The way your hair looks says a lot about you. Clear, healthy-looking hair boosts confidence—but scalp issues like dandruff can get in the way. Below we explain what dandruff is, why it shows up, and how to keep symptoms in check so your hair looks its best.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is the visible flaking of scalp skin with itching and sometimes redness/irritation. It happens when scalp cell turnover speeds up, leading to white flakes in the hair and on the shoulders.

What causes dandruff?

Several factors can come together on the scalp:

- Excess oil or dryness

- Presence of Malassezia yeast (often associated with dandruff)

- Individual sensitivity of the scalp barrier

Other contributors that can disrupt the scalp and trigger flares include:

- Hormonal changes

- Stress or lack of sleep

- Infrequent cleansing or harsh cleansing

- Environmental factors/pollution

- Overuse of harsh styling products

All of these can accelerate cell renewal, making flaking more visible.

Dandruff Symptoms

Beyond flaking, people often notice:

- Itching and redness/irritation of the scalp

- Flaking / scaling that gets on hair and clothes

- Hair that looks dull or lacks shine

- Oily feel on the scalp

- Appearance of extra shedding/breakage when scratching is frequent

How can I keep dandruff under control?

Use an OTC medicated dandruff shampoo (e.g., coal tar 0.5%) 2–3× per week to help control symptoms—itching, flaking, irritation, redness and scaling.

Wash the right way: wet hair, massage into the scalp, leave on a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly; repeat if desired.

Go easy on heat & hot water: very hot water can strip oils and provoke a rebound.

Alternate smartly: on non-treatment days use your favorite cosmetic shampoo/conditioner; keep conditioner mainly on lengths/ends.

Don’t tie up wet hair and avoid harsh products—both can aggravate the scalp.

Manage triggers: stress management, good sleep and a balanced diet support scalp comfort.

OTC coal tar shampoos are intended for symptom relief. If symptoms persist or worsen, see a physician or dermatologist.