How to Get Rid of Dandruff for Men [and Other Tips]

Dandruff is annoying and can even be painful in some circumstances. Rather than trying to live through it, it’s time to take control of your life and learn how to get rid of dandruff for men. Keep reading to find out more about what causes dandruff and how you can finally get rid of it. 

What Is Dandruff? 

Dandruff refers to visible flakes from your scalp. While this isn’t dangerous for your health, it can be annoying to have and difficult to deal with. 

Your scalp is just like the rest of your skin. An irritated patch can become red and itchy anywhere. When your scalp becomes irritated, you get dandruff. Unfortunately, solving dandruff isn’t as easy as solving a dry patch of skin. 

When your skin becomes irritated, you can use hydrating lotion and soap to quickly see a difference. Sadly, lotioning your scalp is a horrible idea and can cause additional damage to your scalp and hair follicles by weighing down your hair and clogging hair follicles with lotion. 

The best way to fight against dandruff is by using a shampoo formulated to help keep your scalp oil-free and healthy without weighing down and clogging your hair follicles. 

How Do I Know If I Have Dandruff? 

There’s more to dandruff than just flakes. Here are a few ways you can tell if you have dandruff. 

1. Itchy Scalp

If you find yourself continually itching your head, you could have dandruff. One of the best signs is feeling like nothing has changed after massaging or rubbing your head to get rid of a quick itch, and you need to itch even more. 

2. Red, Scaly Skin

When your scalp gets too dry and irritated, it will start to become red, with scaliness to follow if the problem isn’t resolved. A scaly scalp will almost look and feel as if you have a sunburn with peeling skin on your head. Instead of small flakes, larger patches of skin will peel from your scalp and get lodged in your hair. 

3. Sensitive and Irritated Skin

As layers of your scalp start to flake away, it will become irritated and sensitive to the touch. Something as simple as brushing or combing your hair will hurt, and in extreme cases, touching your hair with your hands will even cause a bit of pain. 

4. It Comes and Goes

Dandruff isn’t a constant condition. If you occasionally have a few flakes on your shoulders during a stressful time or your scalp is itchier or more sensitive than usual, you have dandruff. However, if you have chronic dandruff-like symptoms, you could be dealing with scalp psoriasis.

Is Dandruff the Same as Dry Scalp? 

While both dandruff and a dry scalp have the same flaky results, that’s where the similarities end. Dandruff is caused by your scalp being too oily. This extra oil causes skin cells in your scalp to build up and then shed. On the other hand, dry scalp is caused by your scalp not having enough hydration. 

While both dandruff and dry scalp have similar symptoms, there are two easy ways to tell the difference. A red, oily, or scaly scalp is usually a clear sign of dandruff. Dry patches of skin on your scalp and other parts of your body probably signify a dry scalp. 

What Causes Dandruff? 

As previously mentioned, dandruff is caused by oily, irritated skin. There are many reasons your scalp can become oily, but here are some of the most common causes: 

• A yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. It’s normal to have this yeast on your skin. However, in large densities, it can lead to dandruff.
• Not shampooing enough. How and when you shampoo your hair depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Shampooing your hair every day can damage your hair. However, if you go too long between cleanings, it could lead to unwanted oily buildup, which can cause dandruff. 
• Allergies. Your hair care products—including your shampoo, conditioner, and styling products like dye, gel, paste, or hairspray—could trigger an allergic reaction.
• Age. Dandruff is most common during the pubescent years (12-21). This is due to a spike in hormone levels, which can cause more oil production. 
• Sex. Androgen hormones like testosterone are what cause dandruff in men. They help the sebaceous glands become more active and produce more oil. With more oil comes a higher chance of dandruff, which is why men are more frequently affected by dandruff. 
• Neurologic and psychiatric conditions. Diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury can heighten the risk of seborrheic dermatitis (SD). It’s a form of eczema that causes your entire body to secrete more sebum, a type of oil. With more oil production, there is a higher risk for dandruff.
• Weakened immune systems. SD is more common in those who have weakened or compromised immune systems. This includes those with HIV or AIDS, hepatitis C, alcoholic pancreatitis, or who have gone through an organ transplant. 

What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Dandruff? 

The best way to get rid of dandruff is by controlling the health and conditions of your scalp. Here are a few of the best ways to get rid of dandruff for men.

1. Wash Your Hair with Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men

It’s best not to wash your hair every day, but your hair still needs to be cleaned. Natural oils can promote hair strength and growth, but could become too much of a good thing if you don’t wash enough. 

As you start to shampoo, pick a cleanser that will keep your scalp healthy without causing unwanted buildup or damage. Choose to use an anti-dandruff shampoo for men like FORTERO. It will help you keep your scalp clean and dandruff-free without drying out or damaging your hair. 

2. Cut the Carbs

A high-carb diet can lead to a buildup of glycogen in the skin. Glycogen is a type of fat that certain types of yeast, like Malassezia, eat. By cutting out excessive carbs, you can limit the amount of Malassezia on your skin and help reduce your risk for dandruff. 

3. Stop Scratching

Fight the urge to itch your scalp. Itching and scratching can worsen the inflammation and irritation you experience with dandruff. Rather than scratching your scalp until it feels better, try gently massaging the itchy area. 

FORTERO Can Help with Dandruff

FORTERO isn’t just the best hair growth shampoo for men, but it also helps resolve some of the causes of dandruff. FORTERO is formulated to gently but thoroughly clean your scalp, including clogged hair pores. Learn more about FORTERO today.