White flakes on the shoulders of a dark kurta, an itchy scalp that gets worse in winter, and a bottle of shampoo that worked for a month and then stopped. Dandruff, or sar mein roosi as many families call it, is extremely common and not a sign of poor hygiene. It is also frequently mixed up with other scalp problems. This guide covers what causes it, how anti-dandruff shampoos differ, and how to use them properly.
Dandruff is a mild, long-lasting scalp condition where skin flakes off in visible white or yellowish pieces, often with itching. The scalp has a natural yeast called Malassezia. In some people it reacts to scalp oils and causes irritation, which speeds up skin shedding. The more severe form is seborrhoeic dermatitis, where the scalp is also red and greasy, and the eyebrows, sides of the nose and behind the ears may flake too.
Dandruff is not contagious, and it does not come from lice. If you are scratching and see tiny moving bugs or eggs stuck on the hair shafts, read our article on Head Lice (Joon): Symptoms, Treatment and How to Prevent Them instead.
Thick silvery scaling with sharp patches can point to psoriasis. Round patches of broken hair with scaling, particularly in children, can be a fungal infection of the scalp called tinea capitis, which needs oral treatment from a doctor. Very dry, tight scalp after washing could simply be dryness or an allergy to a shampoo ingredient. If the problem is not responding, do not keep switching products; get it examined. See our Fungal Infections category and our Skin Conditions category for related products.
Different active ingredients do different jobs, and knowing them helps you pick sensibly:
Ketoconazole. An antifungal that reduces the yeast on the scalp. Often used for stubborn or inflamed dandruff.
Zinc pyrithione. Has antifungal and antibacterial effects, widely used in everyday anti-dandruff shampoos.
Selenium sulfide. Slows skin cell turnover and reduces yeast. It can discolour light or treated hair and has a distinct smell.
Salicylic acid. Helps lift and soften thick scales. It can feel drying, so a conditioner on the lengths helps.
Coal tar. Slows skin renewal and is useful in thicker scaling, but it has a strong smell and can stain light hair and make the scalp sensitive to sun.
Some shampoos combine these. Browse our Shampoos & Conditioners range and the wider Hair Care category to compare options. Read the label for how long the product must stay on the scalp, since most need a few minutes of contact to work.
Wet the hair, apply the shampoo directly to the scalp, massage gently with fingertips (not nails), and leave it for the time written on the pack before rinsing thoroughly. Many people rinse right away, which wastes the active ingredient. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how often to use it at the start and how often later for maintenance. It is common to alternate with a gentle regular shampoo. Do not expect a cure in two washes; give it a few weeks, and keep using it occasionally even after it clears, because dandruff likes to return.
Wash hair regularly enough to stop oil buildup. Use lukewarm instead of very hot water. Rinse well. Clean your combs, brushes and pillowcases. Avoid scratching, which can break the skin and invite infection. Do not use mustard oil, ghee or heavy oils overnight on a flaky scalp thinking it will remove flakes; for many people this feeds the yeast and makes things worse. Include fruits, vegetables and enough protein, and manage stress where you can.
Dandruff on its own does not usually cause major hair loss, but constant scratching and inflammation can weaken hair. If you notice thinning, read our guide on Hair Regrowth Treatments: Minoxidil, Alopecia Areata and What to Expect and browse Hair Loss & Baldness. Hair fall deserves its own check-up, as iron, thyroid and vitamin levels can all play a role.
See a doctor if the scalp is very red, painful, oozing or crusted, if there are bald patches, if the flaking spreads to the face or body, or if nothing helps after about a month of correct use. Prescription items can be sent through our upload prescription page.
No. It is related to scalp skin and yeast, not just cleanliness.
It depends on the product. Follow the label and your doctor’s advice.
Home remedies are popular, but they can irritate the scalp. Proven shampoos are a safer start.
Dry air and hot showers dry the scalp, and heavy caps or scarves trap oil and sweat.
Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medicated shampoo or medicine.
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