What causes dandruff: The truth behind the myths

Finding the right shampoo doesn’t just mean choosing the most refreshing scent, or creamiest lather (although we’re a big fan of both). Your scalp could have an allergic reaction to environmental changes or even ingredients found in products, which can affect the scalp barrier and lead to dandruff. So, try switching to Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner, and finishing off with the Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Fullness Restore Scalp Serum for gentle but effective scalp cleansing and moisturizing.

People often say healthy eating helps keep your scalp and hair in top condition, and that may be true in some cases—but not with dandruff. You might have read that tucking into plenty of good fats (such as avocado and fish) and foods with vitamin B can help your hair cells and dandruff—but this is all theory without any proof. So not one to add to your “causes of dandruff” list just yet.

If you’re feeling guilty about your love of styling products, it’s more likely that they’re causing buildup rather than dandruff. And if you feel any irritation, it might be from products like mousses, hairsprays or serums building up on your scalp and trapping oil and dirt—but that’s not what causes dandruff. So, cutting down on your styling isn’t the answer to getting rid of dandruff. Just try using the Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Clarifying Foaming Scrub to care for scalp by giving it the deep clean it needs.

Just like your skin can flare up when you get stressed, so can dandruff. Of course, you can’t just switch off stress—but you can make extra time to take care of yourself when you are. A hot bath, a podcast—whatever helps you chill.

Notice more flakes in the winter than in summer? This doesn’t necessarily mean your dandruff is any worse then—but in summer dandruff tends to be less flaky, with more of an itch (yay). Since stress is linked to dandruff, there’s a chance it could just be a reaction to busy periods of the year, like festive holidays. So it’s not because of the season itself, but more about what the season brings.