You can temporarily remove some dandruff flakes from your hair by combing, but this doesn't address the underlying cause. Combing only removes surface flakes; dandruff will continue to form unless treated.
Understanding Dandruff and Combing
Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of a common fungus, Malassezia globosa, on the scalp. This leads to increased skin cell turnover, resulting in visible white flakes. While a comb can remove some of these flakes from the hair, it won't eliminate the root cause of dandruff.
Several sources confirm this:
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Head & Shoulders: “[Y]ou might clear out some of the flakes which are on top and displace some of the dead skin cells. But unless you attack the underlying cause of dandruff, your body will just keep creating more flakes. So you're going to keep using a dandruff removal comb, and never actually remove dandruff from your life.” This highlights that combing is a temporary solution, not a cure.
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Reddit (r/NoPoo): One user describes brushing their hair to remove sebum and dandruff before showering. This indicates combing can remove some flakes, but it's part of a larger hair care routine.
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Amazon: A customer review states using a dandruff comb helped remove flakes before washing. Again, this points to combing as a helpful step in conjunction with other treatments.
Effective Dandruff Management
To truly get rid of dandruff, you need to treat the underlying fungal overgrowth. This typically involves using:
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Antifungal shampoos: These are widely available and contain ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole to combat the fungus.
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Medicated treatments: In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger antifungal medications.
Combing can be a supplementary step in your dandruff management routine. It can remove visible flakes, making your hair look cleaner, but it is not a standalone solution.
