Dandruff falls under the Skin, Hair, & Nails category.

Evidence-based

Dandruff

Written by:

Nick Milazzo, Brady Holmer

Fact-checked

by:

Mike Murray, James Gaylor

•Last Updated: November 20, 2025

Dandruff is characterized by a flaky, itchy scalp and affects about 50% of the adult population. It’s most likely caused by Malassezia yeast colonization, high sebum production, and other immune and skin factors. Special hair and scalp products are the most common treatment.

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Last Updated:November 20, 2025

Overview

What is dandruff?

What are the main signs and symptoms of dandruff?

How is dandruff diagnosed?

What are some of the main medical treatments for dandruff?

Have any supplements been studied for dandruff?

How could diet affect dandruff?

Are there any other treatments for dandruff?

What causes dandruff?

Research FeedRead all studies

Coconut oil for dandruff: Effects on the scalp microbiome

Differences in skin microbiome composition may explain dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis

Evaluation of a new shampoo formulation containing 6% glycyrrhetinic acid complex for scalp seborrheic dermatitis

Frequently asked questions

Can stress cause dandruff?

How do my hormones affect dandruff?

Can dandruff be inherited?

Why does my dandruff get worse in the winter?

References

Dandruff: Symptoms, causes, treatments, and your questions answered.