A suitable dandruff shampoo
Medicated shampoos can help control flakes. The active ingredient, frequency and contact time should follow the product instructions and your clinician’s advice.
Dandruff and scalp flakes.
Find the right care.
Flakes and an itchy scalp can be frustrating. Understand what is causing them and build a scalp-care routine that suits your hair.
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100K
Satisfied patients23+
Branches / clinics100+
Medical experts13+
Years of experienceWHAT IS DANDRUFF?
Flakes start at the scalp surface.
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes visible flakes, sometimes with mild itching. It can occur even when you wash regularly and is not simply a sign of poor hygiene.
It is linked to how the scalp responds to oil, skin-barrier changes and yeast that normally lives on the skin. Dandruff can come and go. More inflamed, widespread scaling may be seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Not every flaky scalp is dandruff. Psoriasis, product reactions and infections can look similar and need different care.
WHAT ARE YOU NOTICING?
Look beyond the flakes.
- 01
Loose flakes on hair or clothing
White or pale flakes may be most noticeable in dark hair or on shoulders. The scalp can feel mildly itchy.
- 02
Oiliness or repeated scaling
Greasy scale and recurring irritation may suggest seborrhoeic dermatitis, especially around the hairline, ears or face.
- 03
Soreness, crusting or patches
Pain, swelling, thick plaques, broken hairs or patchy loss need an examination. Do not assume that an ordinary dandruff shampoo will treat the cause.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Care that matches your scalp.
Care for inflammation
Persistent redness or discomfort may need prescribed treatment or a different diagnosis. Your dermatologist can explain what is appropriate and how long to use it.
Selected surface exfoliation
A scalp peel may be discussed for suitable surface buildup. It is not required for everyone and is not a substitute for treating an inflamed or infected scalp.
Explore scalp peelsYOUR CARE PLAN
How we assess and manage flakes.
STEP 01
Bring your scalp-care history
- Note the pattern
Describe when flaking started, whether it itches and whether the face or other skin is affected.
- List products and treatments
Bring details of shampoos, hair dyes, oils and medicines you use, including anything that seemed to trigger irritation.
STEP 02
Check the scalp and choose care
- Examine the skin and hair
The dermatologist checks the type of scale, inflammation and any hair changes. Further tests may be needed if an infection or another condition is suspected.
- Explain the routine
Agree which products to use, how to apply them and when to review. Ask about contact time, rinsing and protecting dry or curly lengths.
STEP 03
Adjust the routine as the scalp settles
- Check the response
Report persistent irritation or worsening symptoms. If treatment is not helping, the diagnosis or product choice may need review.
- Plan maintenance
Dandruff can recur. Once controlled, your clinician can suggest a practical maintenance routine and what to do during a flare.
CARING FOR YOUR SCALP
Keep the routine simple.
Use the chosen shampoo as directed, focusing on the scalp. Some products need time in contact with the skin before rinsing; the label or your clinician should guide this.
Avoid scratching or scraping scale off. Be cautious with new oils, dyes, fragranced products or home mixtures if they irritate your scalp. Keep the lengths of your hair conditioned as appropriate for your hair type.
- 01
Adapt washing to your hair
The right frequency differs for oily, straight, curly or tightly coiled hair. Discuss how to treat the scalp without drying the lengths.
- 02
Seek advice if it persists
Arrange a review if an appropriate shampoo routine is not helping after about a month, or sooner for severe itching, soreness, swelling or hair loss.
IN OUR PATIENTS’ WORDS
Hair-care reviews
Related experiences of hair care at Layers, including PRP, GFC and thinning care. These are not dandruff-treatment reviews.
MM
Manipattla mohan MohanKPHB, Hyderabad
★★★★★
“I underwent GFC and PRP treatment for hair loss and had a very positive experience.”
Combined PRP and GFC hair care.
SY
Srinu YarabatiKPHB, Hyderabad
★★★★★
“This was my first GFC treatment, and I'm very happy with my decision.”
GFC hair care.
TC
T.vamshi CHINTUKPHB, Hyderabad
★★★★★
“Excellent experience from consultation to treatment. The GFC procedure was explained clearly, and the doctors were very knowledgeable.”
GFC hair care.
VK
V KKokapet, Hyderabad
★★★★☆
“I am currently undergoing GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) treatment at Layers and my experience so far has been highly satisfactory!”
GFC hair care.
TS
Trinadrao SampatharaoSrikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
★★★★★
“They suggested me GFC treatment and I experienced good results.”
GFC hair care.
SS
Srinivas SrinivasBeeramguda, Hyderabad
★★★★★
“Most importantly, I’m seeing amazing results for my hair thinning treatment.”
Hair-thinning care.
LL
lokesh lokeshVizag, Andhra Pradesh
★★★★★
“I noticed visible improvements in my skin texture and a significant reduction in hair fall within just a few sessions.”
Hair-fall and skin care.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOUR CARE
Meet our doctors
01Is dandruff contagious?
Dandruff itself is not contagious. Some other scalp conditions can resemble it, so get advice if there are painful patches, broken hairs or signs of infection.
02Does dandruff mean my hair is dirty?
No. It is not simply caused by poor hygiene. Regular suitable washing can help remove visible flakes, but the scalp’s response to oil, yeast and irritation also matters.
03Is dandruff just a dry scalp?
Not always. Flakes can occur with an oily scalp, seborrhoeic dermatitis or another skin condition. Treatment should match the cause rather than assuming more oil is the answer.
04Should I oil my scalp?
Oil is not a universal dandruff treatment and some products can worsen buildup or irritation. Discuss what is suitable for your scalp and hair type.
05Can dandruff cause permanent hair loss?
Simple dandruff is not a usual cause of permanent baldness. Scratching and inflammation can affect hair, while another condition may be responsible for patches or thinning. Have noticeable hair loss checked.
06Do I need a scalp peel?
Not necessarily. Many people are managed with a suitable shampoo and scalp-care routine. Exfoliation is only considered when appropriate for the skin and the type of buildup.
07Why do the flakes return?
Dandruff often relapses. A maintenance routine may help control it. Repeated flares or poor response are reasons to review the diagnosis and treatment.
08When should I see a dermatologist?
Arrange a review if symptoms continue despite suitable shampoo use, or if the scalp is very itchy, red, swollen or painful. Patchy hair loss, crusting or widespread skin changes also need assessment.
BOOK A CONSULTATIONA more comfortable scalp.
A more comfortable scalp.
A clear care plan.
Talk with our team about persistent flakes, itching and the products you have tried.
Prefer a call? +91 9000 572727