Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes white or grey flakes and often itching. It is not contagious, harmful or evidence of poor hygiene. Flaking may be more obvious when hair is washed infrequently, but washing habits do not create the underlying condition.
One frequent cause is seborrhoeic dermatitis, which affects oil-rich areas of skin and may also produce red, scaly patches around the eyebrows, nose or ears. Other possibilities include eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis caused by hair products, and fungal ringworm of the scalp. Stress and cold weather can make symptoms more noticeable.
Treatment starts with the scalp
An anti-dandruff shampoo is the usual first step. Common active ingredients include ketoconazole, selenium sulphide, or coal tar combined with salicylic acid. Follow the label carefully: many products need to remain on the scalp for several minutes before rinsing. A pharmacist can help select a suitable option, and it may take more than one type to find the best match.
Use the shampoo consistently for about a month before judging the result unless irritation develops. Wash with lukewarm rather than very hot water, rinse thoroughly and minimise fragranced sprays, gels or oils if they worsen itching. Scratching can damage skin and lead to soreness, so keep nails short and use a cool compress if necessary.
Recognising serious symptoms
See a GP if symptoms remain after a month, the scalp is very itchy, red or swollen, patches occur elsewhere, or there is broken skin or patchy hair loss. These features can indicate a condition requiring a different treatment. Greasy yellow crusting in a baby is usually cradle cap and needs age-appropriate advice.
Diet and daily life
There is no established “dandruff diet.” A varied pattern containing vegetables, fruit, whole grains, pulses, protein foods, nuts, seeds and oily fish supports general skin health, but it does not replace an effective shampoo. Restricting sugar, gluten, dairy or yeast without a clear reason may make the diet harder to sustain without improving the scalp.
Sleep and stress management can be worthwhile when stress is a personal trigger. Scalp massage may feel relaxing, but vigorous rubbing and heavy oiling can irritate inflamed skin. Coconut oil and aloe vera are sometimes used topically; patch-test first and stop if redness or itching increases.
Useful supplements
Supplements should be selected for the individual rather than used automatically. Product directions and advice from an appropriately qualified professional should take precedence over general information.
| Supplement | Effects |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Supports normal skin formation and scalp health. |
| Multivitamin and mineral formula containing biotin, zinc, B vitamins, selenium and vitamin E | Biotin is described as supporting scalp-oil metabolism and hair strength, while antioxidant nutrients support scalp healing and repair. |
| Vitamin C | Contributes to normal collagen formation and is described as supporting hair formation and skin healing. |
| Zinc citrate | Supports protein synthesis, immune function, vitamin A metabolism and scalp health. |
| Krill oil | Provides omega-3 fats intended to support inflammatory balance and scalp hydration. |
| Flax oil | Provides omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fats described as supporting inflammatory balance and scalp hydration. |
| Coconut oil | Described as having antifungal and moisturising effects when used internally or externally. |
| Aloe vera juice | Described as supporting skin healing and providing an antifungal effect, with internal and external use suggested in the source. |
| Vitamin D | Supports normal immune function and inflammatory regulation. |
| Multi-strain probiotic | Included in the source to support skin healing and resistance to fungal overgrowth. |
These effects reword the original document’s “Why?” column; they do not establish that supplements treat dandruff. Excess vitamin A can be toxic and is particularly hazardous during pregnancy. Zinc, vitamin D and other nutrients can also cause harm in excessive amounts. Oral aloe may cause diarrhoea, and scalp oils can worsen some cases of seborrhoeic dermatitis.
The most useful approach is usually straightforward: identify irritating products, use an appropriate medicated shampoo correctly and seek assessment when symptoms do not settle. Nutrition can support overall health, but persistent flaking needs the right scalp diagnosis rather than progressively stronger supplements.
Looking for personalised nutrition and lifestyle support? An FNTP member may be able to help you explore an approach suited to your individual needs. Find an FNTP practitioner.
This article is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
