For those battling the embarrassment of dandruff, with fears of scalp flakes dusting their shoulders during close encounters, help is at hand.
The NHS describes dandruff as a condition that “causes white or grey flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair”, particularly noticeable against dark hair. They reassure that it’s a “common skin condition” which is not contagious.
TikTok’s skincare guru Dr Mark, known as @dermarkologist, claims there are “only two things you need to minimally yet effectively treat your dandruff”. He advises: “First, you need to choose the right anti-dandruff shampoo”, endorsing Head and Shoulders Bare for its concise nine-ingredient formula. He highlights zinc pyrithione as the key ingredient, combating yeast build-up that can cause itching and flaking.
This recommended product is available at Boots and Ocado for a mere £5.
Dr Mark’s second piece of advice is consistency, stressing the importance of using an anti-dandruff shampoo thrice weekly, “even when your scalp is clear and flake-free”. He warns that the yeast responsible for dandruff is ever-present on the scalp, and discontinuing treatment could lead to a recurrence of symptoms.
Echoing Dr Mark’s guidance, the NHS suggests seeking shampoos containing “zinc pyrithion, selenium sulphide (or selenium sulfide), ketoconazole, or coal tar with salicylic acid”.
Experts advise individuals to “use the shampoo for a month to see if your dandruff gets better. You might need to try more than 1 type to find a shampoo that works for you.”
The NHS suggests consulting a GP if:
- you still have dandruff symptoms after using anti-dandruff shampoo for a month
- your dandruff is bad or your scalp is very itchy
- your scalp is red or swollen
- you have flaky, itchy patches on your face or other parts of your body
This step is crucial as the GP can examine your scalp for any skin conditions that might be contributing to your dandruff.