Dandruff is a pesky problem that happens to the best of us. No matter what we do or how cautious we are, the occurrence of dandruff cannot be wholly avoided. Malassezia, the yeast that produces dandruff, is actually present on all scalps. Yucky, I know. But not everyone's scalp responds to the yeast in the same way, which is why some of us have dandruff, and some don't. Also, there's no permanent cure for dandruff. Yet.
But don't lose heart, ladies, cause we've got your back. We're sharing five amazing tips that will help you get rid of dandruff fast. Check 'em out...
- 01. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo
- 02. Change your diet
- 03. Minimise stress levels
- 04. Avoid oiling your hair
- 05. Try an ACV rinse
01. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo

Yes, we know what you're thinking: tell me something new. And guess what, we are going to. There are tons of anti-dandruff shampoos in the market, but most of them leave your hair extremely dry and rough. What you need is an anti-dandruff shampoo that will get rid of dandruff without leaving your hair drier than the Sahara desert. Our go-to is the Dove Dandruff Clean & Fresh Shampoo. Its ZPTO formula targets dandruff at the source and clears flakes from the first wash itself. It also contains menthol that refreshes the hair and gives a cooling sensation. That's not all. It has a unique Micro Moisture Serum that moisturises the tresses, leaving them smoother. All this while still being gentle enough for everyday use.
02. Change your diet

We bet you didn't know that your diet plays a significant role in the occurrence of dandruff. Foods high in carbs cause the buildup of glycogen in the skin, which yeasts feed on. Yikes! Also, sugary foods and dairy trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, resulting in, you guessed it — dandruff. It's best to lower your sugar and dairy intake if you're more prone to dandruff. Include fish, flaxseeds, walnuts or Omega-3 supplements in your diet as they keep the scalp hydrated. It's also important to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep your body hydrated.
03. Minimise stress levels

Stress, by itself, doesn't cause dandruff, but it can alleviate itching and dryness. Not keeping your stress levels under control can also cause it to weaken your immune system in the long run. A weakened immune system reduces your body's ability to fight dandruff-causing yeasts. We know times are tough, but it's necessary to set boundaries between work and personal life. Set some time apart for yourself every day to indulge in things you love. Paint, meditate, practise yoga or simply throw on a sheet mask like the Pond's Brightening Sheet Mask and relax for 15 minutes. Taking time out to do the things you love or enjoy can help reduce stress to quite an extent.
04. Avoid oiling your hair

Okay, so this might be news for you. Contrary to popular belief, oiling your dandruff-ridden hair is a bad idea because dandruff-causing yeast, Malasezzia, actually feeds on oil. So, applying oil to your hair and letting it sit on your scalp for a more extended period of time can actually worsen your dandruff woes. But that being said, using pure essentials oils packed with antifungal properties like tea tree oil can help kill the dandruff-causing fungus. Simply mix 2-3 drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to your scalp. Leave on for 20-30 mins and wash off.
05. Try an ACV rinse

Apart from aiding in weight loss and reducing cholesterol, apple cider vinegar, aka ACV, can also help get rid of dandruff. It does so by balancing the pH levels of your scalp, helping dead skin cells shed faster, and inhibiting fungal growth on the scalp. Mix one tablespoon apple cider vinegar with two tablespoons of parts water, and apply it directly to the scalp. Leave it on for five minutes before washing it off with your anti-dandruff shampoo.
Written by Rachel Baker on 21st Jul 2021
Rachel Baker is a junior beauty editor at Bebeautiful.in. When she isn’t drowning in deadlines, she’s usually scrolling through shopping apps, binge-watching Netflix and thinking about what to eat next.