3 Things I Do To Get Rid Of Dandruff

The reality is we’ll all experience dandruff at one point in our life as it’s super common, and there are a ton of things that can cause it, from too much stress to new hair products or simply not washing your hair enough. With that said, this doesn’t mean you have to let it linger as there are lots of things you can do to nix dandruff STAT. Here are my go-to tips and hacks to combat dandruff.

Let us start by clarifying (pun intended) what dandruff actually is. Dandruff is just dead skin cells clumped together due to a buildup of oils and excess product residue. The result? A slightly itchy, flaky scalp.

How to Get Rid of Dandruff:

Depending on how severe your dandruff is, getting rid of it could be as simple as brushing and washing your hair more often, which will help control oil build-up. But, if your dandruff is on the flakier side, you may need to do more. Here are some of the fail-safe hacks I’ve used to get rid of dandruff, which have always worked for me.

1. My Go-To Baking Soda Hack

Baking soda: I love using kitchen ingredients to solve my beauty problems, and baking soda is a really quick and cheap way of getting rid of dandruff. Baking soda is a natural antiseptic and can help remove excess sebum build-up. Once your dandruff has disappeared completely, go back to just using your regular shampoo – I don’t recommend this for continual use.

How to: All you need to do is add approximately 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your shampoo and massage it into your scalp for a few minutes. You’ll see a difference after a couple of uses, and after doing this for one or two weeks, your dandruff should clear up completely.

If dandruff keeps coming back, you should consider changing your shampoo and conditioner or consulting with a dermatologist.

2. My Ride-Or-Die Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple Cider Vinegar: Even when I don’t have dandruff, I love to do an apple cider vinegar rinse after I’ve conditioned my hair, as it clarifies your scalp and removes excess product buildup. ACV is packed with vitamins and amino acids and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, making it an amazing ingredient for a ton of skin issues.

How to: To treat dandruff, I like to mix one part ACV with two parts water. Pour the mix over your scalp (make sure you don’t get it in your eyes!) and let it sit for five to ten minutes before you wash your hair. If it feels uncomfortable or stings at any point, wash it out immediately. I normally notice a slight tingling sensation initially, but it never burns or feels uncomfortable.

If you’re not into the idea of using straight-up ACV in your hair, then check out this amazing Hello Klean Clarifying Scalp Soak, $34, which gently clarifies your scalp by soaking off follicle-clogging build-up while soaking in vital ingredients needed for soft and hydrated hair. Not only is it amazing for your scalp but it makes your hair incredibly soft and clean too!

3. My Holy-Grail Drugstore Shampoo

If natural DIYs aren’t your thing, I swear by Selsun Blue Dandruff Shampoo, $10, for getting rid of dandruff in just a few washes. As well as myself, I’ve had a few people in the office try this, and it’s worked incredibly well – even on a really bad case of dandruff. It also makes my hair feel super soft afterward, so it doesn’t strip or compromise your hair in any way. Try washing your hair with this every other day (or once every three days) for two weeks, and if your dandruff persists, consult a doctor. Even when dandruff goes, I recommend using this for a few washes afterward to make sure it doesn’t return.

Prevention: A healthy scalp means healthy hair, so I like to use the Sisley Revitalizing Fortifying Serum for Scalp, $158, which has a high concentration of plant-based extracts, proteins, minerals, and vitamins that strengthen the hair follicle and improve hair density and shine. Ensuring you wash your hair often is also important.

I hope you guys found this helpful and that it works to get rid of your dandruff – if, however, none of these tricks help, then you should definitely consult a doctor or dermatologist. Certain skin conditions can be confused with dandruff, so if it’s is very itchy, extra flakey, or at all painful, it’s worth consulting your doctor. And darlings, always be mindful of risks in using non-conventional products on your scalp and check with a doctor first if you’re unsure.

For more hair care tips, check out 21 hair hacks for your healthiest hair ever.

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