An oily scalp that flakes and itches is one of the most common reasons people buy “special” shampoos, and one of the easiest to treat once you know what is going on.
What causes it
The scalp naturally hosts a yeast called Malassezia. It feeds on scalp oil (sebum), and in some people its by-products irritate the skin, causing redness, itching and faster shedding of skin cells. The result is dandruff, or in its more inflamed form seborrhoeic dermatitis, which can also affect the eyebrows, sides of the nose and behind the ears (more in our guide to seborrhoeic dermatitis on the face).
Things that make it worse:
- oily scalp and infrequent washing;
- stress, illness and lack of sleep;
- heat, humidity and sweat, which is why it often flares in Indian summers and monsoons (see hair fall in the monsoon);
- heavy hair oils left on the scalp;
- winter dryness in some people.
What helps
Medicated shampoos
These are the backbone of treatment. Look for one of:
- Ketoconazole: reduces the yeast; very effective.
- Zinc pyrithione: antifungal and anti-inflammatory.
- Selenium sulfide: slows cell turnover and reduces yeast.
- Salicylic acid or coal tar: loosens and lifts thick scales.
- Ciclopirox: another antifungal option.
How to use: lather into the scalp (not just the hair), leave for three to five minutes, then rinse. Use two to three times a week until it settles, then once a week to keep it away. Alternating two types can help.
Everyday habits
- Wash often enough for your scalp: oily scalps often do better with frequent washing.
- Keep oils off the scalp if you have dandruff.
- Rinse sweat off after exercise.
About “new ingredient” claims
Hair products often feature trademarked ingredients, such as amino-acid derivatives said to rebalance the scalp microbiome or reduce oil. Some may help with oiliness, but the evidence is usually from the manufacturer’s own tests, with small numbers and short follow-up. They are worth trying if you like them, but they do not replace a proven medicated shampoo for true dandruff.
When to see a dermatologist
- Flaking that does not settle after four to six weeks of a medicated shampoo.
- Thick, silvery, well-defined plaques, which may be scalp psoriasis.
- Redness and scaling spreading to the face or ears.
- Hair fall, bald patches, pain or pus.
- A rash in a baby or a scalp problem in a child.
A dermatologist can confirm the cause and prescribe stronger treatment for flare-ups. If hair fall is your main worry, see hair fall and hair fall treatment.
