Here's the best way to treat dandruff at home, according to a doctor

For many, dandruff is uncomfortable and embarrassing — no one likes to see powdery skin flakes dropping from a human head like snow. But experts say it can have more serious consequences too: "The importance of scalp health cannot be underestimated," says Dr. Patrick Davis, a Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon and hair restoration expert. "I often say scalp health is an indication of overall bodily health."

Davis explains that inflammatory scalp conditions like dandruff can indicate the presence of other health issues and impact hair growth, even leading to hair loss. "Dandruff signifies a disruption of the scalp ecosystem and health, leading to flaking and dryness," he says. "Some studies show that a scalp with dandruff can push the hairs to go into a shedding phase, which is called 'telogen effluvium.' This is likely because there is too much inflammation in the scalp and 'oxidative' stress. So, yes, dandruff can affect hair loss."

Davis is among a growing group of hair transplant surgeons around the country who surgically treat male and female pattern baldness — that is, "the type of hair loss that isn't recovering despite using supplements and lifestyle changes," he says. By the time patients come to him, "many feel like hair loss is a lost cause — which, more times than not, it isn't."

To avoid the need for serious interventions like surgery, Davis says, "It's crucial to pay attention to your scalp when you shower and after." Equally important: treating minor scalp issues as they arise. "I also recommend supplements such as Nutrafol for scalp health. Additionally, simple things like exercise, a low-stress life and getting a lot of sleep will go a long way," he explains.

• Related: The best products for thinning hair, according to experts

How to treat dandruff at home

Davis says dandruff and most minor inflammatory scalp conditions can be treated at home with some combination of the following treatments. However, if your flakes are chronic and/or don't clear up within a few weeks of active treatment, head (no pun!) to the dermatologist. In serious cases, a physician can prescribe more potent treatments, including topical steroids.

Use a high-quality anti-fungal shampoo

"Your first line of treatment is anti-fungal shampoos," Davis explains. Nizoral is clinically proven and dermatologist-recommended.

Practice healthy habits

Yes, it's all the stuff you already know — exercise often, lead a low-stress life and get a lot of sleep. "These simple things will go a long way toward maintaining a healthy scalp," Davis says.

Try natural remedies for a healthy scalp

"Natural remedies such as [applying] aloe vera, thyme and tea tree oil can help," Davis says. "And scalp massage may help to bring more blood flow to the area."

Don't over-shampoo

It may seem counterintuitive to hold back on washing when your scalp feels cruddy, but, according to Davis: "Oftentimes, we over-clean our scalp, which in and of itself strips our natural oils. Holding off shampooing your hair for a few days can allow the scalp to reset and provide its own oils."

• Related: The best shampoos for thinning hair

Protect your scalp from the sun

Nothing will add insult (and, potentially, serious harm) to injury like a sunburned scalp. If you're going to be out in the sun — especially if you have thinning hair — apply a high-quality scalp sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

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