What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a dermatological scalp condition characterized by itching and excessive shedding of the epidermis. In the case of "ordinary" dandruff, these symptoms should not be accompanied by inflammation. If you observe such symptoms in yourself, it may indicate seborrheic dermatitis, which also manifests on the scalp as dandruff, but its characteristics are slightly different [1-3]. In such a situation, it is worth consulting a dermatologist.

Dandruff is a very common condition – experts estimate that at some point in life it affects almost half of the population – regardless of gender, age, or race [1,3].

Types of dandruff

When talking about the most common and fortunately harmless dandruff, most people mean dry dandruff. Its symptoms include scalp itching and shedding of dry epidermis in the form of white, small flakes. On the other end of the spectrum, we have oily dandruff, which most often accompanies seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Here, oily, yellowish scales appear, and the scalp may be reddened [4].

There are also diseases called dandruff that do not concern the scalp at all. For example, pityriasis versicolor, which manifests as pink, scaly patches on the torso and arms [5], or pityriasis rosea (also called pityriasis rosea), manifesting as a rash on the torso [6].

Causes of dandruff

In general, it can be said that the cause of dandruff may be (scientists are still not 100% sure) disturbances in the scalp's microflora and irregularities in sebum secretion [1-3]. Sebum is a mixture of triglycerides, squalene, cholesterol esters and wax, and cholesterol secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It serves to protect the scalp and hair, retaining water and forming a barrier against harmful external factors, such as pollutants [7].

In addition to its beneficial properties, sebum also serves as food for fungi and bacteria inhabiting the scalp. Its increased production may be associated with excessive growth of microflora. According to scientific research, such growth can lead to the formation of dandruff (especially oily) and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

According to scientific knowledge, excessive development of fungi from the genus Malassezia and – as some studies suggest – also certain bacteria, may contribute to the appearance of dandruff symptoms [1-4].

In the case of dry dandruff, it may be completely different. It may be caused not by excessive sebum production, but by dryness of the scalp. Dryness of the scalp caused by too frequent washing or the use of irritating cosmetics leads to disturbances in the skin's natural protective barrier and consequently to itching and shedding of the dried epidermis [4].

Home remedies for dandruff, or prevention

Remember these 5 steps for healthy scalp:

1. Wash your scalp regularly. "Washing your hair" should focus mainly on distributing the shampoo and gently massaging the scalp, not the hair. Wash your hair as needed daily (with oily scalp) or every 2-3 days. Even if after 3 days your hair does not look greasy, it is still worth washing the scalp, as dirt and cosmetic residues have accumulated on it.
2. Use gentle shampoos on a daily basis. Look for products labeled for daily use, preferably without SLS and SLES, which can act irritatingly and dryingly. For example, reach for moisturizing products. However, every now and then wash your hair with a deep cleansing shampoo.
3. Avoid hot water. A hot shower can be relaxing, but do not direct such a stream to your head. Too hot water can disrupt the skin's protective barrier and irritate the scalp.
4. Dry your hair. Do not leave your hair to dry on its own and do not walk around for a long time with a towel wrapped around your head. Such a wet and warm environment is ideal for the development of bacteria and fungi, which can contribute to the formation or intensification of dandruff.
5. Choose appropriate cosmetics. If your dandruff results from dry scalp, you can reach for soothing and moisturizing lotions, which will help you take care of scalp hydration. In the case where you suspect fungi, it is worth trying anti-dandruff shampoos available in stores and pharmacies, containing active ingredients that support the care of scalp prone to dandruff.

Sources: 

1. Ranganathan, S., i T. Mukhopadhyay. „DANDRUFF: THE MOST COMMERCIALLY EXPLOITED SKIN DISEASE”. Indian Journal of Dermatology, t. 55, nr 2, 2010, s. 130–34. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.62734.
2. Borda, Luis J., i Tongyu C. Wikramanayake. „Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review”. Journal of clinical and investigative dermatology, t. 3, nr 2, grudzień 2015, s. 10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.13188/2373-1044.1000019.
3. Xu, Zhijue, i in. „Dandruff Is Associated with the Conjoined Interactions between Host and Microorganisms”. Scientific Reports, t. 6, nr 1, maj 2016, s. 24877. www.nature.com, https://doi.org/10.1038/srep24877.
4. Aydin, Fatma. „Understanding Dandruff Types and Achieving a Healthy Scalp”. Hair Therapy & Transplantation, t. 13, nr 4, wrzesień 2023, s. 1–1. www.longdom.org, https://doi.org/10.35248/2167-0951.23.13.227.
5. Łabędź, Nina, i in. „Pityriasis Versicolor—A Narrative Review on the Diagnosis and Management”. Life, t. 13, nr 10, październik 2023, s. 2097. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3390/life13102097.
6. Łupież Giberta (różowy) - objawy, przyczyny i leczenie. http://www.mp.pl/social/article/74329. Dostęp 19 sierpień 2025.
7. Sebum - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/sebum. Dostęp 19 sierpień 2025.