Get rid of dandruff: causes, treatment, and a gentle routine

Get rid of dandruff by treating the cause, not just the symptom. Dandruff is caused by an imbalance in the scalp microbiome, often exacerbated by harsh sulfates, a dry scalp, or stress. A gentle, sulfate-free routine is the most effective way to restore balance over time.

Dandruff is one of the most common scalp problems and affects an estimated one in two people at some point in their lives. It is not a sign of poor hygiene, but rather a sign that the scalp ecosystem is out of balance. Understanding why dandruff occurs also makes it easier to choose the right measures.

Learn more about the biological causes of dandruff in our guide to dandruff and its causes.

Why do you get dandruff?

The surface of the scalp is naturally colonized by a yeast called Malassezia. When it multiplies too quickly, partly due to excess sebum production, stress, or a damaged skin barrier, skin cell production increases and dead skin cells clump together into visible flakes. Harsh sulfates in shampoo intensify the problem by drying out the scalp’s natural protective film and further disrupting the balance of the microbiome.

Learn more about scalp health in our complete guide to scalp health.

How do you get rid of dandruff, step by step?

There is no quick fix that works for everyone, but a consistent, gentle routine produces results for most people within four to eight weeks. The most important thing is to stop using products that stress the scalp ecosystem and instead give it time to restore itself.

 

Step What you do Why
1. Change your shampoo Choose a sulfate-free formula with a gentle coconut-derived surfactant Reduces irritation and restores the scalp’s natural pH
2. Wash regularly but gently Wash 2-3 times a week in cool water Keeps sebum levels in check without over-drying
3. Avoid hot water Always finish with a cool rinse Closes the cuticle and reduces irritation
4. Scalp exfoliation Once a week before washing Loosens dead skin cells and improves absorption
5. Reduce stress Sleep, exercise, diet Stress is one of the most common triggers for dandruff

 

Learn more about creating a scalp routine in our guide to an itchy scalp.

Which shampoo helps with dandruff?

A shampoo that helps with dandruff should cleanse the scalp gently without stripping away its natural oils. It should be free from sulfates and silicones, and ideally formulated with soothing botanical ingredients. Avoid heavily fragranced products, which can further irritate an already sensitive scalp.

FOAM’s Rice Serenity shampoo bar is fragrance-free and specially formulated for a sensitive, irritated scalp. It cleanses with a gentle, sulfate-free coconut-derived surfactant and leaves the scalp microbiome undisturbed. Learn more about how to choose the right one in our guide to shampoo for an itchy scalp.

 

The Editor’s Note: Give the routine at least four weeks before evaluating the results. The scalp microbiome takes time to stabilize, especially if you have previously used harsh sulfates. Patience is the most important ingredient.

 

Rice Serenity Shampoo bar

Rice Serenity Shampoo bar

€16,95
The Pure & Gentle Duo

The Pure & Gentle Duo

€34,95

Common mistakes when trying to get rid of dandruff

Mistake Why it makes things worse
Washing your hair too infrequently Sebum and dead skin cells build up and give Malassezia more to feed on
Using harsh sulfate shampoos Dries out the scalp’s protective layer and intensifies the imbalance
Scratching the scalp aggressively Damages the skin barrier and increases the risk of inflammation
Changing products too often The scalp microbiome never has time to stabilize
Using hot water Opens the cuticle and increases sensitivity

Learn more about caring for an irritated scalp in our guide to scalp itch.

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Vanliga frågor

Does hair need an adjustment period? +
If you switch from products containing silicones, it may take a few washes before your hair feels normal, as silicones build up a layer on the hair shaft. With a sulfate- and silicone-free solid bar, the adjustment period is usually short; most people notice a difference after just 2–3 washes.
Does solid shampoo work as well as liquid shampoo? +
Yes. Modern solid bars are pH-balanced and formulated with the same active ingredients as liquid alternatives. They cleanse effectively without drying out the scalp and last, on average, as long as 2–3 bottles of liquid shampoo.
Why do I lose more hair in the autumn? +
The hair cycle is affected by seasonal changes. More hairs enter the resting phase in late summer and fall out in autumn. This is normal and usually stabilizes on its own within a few months.
What is the scalp microbiome? +
The scalp microbiome is the natural community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live on the surface of the scalp. When the microbiome is balanced, it protects against harmful microorganisms and keeps the scalp healthy. Harsh cleansers and a high pH can disrupt this balance.
How long does it take to improve scalp health? +
Most people notice improvement within 4–8 weeks with the right routine. The hair growth cycle is long, and changes in the scalp are not always immediately visible in the hair. Patience and consistency are essential.
How do I know if my scalp needs a deep cleanse? +
If your hair feels heavy, lifeless, or itchy despite regular washing, it may be time for a deep cleanse. This is a common sign that conditioner or styling products have left buildup on your scalp.
How do I know if my scalp is out of balance? +
Common signs include itching, dandruff, redness, increased hair loss, greasy hair despite being freshly washed, or a feeling of tenderness on the scalp. One or more of these symptoms may indicate that the scalp’s environment needs to be restored.
Are your shampoo bars suitable for sensitive scalps and eczema? +
Yes, because our solid shampoos are free from harsh sulfates (such as SLS) and drying alcohols, they are very gentle. If you are particularly sensitive or sensitive to fragrances, we recommend our completely fragrance-free option, Rice Serenity.