Level Up Gents

Step 1

Wash with an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. Shampoos with ingredients such ketoconazole, salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc and selenium can help treat dryness and flaky skin. An alternative shampoo that may help reduce dandruff is one that contains tea tree oil. For the best effects, shampoo your hair with vigorous massaging for at least five minutes per day every day, then rinse it out completely. Once your dandruff is under control, cut back to only two to three times per week.

Step 2

Switch between two or more dandruff shampoos each time you shampoo. You may find that one shampoo works for a while but then its effects seem to “taper off” after a couple of months. Switching back and forth each day can help ensure potency and keep your dandruff to a minimum.

Step 3

Style your hair with few or no products. Sprays, gels, waxes and mousses can leave buildup on your scalp that appears as dandruff-like flaking. They may also cause your scalp to itch more.

Step 4

Spend time in the sun. While overexposure to ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage and raise your risk of developing skin cancer, spending some time in the sun every day while wearing sunscreen on uncovered areas may help reduce your dandruff problem.

Step 5

Chill out. Having stress can make you weaker and increase your risk of a number of health problems. If you’re under stress, finding at least 10 minutes in your day to take deep breaths and decompress may have the dual effect of alleviating dandruff problems.

Step 6

Ask your doctor about prescription-strength dandruff treatments if you see no results after several weeks of shampooing. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger shampoo or steroid lotion for severe dandruff.