Dandruff is a scalp condition characterized by flaky, often itchy, skin on the scalp. There are multiple reasons you might experience dandruff, as well as numerous variables that can amplify the symptoms. Factors that may cause symptoms to flare up include stress and cold, dry weather. Addressing these factors can help you keep flaking under control, which means understanding what can cause dandruffsymptoms to worsen is key. From there, you can learn how to care for your scalp and manage dandruff with a proper haircare routine.

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a common hair and scalp care concern that causes the skin on your scalp to flake. It can affect anyone, but is most prevalent during young adulthood through middle age, and is more widespread among men. 

You may notice dandruff if your scalp begins to itch, or you spot small flakes falling onto your clothing. The latter can be particularly noticeable if you wear a lot of dark fabrics. If you take a closer look, you may also see flakes on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, and facial hair. 

There are a few common misconceptions about dandruff. These include the idea that dandruff is contagious and that it’s a sign of poor hygiene. In truth, dandruff can’t jump from person to person, and you may experience it even if you have a diligent hair-washing routine.

What Causes Dandruff?

If you’ve ever asked, “Why do I have dandruff?” you may have found there wasn’t one clear answer. This is because there are multiple potential causes of dandruff. Below, we break down some of the reasons you might be seeing flakes nestled around your hair follicles. 

Excess oiliness

If your roots tend to get greasy quickly, it’s possible this oiliness is contributing to your dandruff. When you have too much oil on your scalp, it can cause skin cells to build up. This can lead to scaly skin, and the scales can start to flake off, causing dandruff in your hair and on your clothes.

Fungus

You may not think of your head as being covered in fungus, but there’s actually a yeast-like fungus that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults. This fungus, known as Malassezia, does not cause dandruff on its own, but can play a significant role in its development. If you wonder why you have so much dandruff, studies show that the density of Malassezia is linked to the severity of the dandruff.²

Certain haircare products

It’s possible that something in your haircare routine is making your scalp flake. Sensitivity to hair products is one of the potential causes of dandruff. This makes opting for gentle formulas and paying attention to how your scalp responds essential. You may also want to avoid products with fragrances and dyes, as some people may be sensitive to them. (At CeraVe, you’ll find all of our haircare products—more on those in a bit—are free of fragrances and dyes, as well as sulfates and parabens.)

Other contributing factors

• Stress has been connected to dandruff. While it doesn’t outright cause the condition, it may worsen your symptoms.
• If you only notice dandruff during certain times of year, there’s a reason why. The cooler temperatures and lower humidity often associated with fall and winter can worsen dandruff symptoms. 
• Severe dandruff on your scalp can sometimes be caused by other skin conditions, including eczema or psoriasis. If you think you may have one of these conditions, consult with your doctor. 

How To Manage Dandruff

The itching and flaking associated with dandruff can generally be controlled with the right care. If you’re dealing with dandruff, consider these tips:

Curate a proper haircare routine

A good haircare routine can help address various concerns, and this holds true for dandruff. If your dandruff is mild, you may not even need to make many changes to your current regimen. Cleansing with a gentle shampoo to remove oil and buildup may be enough. We recommend using the CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo and pairing it with the CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Conditioner. This duo with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid helps remove buildup without stripping your scalp of moisture. 

For more persistent dandruff, you’ll want to reach for a medicated shampoo, like the one in CeraVe’s anti-dandruff system. The CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo, which is also formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, plus 1% pyrithione zinc, helps eliminate up to 100% of visible flakes, itch, and irritation without disrupting the scalp barrier.* Use it with the coordinating conditioner, CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Conditioner, to help leave hair feeling healthy and soft. 

To streamline your routine, you can also try the CeraVe 2-in-1 Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner. This multi-tasking formula combines the benefits of a dandruff shampoo and conditioner to help remove flakes without disrupting your scalp’s natural moisture balance. 

*With regular use as a system of Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner

CeraVe Tip: You don’t need to stop using anti-dandruff shampoo once you stop seeing flakes. We recommend continuing to use it a couple of times per week to maintain healthy-looking hair. 

Wash your hair the right amount

You might think the answer to how to remove dandruff would be washing your hair more. But this isn’t necessarily the case. Overwashing likely won’t do you any favors. You want to find the right frequency for your hair and scalp. 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should wash your hair. This aspect of your routine should be based on your hair type and texture. Those with fine hair or an oily scalp, for example, may need to wash daily. But, people with coarser hair may only need to wash once or twice a week. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to use a dandruff shampoo every time you wash your hair. If you shampoo daily, using an anti-dandruff shampoo 2 or more times per week is typically sufficient. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you aren’t sure about the right frequency for you. 

Visit a dermatologist

Dandruff can often be managed at home, but this isn’t always the case. If you’ve tried dandruff-fighting haircare products for several weeks without a change, or your dandruff is particularly severe, it may be time to visit a doctor or dermatologist. They’ll listen to what you’ve already tried and point you toward other resources like medicated ointments and prescription-strength shampoos. 

Once you’ve curated your anti-dandruff hair routine, start on your skincare routine. For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.