Theguardian iconTheguardianSep 13, 2026

Not glamorous, but common: how to manage dandruff at home and when to get help

Experts don't know exactly what causes dandruff, but if you're seeing light flakes on your scalp, over-the-counter products can help You spy a scatter of white flakes on your collar. Or you've got an itch that won't quit, no matter how much you wash your hair.

Not glamorous, but common: how to manage dandruff at home and when to get help

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Experts don't know exactly what causes dandruff, but if you're seeing light flakes on your scalp, over-the-counter products can help You spy a scatter of white flakes on your collar.

Or you've got an itch that won't quit, no matter how much you wash your hair.

Dandruff isn't glamorous, but it's common: about half the world's population has it.

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The useful part

Experts don't know exactly what causes dandruff, but if you're seeing light flakes on your scalp, over-the-counter products can help You spy a scatter of white flakes on your collar. Or you've got an itch that won't quit, no matter how much you wash your hair. Dandruff isn't glamorous, but it's common: about half the world's population has it.

How it works

  • Here's what you need to know about what might be causing your flakes, what you can do about it, and when it's time to get help.

Details worth keeping

An itchy, flaking scalp is rarely dangerous, but it can be annoying.

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