How To Get Rid Of Dandruff (Even With Extensions In)

What Is Dandruff?

The Basics: Flaking, Itching, And What It Actually Is

Let's start with the basics. What is dandruff? Contrary to what you may initially think, it isn't dirt. Rather, those flakes largely consist of dead skin cells. An oily or dry scalp can shed skin much more quickly. As a result, these shed skin cells can accumulate on the head, which is when the flakes start to show.

Dandruff is quite common, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Generally speaking, it isn't a serious condition. It isn't dangerous or contagious, either. However, it can psychologically affect those who suffer from it, causing self-esteem issues.

Mild vs More Persistent Dandruff

The intensity of dandruff can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause, underlying conditions, and other factors. So, the exact symptoms can differ from case to case.

Sometimes, dandruff can simply present itself as subtle flaking on the scalp. In instances like these, rectifying the condition may require little more than applying anti-dandruff shampoo on a regular basis.

A more persistent form of dandruff can result from seborrhoeic dermatitis, a common skin rash. However, this condition would need to be diagnosed by a medical professional. We recommend seeing a GP or pharmacist if:

• Your dandruff is severe
• Your scalp is red
• There is an intense, itchy sensation
• Your dandruff is not improving with home care

To alleviate especially stubborn dandruff, you may need to turn to in-depth scalp treatment and prescription-strength dandruff shampoo. Your GP can prescribe the latter, so help is always at hand.

What Causes Dandruff?

The Everyday Causes

What causes dandruff? There are many different potential factors. To educate yourself on how to get rid of dandruff, you need to learn everyday causes of it, such as:

• Oily/irritated skin: in some circumstances, the skin on your head may produce too much oil, or become irritated due to environmental factors.
• Yeast sensitivity: the body naturally produces a type of yeast, Malassezia, which lives on most people's scalps without causing problems. In some individuals, however, it can trigger inflammation and faster skin-cell turnover, leading to dandruff.
• Dry scalp: when the skin gets too dry, layers of it can more easily peel off. Often, the wrong self-care habits can inadvertently dry out your scalp. Other times, a medical condition might be to blame.
• Product build-up: it's not always easy to thoroughly rinse shampoo, conditioner, and other haircare products from your hair. However, failing to do so can leave residue that becomes matted with dandruff flakes, worsening the condition.

Lifestyle Factors That Make It Worse

If you've got a flaky, itchy scalp, think carefully about your personal circumstances or lifestyle. Although genetics can also play a part, here are some common culprits you can control:

• Stress: going through a tough time at the moment? By keeping stress at bay, you can also help prevent dandruff. Stress raises your cortisol levels, making your scalp produce more sebum, the oil that Malassezia feeds on.
• Poor diet: we get it, life can be hectic, so it's easy to reach for that chocolate bar in a pinch. Still, it might be worth looking again at what you eat. Although no single food has been proven to cause dandruff, a balanced diet that supports overall skin health may help reduce inflammation in some people.
• Infrequent washing: contrary to popular belief, dandruff isn't single-handedly caused by bad hygiene. Nonetheless, neglecting to wash your hair often enough can lead oils and dead skin cells to build up on the scalp, resulting in dandruff.
• Harsh or sulphate-heavy products: always look carefully at the ingredient lists of shampoos and conditioners before buying them. Some contain sulphates, drying alcohols, fragrances, and preservatives that can wreak havoc on your scalp.

Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

No, dandruff doesn't cause hair loss, at least not directly. However, if you don't do anything about dandruff, it can leave you with an itchy scalp that you might not be able to resist constantly scratching.

It's this scratching, not the dandruff itself, that can damage your follicles. In rare instances, this could contribute to hair shedding.

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff At Home

Change Your Shampoo And Conditioner Routine

Perhaps you're experimenting with a new product, or your favourite brand changed its formula not too long ago? Either way, your shampoo and conditioning routine could be at fault for recent outbreaks of dandruff.

Try to steer away from products containing sulphates and drying alcohols, as both strip moisture and could be contributing to your flaking scalp problem. However, now that you've crossed those products off the list, you've still got plenty of others to consider.

As different instances of dandruff can be caused in different ways, you might need to go through several products before you find one that feels "just right". For example, it's a good idea to browse our hair care range at Cliphair for products that work well with hair extensions.

Once you've settled on the right anti-dandruff shampoo, start by using it daily, or at least every other day. Scale down to about two or three times a week once the flaking appears to be under control. You can go back to daily or near-daily use if the flaking starts to re-emerge.

If you wear clip-in hair extensions, remember that this wash frequency applies to your natural hair and scalp, not your extensions. Clip-ins typically only need washing every 10 to 15 wears. If you have permanent hair extensions, follow the wash frequency, technique and aftercare recommended by your fitting specialist to help care for both your scalp and extensions.

For more advice, explore our guide to the best products for scalp exfoliation.

Tea Tree Oil

Historically, this essential oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. It can provide effective relief for irritated skin and promote its recovery.

Why is tea tree oil so good for dandruff? Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and some studies suggest shampoos containing tea tree oil may help reduce dandruff symptoms.

Applying tea tree oil raw to your scalp, though, could bring you out in a rash. So, dilute it first by adding a few drops to your usual shampoo. Then, do a patch test on one small section of your hair. If you don't get any nasty reactions, you can start lathering on this makeshift shampoo more broadly.

Coconut Oil And Aloe Vera Gel

Coconut oil is very popular in haircare and skincare in general, and it's renowned for its nourishing, moisturising properties. A dry scalp may benefit from this treatment, although too much coconut oil could lead to an excess of build-up.

Aloe vera gel is similarly well-known for its many health benefits, including its mild antifungal properties. Aloe vera has soothing properties and some evidence suggests it may help calm irritated skin. There are many compelling reasons why aloe vera could be great for your scalp health, too.

Diet, Stress, And Supplements

Beauty, health, and wellbeing start from within! Changing your diet and reining in stress can help reduce scalp inflammation and promote the health of your hair follicles. Nutrition tracking apps let you keep an eye on your intake, while meditation techniques, positive affirmations, and physical activities like yoga can aid in tackling stress.

Omega 3s matter for hair and skin, and a deficiency can leave both dry. Speak to a GP or pharmacist before starting any new supplement. Some people turn to probiotics as well, though the evidence here is thin. These can be found in many fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut.

If you've been asking people on social media for advice on how to get rid of dandruff, many of them might have recommended apple cider vinegar, or "ACV". Although there is little to no scientific evidence supporting the claims of ACV's numerous benefits, many hair enthusiasts continue to swear by it.

The Best Shampoo For Dandruff

What To Look For In An Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

In the fight against dandruff, if home remedies aren't an option or don't cut it for whatever reason, you may need to buy some haircare products from the shop. But what's the best shampoo for dandruff?

It's going to depend on your specific needs. After all, how well any particular anti-dandruff shampoo works will depend on what caused the dandruff.

So, you might need to go through a process of trial and error to find the best solution.

Key ingredients to check product labels for include zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and coal tar. These active ingredients are typically found in medicated shampoos available from pharmacies and are not included in our haircare range, so you may need to look for a specialist product outside our collection.

How Often To Use It

Using specialist shampoo to beat dandruff isn't a "once and done" thing. Rather, you'll typically have to continue using the same shampoo on a regular basis to keep those nuisance flakes at bay.

You might have heard on the grapevine that going too gung-ho with dandruff shampoo can leave you with an overly dry scalp and as a result, actually worsen dandruff in the longer run. In practice this is less of a risk than it sounds, as long as you follow the directions on the pack.

The bottom line is that if you've got dandruff, shampooing more frequently could well be the way to go. Less obvious is exactly how often, as it can very much depend on your hair type.

Straight or wavy hair ought to be shampooed at least every second or third day. Shampoo curly, coiled, or textured hair a little less, maybe twice a week, to avoid stripping out too much moisture.

Dandruff And Hair Extensions: What You Need To Know

Can You Get Dandruff With Extensions In?

You might be wondering whether hair extensions can cause an itchy scalp. We have specialised in hair extensions since 2007, so we know the ins and outs of them.

As we've established, one common culprit for dandruff is product build-up. This is why you need to rinse as thoroughly as you can after shampooing. Alas, this can be much easier said than done when you're wearing extensions.

That's because clips, tapes, wefts, and bonds include little nooks where product residue could easily become trapped, making it harder to rinse out. Rest assured, though, that you don't have to give up your extensions. You just need to adjust your routine, such as by being careful not to apply product to the roots of the extensions.

Treating Dandruff Without Loosening Your Extensions

Hair extensions fall into two broad categories. Some, like halo, ponytail, and clip-in extensions, are temporary, and easy to remove on a daily basis. Others, like nano rings, I-tips, and tape-in extensions, are professionally fitted and meant to be left in place for weeks or months at a time.

So, if you've got temporary extensions, just take them out before washing. You can then treat the scalp as normal, applying oils as we've already recommended in this article. Later, once the hair is dry, put the extensions back in.

It's important to take a different approach with "permanent" extensions, such as wefts and flat tips. Some hair treatments, like coconut oil and certain tea tree blends, go heavy on the oil. So, apply them only gently, without saturating your extensions' attachment points. Otherwise, the oil could loosen the extensions, making them fall out.

For example, the oil could loosen tape adhesive or cause micro or nano rings to slip out of place. If your dandruff treatment has weakened the bonds of your professional extensions, don't try removing or refitting them yourself. Instead, speak to your fitting specialist, as they'll know how to remedy things.

They might ask if you fancy switching to different extensions altogether. In that case, why not take a look at our full range of permanent extensions?

A Scalp Care Routine That Works With Extensions

Your scalp's health will have a big impact on your extensions. So, be sure to read up on our scalp care guidance for hair extension wearers. This includes a step-by-step guide, from pre-shampoo treatment to oil treatment, along with scalp care product recommendations.