How To Treat Chronic Dandruff, What Is It, And Causes

Overcome the challenges of scalp flaking with proven remedies and targeted care.

Reviewed by Donna Kay Parrish, Licensed Esthetician
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Dandruff is a common scalp issue (1). The two main symptoms are scalp itchiness and flaking, which can be addressed with antifungal shampoos. However, dandruff might resurface and become a chronic issue. If you wonder how to treat chronic dandruff, we can help.

Chronic dandruff is hard to treat without addressing the underlying cause. Determining the cause and using prescribed medication, shampoos, and home treatments can effectively treat chronic dandruff. Scroll down to learn more about the causes and treatments.

What Is Chronic Dandruff?

Increased skin flaking, scalp itching, and recurring dandruff is known as chronic dandruff (2). This form of dandruff may appear suddenly and become severe over a period.

There are three factors that cause chronic dandruff. Check them out in the next section.

What Causes Chronic Dandruff?

  • The fungus Malassezia This microorganism uses lipase, an enzyme, to break down scalp sebum to oleic acid. Oleic acid penetrates the top layer of the scalp and causes inflammation. This leads to increased skin flaking and scalp itching (2). Sometimes, the skin inflammation can spread to other body parts and cause dandruff-like symptoms. This kind of severe dandruff is known as seborrheic dermatitis.
  • The yeast Pityrosporum ovale It causes severe inflammation of the scalp and skin, leading to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (3).
  • Contact Dermatitis Using hair care products with ingredients that may irritate the skin leads to this condition. It occurs when the scalp comes in contact with shampoos, hair gels, hair creams, and conditioners that contain a skin irritant. If you notice any kind of issue or irritation, discontinue using the products that you believe may be causing it to see if the symptoms subside.
  • Unclean Scalp A dirty, dry, or excessively oily scalp is another reason for chronic dandruff.

If you want to treat chronic dandruff, you must target its main cause. Scroll down to check out the different ways you can treat chronic dandruff. 

How To Treat Chronic Dandruff 

  • Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoos

Use anti-dandruff shampoos that contain pyrithione zinc and climbazole. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science shows that antifungal shampoos containing pyrithione zinc and climbazole, along with silicone, are effective against Malassezia (4). Over-the-counter medicated shampoos containing selenium and ketoconazole are also effective in treating severe dandruff (3), (5). Heres a list of the best anti-dandruff shampoos that you can buy online.

However, ingredients like coal tar must be avoided, especially by pregnant and lactating women. It can cause skin irritation, make the hair brittle and dry, and cause cancer (6).

  • Use Tea Tree Oil
Anti-dandruff shampoos for chronic dandruff
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Image: Shutterstock

Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is widely used to treat various skin conditions, including dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (7). A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that 5% tea tree oil formulation is effective against Pityrosporum ovale and reduces dandruff and itchy scalp (8). 

How To Use

  1. Mix 1 drop of tea tree oil with 200 ml of coconut oil.
  2. Apply this oil blend to your scalp.
  3. Wait for 30 minutes.
  4. Wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo. 
protip_icon Quick Tip
If you are in a hurry, add a few drops of tea tree oil to your anti-dandruff shampoo before washing your hair for optimal results.

Note: Do a patch test before applying tea tree oil as it can irritate the skin.

  • Use Eucalyptus Oil And Mint Oil

Eucalyptus and Mexican mint oils are essential oils with antifungal properties. Adding these oils in anti-dandruff shampoos can be an effective OTC treatment for dandruff (9). 

How To Use

  1. Mix 1 drop each of eucalyptus and Mexican mint oils with your anti-dandruff shampoo or 100 ml of coconut oil.
  2. Massage this oil blend onto your scalp gently without scratching.
  • Use Shikakai, Amla, And Black Cumin

Shikakai, amla (Indian gooseberry), and black cumin are Ayurvedic herbs that have medicinal properties. A study shows that mixing equal parts of shikakai, amla, and black cumin with a pinch of camphor in coconut oil is a great way to treat dandruff (10).

How To Use

  1. Mix 1 tablespoon of shikakai powder, amla powder, and black cumin powder in a bowl.
  2. Add a pinch of camphor. Transfer this mixture to a brown glass bottle.
  3. Add 200 ml of coconut oil and shake the bottle well.
  4. Apply the mixture to your scalp the next day.
  5. Wait for 30 minutes and wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
  • Use Coconut Oil And Turmeric
Coconut oil and turmeric for chronic dandruff
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Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and turmeric has antifungal properties. A study showed that mixing them and applying to the scalp is as effective as 2% ketoconazole shampoo for reducing scalp itching, scaling, and hair loss due to dandruff (11).

How To Use

  1. Mix 1 teaspoon of cosmetic-grade turmeric powder with 200 ml of coconut oil.
  2. Massage this mixture onto your scalp for 20 minutes.
  3. Shampoo your hair.
  • Use Lemon And Olive Oil

Lemon is loaded with vitamin C, flavonoids, zinc, and citric acid. These plant chemicals are effective against chronic dandruff. A study recommends mixing lemon juice with olive oil or using lemon peel with Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) and sandalwood powder as an anti-dandruff treatment (12).

How To Use

  1. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil.
  2. Massage this mixture onto your scalp.
  3. Wait for 20 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.

Or,

  1. Mix equal parts of lemon peel, Fuller’s earth, and sandalwood powder with water.
  2. Apply this mixture as a hair mask.
  3. Let it be semi-dry. Do not scratch your scalp.
  4. Wash your hair thoroughly.
protip_icon Quick Tip
It’s best to avoid sun exposure after using lemon juice for your hair as it might lighten the color of your hair.
  • Use Fenugreek And Coconut Oil

Fenugreek seeds contain proteins and nicotinic acid, which help reduce dandruff naturally (12). Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is a good medium for applying fenugreek to the scalp.

How To Use

  1. Mix 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds with 75 ml of coconut oil.
  2. Heat this mixture and let it cool until warm. Strain the oil.
  3. Massage your scalp with the oil for 20 minutes. Do not scratch.
  4. Wash your hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
  • Use Neem And Yogurt
Neem and yogurt for chronic dandruff
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Image: Shutterstock

Neem has antifungal and antiviral properties. Scientists recommend using need powder, neem oil, and neem leaves with yogurt, shikakai powder, and amla powder to eliminate dandruff (12).

How To Use

  1. Mix 2 teaspoons of neem powder and 2 tablespoons of yogurt.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp.
  3. Wait for 30 minutes and wash your hair.

Or

  1. Mix equal parts of neem powder, shikakai powder, and amla powder with water.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and wash after 30 minutes.

You can also apply neem oil to your scalp and wash it after 30 minutes.

  • Use Aloe Vera And Amla

Aloe vera has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Amla is a good source of vitamin C, which helps get rid of dandruff (12).

How To Use

  1. Mix amla powder and aloe vera gel.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp.
  3. Wait for 30 minutes and wash your hair.
  • Use Baking Soda

Baking soda exhibits antifungal properties, hence it can address the fungal infection responsible for causing dandruff (13).

How To Use

  1. Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda to create a thin paste.
  2. Apply the paste to the scalp and massage it in.
  3. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Wash your hair with cool water.
  5. Repeat this process 2 times a week for best results.
  • Use Aspirin

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, a key ingredient in many dandruff shampoos for its effectiveness in managing flaky skin (14).

How To Use

  1. Crush 2 aspirin tablets to form a powder.
  2. Mix the powdered aspirin with your regular shampoo to create a paste.
  3. Gently massage your scalp with the paste.
  4. Leave the mixture on your scalp for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Wash your hair with cool water to remove the aspirin mixture.
  6. Try this twice a week for effective dandruff control.

These are the most effective ways to treat chronic dandruff. Start treatment as soon as you see the problem. Using anti-dandruff shampoos can make your hair dull. Hence, choose a shampoo that contains silicones. You can also apply argan oil after washing your hair to retain its shine.

Chronic dandruff is characterized by elevated skin flaking, scalp irritation, and recurrent dandruff. This type of dandruff can start abruptly and worsen over time. But do not be worried! With careful treatment, chronic dandruff can be addressed. Maintaining scalp health is critical to achieving this. Chronic dandruff can be efficiently treated by determining the reason and using prescribed medicine and home remedies. Shampoo your hair twice a week and follow the home remedies mentioned above. You will be able to eliminate this recurring issue and attain flake-free hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wash my hair every day if I have dandruff?

No.  Wash your hair every alternate day with an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Is dandruff a fungus?

Yes, dandruff is mainly caused by Malassezia, a fungus.

Can dandruff cause baldness?

Yes, untreated dandruff can cause hair loss and baldness.

Is dandruff a fungal or bacterial infection?

Dandruff is a fungal infection characterized by itching and scaling of the scalp.

Watch this video as it explains the effective solutions to stop chronic dandruff. Discover remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and common causes of chronic dandruff and how to reclaim a healthy, flake-free scalp.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. HOW TO TREAT DANDRUFF
    https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp/treat-dandruff
  2. Preparation of Strong Antidandruff Shampoo Using Medicinal Plant Extracts: A Clinical Trial and Chronic Dandruff Treatment
    https://ust-lab.ru/research/866bb9b44345789aeaafc28c4e1e954cdcb8.pdf
  3. Successful treatment and prophylaxis of scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff with 2% ketoconazole shampoo: results of a multicentre, double€blind, placebo€controlled trial
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1995.tb08680.x
  4. Enhanced efficacy and sensory properties of an anti€dandruff shampoo containing zinc pyrithione and climbazole
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ics.12007
  5. The role of ketoconazole 2% shampoo in the treatment and prophylactic management of dandruff
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546639009086727
  6. PSORIASIS TREATMENT: COAL TAR
    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/medications/coal-tar
  7. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x
  8. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo
    https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(02)00313-4/abstract
  9. Studies on the antidandruff activity of the essential oil of coleus amboinicus and eucalyptus globulus
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2222180812602503
  10. Folklore remedies for dandruff from tirumala hills of andhra pradesh
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224898001_Folklore_remedies_for_dandruff_from_tirumala_hills_of_andhra_pradesh
  11. Determination of Effectiveness Traditional Cosmetics of Coconut Oil and Turmeric as Anti-Dandruff
    https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/iconhomecs-19/125934898
  12. Overview of Dandruff and its Remedies with Allopathy and Ayurvedic Therapy
    https://www.academia.edu/44449476/Overview_of_Dandruff_and_its_Remedies_with_Allopathy_and_Ayurvedic_Therapy
  13. Antifungal activity of sodium bicarbonate against fungal agents causing superficial infections
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22991095/
  14. Dandruff: The most commercially exploited skin disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887514/#
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