How to Get Rid of Dandruff Fast Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff can also be caused by frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold. Dandruff is worse in dry climates and when the hair is not washed often. Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation. Most cases of dandruff can be easily treated with specialized shampoos. Shampoos use a combination of ingredients to control dandruff. Salicylic acid (used in Sebulex) removes dead skin cells from the scalp and decrease the rate at which these cells are created. Also mild dandruff can be kept under control with shampoos containing zinc pyrithione. What happens when these do not work? This means you may have stubborn, more severe dandruff. And if you have yellowish crusting (scales) either on the scalp, face, chest or back, you may have seborrheic dermatitis.