Dandruff

Dandruff is not contagious.

You can’t catch dandruff by sharing a comb or a scrunchie with a friend with flakes.

Dandruff is not caused by dry scalp

On the contrary, people with oily scalps may be more prone to dandruff. It’s been suggested that scalp oil provides a nourishing environment for the yeast, Malassezia, that may cause dandruff. The oil-loving yeast increases by up to two times its normal level when we have dandruff.

Goodbye, dandruff

The most effective way to treat and control dandruff is to use dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments. The American Academy of Dermatology has a few great tips on how to fight dandruff:

1. Follow the instructions on the dandruff shampoo bottle.

2. Caucasions or Asians: shampoo daily and use dandruff shampoo twice a week.

3. African-Americans: shampoo once a week using a dandruff shampoo.

4. If using one dandruff shampoo does not bring relief, try alternating between different shampoos with different active ingredients.

5. Consult a dermatologist for re-evaluation of your condition and treatment plan if symptoms persist after a trial of dandruff shampoo and scalp treatment.

References

Ranganathan S, Mukhopadhyay T. Dandruff: the most commercially exploited skin disease. Indian J Dermatol. 2010 Apr-Jun;55(2):130-4.

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp/treat-dandruff

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-dandruff-basics