How to get dandruff out of hair is a question that plagues many people. Dandruff is one of the most frustrating hair problems because it seems so difficult to get rid of.
The good news is, there are several different methods you can try to get dandruff out of your hair.
Tabe of Contents:
- Should I wash my hair every day if I have dandruff?
- Why do I still have dandruff after washing my hair?
- Is it bad to pick dandruff off your scalp?
- How to get dandruff flakes out of your hair
- Why do I still have dandruff after using an anti-dandruff treatment?
- What are some things I can do to prevent getting dandruff in the future?
Should I wash my hair every day if I have dandruff?
First, you need to determine what type of dandruff you have. There are actually two types of dandruff, dry and oily.

For many people, their dandruff is caused by an overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands in your scalp.
However, in some cases, Malassezia yeast is to blame. This yeast lives on everyone's scalp, but when there is too much of it or the yeast begins to grow abnormally, it can cause dandruff symptoms.
If your dandruff is oily, then you should wash your hair every day with a shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole.
You can also use an anti-dandruff treatment, but these are not for everyday use because they can be harmful to the hair. These treatments include shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in sprays.
If your dandruff is dry, you should not wash your hair every day because it will further damage your already dry scalp.
Instead, use a moisturizing shampoo that has ingredients like castor oil, or coconut oil and, other natural antifungal ingredients such as tea tree oil and eucalyptus.
Why do I still have dandruff after washing my hair?
There are several reasons why you still have dandruff after washing your hair. The first reason is that it takes time for dandruff to actually come off your scalp and enter your hair.
So, while you're washing your hair, you're just pushing dandruff around your head. Also, if you are scratching your scalp too much while washing, this can cause more dandruff to fall off into your hair.
Another reason why you may still see dandruff in your hair after washing is because not all the flakes will come off during washing. Your shampoo may not be able to remove all of them if there are too many.
Last but not least, your hair type can also play a role in why you can still see dandruff in your hair after washing it.
If you have curly or coarse hair, then it's going to be more difficult for the shampoo to clean your scalp and hair well.
Is it bad to pick dandruff off your scalp?
In general, it is not a good idea to pick dandruff off your scalp because it can lead to infection. Picking dandruff off your scalp can also cause more dandruff flakes to fall around your hair.
However, if you are noticing that the dandruff isn't coming off when you wash your hair, then you can try picking it with a soft bristle toothbrush.
Also, if you are noticing lots of dandruff in your hair after washing it, you can try picking off some of the flakes.
However, if there is noticeable swelling or redness around your scalp or if any puss comes out when you pick at your scalp, then stop immediately and see a doctor.
How to get dandruff flakes out of your hair
The easiest way to get dandruff flakes out of your hair is by shampooing it. Some shampoos claim to remove more dandruff than others, but unfortunately, there is no such thing as a special shampoo that can magically dissolve dandruff.
However, you can try the following ways to get rid of your dandruff:
- Use a clarifying shampoo;
- Let the shampoo sit on your scalp for 2-3 minutes before washing it out;
- Shampoo twice instead of once. This way, you'll have better coverage on your scalp because it will be easier for the shampoo to seep through your hair and onto your scalp;
- Scrub your scalp with a soft bristle toothbrush or use a scalp massager.
- After shampooing, apply an anti-dandruff treatment directly onto your scalp;
- Use an egg white mask that will strip away any dry or flaky skin on your scalp. You can use this mask once a month, but make sure to rinse it out with water thoroughly;
- If you have dry or flaky scalp, then you should stop using shampoos that contain sulfates and silicones. These ingredients can strip away the natural oils in your hair and may cause further damage;
- If you have oily dandruff and your hair is thin and oily, then you should use a shampoo that contains salicylic acid or tea tree oil.
Why do I still have dandruff after using an anti-dandruff treatment?
Unfortunately, some shampoos just don't work for everyone, so if you've been using an anti-dandruff treatment and your scalp is still flaking, it's best to stop using the shampoo and find a different one.

However, keep in mind that if you are using an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide, it will take at least 2 weeks before you see any results.
Also, the dandruff treatment may not be working because you're just not using it right. You need to leave the shampoo on your scalp for at least 2-3 minutes before rinsing it off. This way, the active ingredients will have time to penetrate onto your scalp.
If none of that works, you should see a doctor.
What are some things I can do to prevent getting dandruff in the future?
There are a few things you may do to avoid getting dandruff.
- Wash your hair at least twice a week, and make sure to replace the shampoo you use every few months. Also, try using a shampoo that contains natural antifungal ingredients, such as tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar that can be found in our WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo for example. Another option is to opt for a clarifying shampoo such as our WOW Red Onion Black Seed Oil Shampoo rich with packed with onion oil and it's natural benefits.
- Make sure your conditioner has a lightweight formula free of silicones.
- Finally, avoid using too many styling products on your hair.
If any of these things stop working and your dandruff is still bugging you, then see a doctor about getting some medicated shampoo or lotion.
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