 weeks of correct, consistent use of medicated shampoos
• Pain, pus, bleeding, or widespread rash
• Marked hair loss, broken hairs, or tender lymph nodes
• Infant scalps, pregnancy, or complex skin conditions that need tailored care

Bottom line

Dandruff improves with steady, gentle, targeted care. Wash the scalp well, use proven antifungal actives with adequate contact time, avoid heavy residue on the scalp, keep tools and textiles clean, and support your skin with good sleep and nutrition. Adjust the plan to your hair type, stay consistent for several weeks, then maintain the minimum routine that keeps you clear.