Understanding & Eliminating Dandruff

“I'm ashamed of my scalp, I hide it under a cap. I don't tie my hair back anymore so people don't see my dandruff. I scratch myself until I bleed…”

If these words resonate with you, you've come to the right place. This guide will help you understand the two main types of dandruff and, more importantly, how to take the right steps to manage it sustainably.

Hello, I am Julie Pernet,

Doctor of Pharmacy, Certified Trichologist & Founder of the MakeMyMask laboratory.

For several years, I have been consulting women and men who suffer from dry, oily, itchy dandruff... And who too often hear that "it's normal" or "there's nothing we can do." But that's not true, there are solutions!

I wrote this guide to help you understand what dandruff really is, how to differentiate it, and most importantly, how to take control of it naturally.

Understanding dandruff: dry or oily?

Dandruff is a sign that the scalp is renewing itself too quickly. However, there are two types, each very different in their origin and treatment:

Dry dandruff

■ Light, white, fine, like dust
■ Fall easily on the shoulders
■ Non-greasy to the touch
■ Little or no visible redness

Possible causes : dehydrated or sensitive scalp, reaction to overly aggressive products, psoriasis, eczema, or pityriasis simplex

Oily dandruff

■ Thicker, yellowish
■ Stick to the scalp, sometimes greasy to the touch
■ Associated with redness, itching, oily scalp

Possible causes : overproduction of sebum, excessive growth of the Malassezia fungus, disruption of the scalp microbiome, seborrheic dermatitis (SD)

Here is a clear table that allows you to differentiate between oily dandruff and dry dandruff and therefore adapt the treatment subsequently:

Causes & Factors of Dandruff

Although the Malassezia fungus is present in everyone, it becomes problematic when certain triggering factors are present:

■  Excess sebum : oily skin or scalp = food for fungus, puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)...

■  Stress : chronic stress weakens the skin barrier and also increases sebum production via cortisol

■  Cold & dry climate : outbreaks are often more frequent in fall-winter, less UV/humidity = microbiome imbalance

■  Fatigue & chronic illnesses : HIV, Parkinson's, or even severe fatigue = more favorable terrain, the immune system is weakened and therefore more vulnerable

■  Certain treatments or products : improperly used corticosteroids, aggressive shampoos, occlusive treatments, colorings or irritating hair products

■  Pro-inflammatory diet : excess sugar, dairy, alcohol = potentially aggravating

Conventional treatments: what you need to know

They are often effective in the short term, but sometimes poorly tolerated or fail over time.

My recommendation for comprehensive care

To permanently eliminate dry and oily dandruff, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach, which is not limited to masking the external signs, but also acts on the underlying causes of dandruff.

1. Treat the problem from the inside out

A natural anti-inflammatory & sebum-regulating formula for oily dandruff can reduce outbreaks at the source:

✅​ Zinc bisglycinate: anti-inflammatory, regulates sebum production, antimicrobial
✅​ Selenium-enriched yeast: antioxidant, protects cells from oxidative stress, supports immunity
✅​ Plant-based vitamin D3: regulation of skin immunity, often deficient in cases of DS
✅ Ginger & Turmeric: Powerful natural anti-inflammatories
✅​ Black pepper (piperine): improves the bioavailability of turmeric
✅ Probiotics (L. rhamnosus, B. lactis, L. reuteri): action on the intestinal microbiota – which strongly influences the skin microbiota and chronic inflammation (linked to DS according to several studies)
✅​ Omega 3: reduces inflammation

My solution: SOS Supplements

DRY FILMS

■  The first food supplements against dry dandruff and irritations
■  Calms attacks - Visible results in 5 days
■  Reduces inflammation from within
■  Made in France, clean, vegan, allergen-free

Dosage: Take 2 capsules per day for 7 days to calm attacks.

OILY DANDRUFF

■  The first food supplements against oily dandruff and excess sebum
■  Calms attacks - Visible results in 5 days
■  Reduces inflammation from within
■  Made in France, clean, vegan, allergen-free

Dosage: Take 2 capsules per day for 7 days to calm attacks.

2. Gently eliminate dandruff

This step gently removes dandruff and prepares the scalp to receive the active ingredients.

My solution: pre-shampoo active scrubs

DRY FILMS

Anti-PSO & Plaques Concentrate

■  Gently exfoliates dry dandruff
■  Moisturizes the scalp
■  Soothes itching
■  Cortisone-free, made in France, 97% natural origin

Dosage: Use 2 to 3 times a week before shampooing, leave on for 25 minutes.

OILY DANDRUFF

Anti-Dandruff Pre-Shampoo

■  Gently exfoliates oily dandruff
■  Rebalances excess sebum
■  Soothes itching
■  Cortisone-free, made in France, 97% natural origin

Dosage: Use once a week before shampooing, leave on for 1 minutes

3. Rebalance the microbiome

And yet... no one talks about it, even though it's at the heart of the latest scientific publications! The scalp microbiome plays a key role in the appearance of dandruff.

To preserve it, I recommend using a shampoo with a pH of 5, which is the physiological pH of the scalp. This slightly acidic pH helps maintain a healthy environment, limits the proliferation of "bad bacteria" and protects the skin's natural balance.

My solution: pH5 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Dual anti-fungal and exfoliating action

■  At physiological pH5
■  Anti-fungal action against the fungus responsible for dandruff
■  Gently exfoliates dandruff
■  98% natural origin, 0% silicone, 0% sulfates, made in France

Dosage: carry out 2 shampoos per wash, leave on for 5 minutes to improve its effectiveness

Even when dandruff disappears, it is essential to maintain a gentle shampoo with pH5 routinely in order to preserve the balance of the microbiome and thus avoid recurrences.

4. Calm & hydrate

To avoid topical cortisone, there are many alternatives that help soothe itching.

Using an aloe vera or hyaluronic acid serum can soothe irritation and itching. If it contains prebiotics to rebalance the microbiome, even better! I also recommend avoiding harsh products (alcohol, perfume, etc.).

My solution: Tricho-Pure Soothing Serum

Anti-itch & irritation

■  With hyaluronic acid & aloe vera to hydrate and soothe the scalp
■ Prebiotics to rebalance the microbiome
■  No rinsing, non-greasy texture
■  Made in France, 97% natural origin

Dosage: Apply a few drops to irritated areas as needed.

5. Use a comprehensive protocol

One product is not enough!

To permanently eliminate dry patches and soothe scalp psoriasis, it is necessary to adopt a complete protocol that acts on the symptoms of psoriasis and limits recurrences.

My solution: Complete Anti-Dandruff Protocols

DRY FILMS

Complete Anti-Dry Dandruff Protocol

■ The first complete anti-PSO protocol without cortisone that respects the microbiome
■ Visible results from the first use
■ 97% natural, 0% sulfate & silicone, vegan, made in France

Duration of use: approximately 2 months

OILY DANDRUFF

Complete Anti-Oily Dandruff Protocol

■ The first complete anti-PSO protocol without cortisone that respects the microbiome
■ Visible results from the first use
■ 97% natural, 0% sulfate & silicone, vegan, made in France

Duration of use: approximately 2 months

6. Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet

The goal is to adapt your diet to reduce overall inflammation as much as possible.

TO BE PREFERRED:
✅​ Omega-3 : oily fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon), flax and chia seeds
✅​ Green & cruciferous vegetables : rich in antioxidants, detoxifiers (broccoli, spinach, kale)
✅​ Red & colorful fruits : anti-inflammatories (blueberries, pomegranate, black grapes)
✅​ Turmeric + black pepper : powerful natural anti-inflammatory
✅​ Natural probiotics : fermented milk yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kombucha
✅​ Prebiotic fibers : artichoke, leek, garlic, onion (feed the microbiome)
✅​ Natural Vitamin D : egg yolk, cod liver, moderate sun exposure
✅​ hydration : 1,5 to 2 liters of water / day (promotes the skin barrier)

TO BE LIMITED:
❌​ Ultra-processed products : industrial dishes, snacks, additives, etc.
❌​ Fast sugars : sodas, candy, pastries (blood sugar spikes = inflammation)
❌​ Cow's milk products : sometimes pro-inflammatory in sensitive people
❌​ Gluten : may worsen symptoms in some patients (to be tested)
❌​ Alcohol : strongly discouraged (recognized trigger factor)
❌​ Excess red meat and cold cuts (high in saturated fats & EFAs)
❌ Very fatty or fried foods

7. Healthy lifestyle & stress management

The goal is to reduce pro-inflammatory stress mediators:
■  Regular gentle physical activity : 30 min walking, yoga or swimming 3x/week
■  Restorative sleep : 7 to 8 hours per night, avoid screens in the evening
■  Stress management techniques : cardiac coherence, meditation, breathing
■  Psychological support (if chronic stress or strong emotional impact)

In conclusion

Dandruff, whether dry or oily, is not inevitable! It can be permanently eliminated with a comprehensive approach:
■ By acting at the root (microbiome, inflammation, purification, etc.)
■ By gently eliminating dandruff, without harming
■ By nourishing & soothing the scalp
■ By adopting a consistent lifestyle