Dandruff is one of the most common dermatological problems. To learn how to treat it, it is advisable to learn how it is caused. While the body naturally removes skin cells as they die and become unnecessary, not everyone has a dandruff problem. A lot of dermatologists feel that the excess shedding of dead skin cells can be attributed to a kind of fungus that exists on everyones skin but usually does not cause any troubles. For people with excessive dandruff, it is felt that this fungus is more plentiful.

A second possible reason for dandruff problems is hair care products. Special hair care products, even organic hair care products might contain active ingredients that irritate the scalp. Cosmetic hair care products, such as hairspray, mousse, gel, or dye might further irritate an already existing dandruff problem or even cause dandruff because of scalp irritation.

Yet one more large factor in dandruff problems is water quality. Water that is too hard or too soft may cause excess dandruff. Water that is too soft may actually rob the hair of the essential minerals it requires, whereas hard water has too many minerals that stick to the strands and the scalp. The most troublesome minerals in excess are calcium and silica. Both minerals tend to build up on the scalp, causing excess flakes and even probably strangling the hair follicles.

In order to remove dandruff, there are many options ranging from prescriptions to home remedies. It is recommended (and cheapest) to begin with home remedies. Two of the most well-known home remedies are table salt and apple cider vinegar. With table salt, simply rub a generous amount of it through the hair before taking a shower and then shampoo the hair normally. For apple cider vinegar, mix one quarter of a cup of vinegar in with three quarters of a cup of water and rub the scalp with it. This aids to break down the dead skin cells and the oils that cause dandruff. Then, rinse the vinegar out with lukewarm water (but rinse it well, or the vinegar smell will cling). Additional home remedies include lemon juice (which may affect hair color), mouthwash, tea tree oil, or even just using a different brand of unmedicated shampoo each day.

In addition, there are also special shampoos produced to remove dandruff. Most dandruff treatments/solutions contain one of the following active ingredients: ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, coal tar extract, or sulfur. These have all worked to lessen dandruff in some people, but in others they might make it worse. A rule of thumb for using dandruff treatments/solutions is that if one does not work, simply try another. And if the home remedies do not work, and the store-bought shampoos do not work, it is possible to visit a doctor and be issued a prescription dandruff shampoo.

While dandruff is an especially vexing condition to many people, there are a variety of methods to treat it in order to make it less obvious and bothersome. With so many treatments to pick, it is almost guaranteed that there is a solution to any dandruff problem.