How to treat dandruff?

Dermatologists and trichologists agree: it’s impossible to get rid of dandruff using only cosmetic products. And if they do work, the effect is usually short-lived.
So, let’s break down how to fight dandruff and how to avoid relapses after treatment.

Why does dandruff appear on the scalp?

Dandruff isn’t a separate disease, but rather a symptom that may indicate an imbalance in the scalp’s microflora, increased oiliness, hormonal changes, or even chronic dermatological conditions.

The main cause of dandruff is believed to be yeast-like fungi of the Malassezia genus, which are normally present on everyone’s skin. However, under certain conditions, they begin to multiply rapidly, causing irritation and accelerated shedding of epidermal cells. Causes of dandruff that can trigger excessive growth of Malassezia fungi:

• improper hair care (washing too often or not enough, using harsh shampoos, incorrect use of peels and scrubs);
• hormonal imbalances — dandruff may appear during puberty in teenagers, menopause in older women, and it can also affect pregnant and breastfeeding women;
• stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, and other emotional disturbances;
• dysfunction of the sebaceous glands (oily or dry seborrhea);
• damage to the skin’s protective barrier or microflora;
• dermatological conditions (psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema);
• vitamin deficiencies, especially B-group vitamins, zinc, and fatty acids;
• gastrointestinal disorders.

What does dandruff on the scalp look like? You can often recognize it yourself, but only a trichologist can identify the true cause:

• dry dandruff is typical for dry or sensitive scalps. These are small, white or gray flakes that easily fall off with any touch to the hair. This condition is often accompanied by tightness, itching, and irritation.
• oily dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) appears as large, yellowish, greasy flakes that stick to the hair and scalp. It’s accompanied by excessive oiliness, redness, itching, and inflammation.

Although dandruff affects only the scalp, the hair also suffers: it loses volume and healthy shine, becomes thin, dull, and brittle, may fall out excessively, and its growth can slow down

How to treat dandruff?

Getting rid of dandruff for good is no easy task — especially if the problem is chronic or linked to internal imbalances in the body. Over-the-counter shampoos may offer temporary relief, but if the root cause runs deeper, a comprehensive approach is needed.

Treatment starts with the right diagnosis: it’s important to understand what exactly triggered the dandruff — a fungal overgrowth, hormonal changes, stress, or dermatological conditions of the scalp. In some cases, choosing the right at-home care may be enough. But often — especially in cases of oily dandruff — that’s not sufficient. In such cases, a doctor will prescribe a comprehensive treatment plan (an individualized therapeutic program) and may recommend professional cosmetic procedures. These treatments help improve the overall condition of the scalp — removing flakes, reducing inflammation, restoring skin balance, normalizing sebaceous gland activity, and slowing fungal growth. Most importantly, they provide long-lasting results and significantly improve the overall health of your hair. So, how can you get rid of dandruff on your scalp?

Biorevitalization: Deep Hydration and Scalp Restoration

If you’re looking for an answer to the question “How to treat dandruff?”, biorevitalization can be an effective additional method. This is an injectable procedure during which hyaluronic acid-based products are introduced into the skin. Hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration, helps restore cellular metabolism, reduces inflammation, and improves microcirculation.

The procedure involves tiny injections across the entire scalp. A cosmetic doctor uses a fine needle to evenly distribute the product into the upper layers of the skin. As a result, the scalp becomes more hydrated, sebaceous gland activity is normalized, and irritation is reduced.

Biorevitalization not only helps eliminate dandruff but also improves the overall condition of the hair — making it shinier, more elastic, and healthier. The recommended course is 3–5 sessions spaced 2–3 weeks apart.

Mesotherapy: A Vitamin Cocktail for the Scalp

Mesotherapy is another supplementary method used in the treatment of scalp dermatological conditions. It is prescribed by a doctor as part of a comprehensive “how to get rid of dandruff” program. The procedure involves microinjections of special therapeutic cocktails directly into the problem areas of the scalp. These cocktails typically contain B-group vitamins, zinc, amino acids, peptides, and anti-inflammatory components. This well-balanced formula helps effectively target the root causes — fungal microflora, excessive oiliness, or scalp dryness.

The procedure is performed with a very fine needle, injected to a depth of 2–4 mm, and is nearly painless. The injected substances improve microcirculation, nourish the hair follicles, and relieve itching and inflammation. Mesotherapy also stimulates skin regeneration, helps normalize pH levels, and reduces flaking.

To achieve lasting results, a course of 4–6 sessions spaced 7–10 days apart is recommended. Even after the first few treatments, there’s a noticeable reduction in flaking, discomfort is relieved, and the hair appears healthier and more well-groomed.

Plasmolifting: Activating the Body’s Natural Resources

Plasmolifting is another procedure used when addressing the issue of how to eliminate dandruff. It’s based on the use of the patient’s own plasma enriched with platelets (PRP therapy). After a small amount of blood is drawn, it’s processed in a centrifuge to obtain a concentrated plasma, which is then injected into the scalp using microinjections.

Plasma contains growth factors that stimulate cell regeneration, improve skin nourishment, normalize sebaceous gland secretion, and suppress inflammatory processes. In cases of seborrheic dermatitis, plasmolifting helps reduce the activity of Malassezia fungi, while in dry scalp conditions, it promotes the regeneration of damaged epidermis.

This is a natural and safe method that does not cause allergic reactions, since the patient’s own cells are used. The effect becomes noticeable within a few weeks: the scalp becomes healthier, dandruff disappears, and the hair becomes thicker and stronger. The recommended course is 3–4 sessions spaced 2–3 weeks apart.

How to Prevent Dandruff at Home

Dandruff is a problem that’s much easier to manage in its early stages than to treat once it becomes chronic. Proper scalp care at home can significantly reduce the risk of developing dandruff or help prevent its recurrence after treatment. Here are some effective tips to maintain a healthy scalp at home:

1. Choose the right shampoo. Opt for products free from harsh sulfates and fragrances. If your scalp tends to be dry or sensitive, use shampoos containing zinc, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or zinc pyrithione — these ingredients help control the Malassezia fungus responsible for dandruff.
2. Avoid washing your hair too often or too rarely. Washing too frequently can dry out the scalp, while infrequent washing can lead to a buildup of sebum and flakes. Wash your hair when your scalp starts to feel less fresh — the frequency is individual for everyone.
3. Regularly clean your brushes and tools. Thoroughly wash out any product and oil residue to prevent re-contamination of the scalp.
4. Don’t forget about hydration. Especially in winter and between seasons. Just like your face, your scalp needs protection from drying out.
5. Watch your diet. A lack of B vitamins, zinc, or omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to dandruff. Your diet should include vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats. If needed, supplement with vitamins from the pharmacy.
6. Avoid stress. Emotional strain weakens your immune system and affects your skin. Practice relaxation, get enough sleep, and make time for self-care.

Proper home care is the best way to prevent dandruff. But if it has already appeared, don’t delay visiting a trichologist. Find out what works for your specific case to avoid complications.

If you’re dealing with dandruff, don’t experiment with treatments on your own — this aesthetic issue requires a comprehensive approach under the supervision of a professional trichologist. Book a consultation of a trichologist at the LeoDerm Clinic in Lviv: the doctors will provide expert advice and prepare a personalized, free treatment plan to help you eliminate dandruff effectively and for the long term.