Dandruff may be one of the most common skin conditions, but that doesn’t mean it’s invited to your wedding. After spending months planning every detail, from your shoes to your lipstick shade, flakes can be a real damper on an otherwise perfect wedding day hairstyle. “Dandruff isn’t serious, but it can feel embarrassing,” says New Jersey-based dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis.

There's good news, though: Dandruff is well-trodden ground. Compared to other skincare concerns (like hyperpigmentation or severe acne), it’s one of the easier ones to knock out quickly before your big day. All you need to do is look at it as a part of your bridal skincare routine (your scalp is skin, after all), and you'll be able to manage it easily.

Below, we break down exactly what causes this pesky skin condition, and provide tips on how to keep it at bay before your wedding. Read on for more.

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a super common condition characterized by flaky, often itchy, skin on the scalp. You may notice the dry skin flecked in your hair, on your pillowcase in the morning, or even on your shoulders. What's more, chances are you’ve already had a few run-ins with dandruff, even if you didn’t realize it.

As for what triggers this skin condition, it can be caused by a number of things. Perhaps the most common diagnosis is seborrheic dermatitis or eczema, which, despite the associated flakiness, is actually often marked by oily and irritated skin. Dandruff can also be caused by a yeast-like fungal infection, psoriasis, diet, stress, sensitivity to hair care products, and not shampooing enough. According to Dr. Lolis, it can be complicated to suss out which of these things are causing your flakes, as dandruff is often a result of a combination of factors.

How to Get Rid of Dandruff Before Your Wedding

Medicated shampoos are a good place to start as you prep for your wedding day. Look for products containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or salicylic acid to reduce fungus and inflammation. Dr. Lolis specifically recommends Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo if you’re experiencing a build-up of flakes. It contains a 1 percent concentration of ketoconazole, an antifungal medication (the same ingredient used to treat athlete’s foot). Additionally, if you think your dandruff is caused simply by dryness, you’ll want to look for a good deep conditioner or moisturizing scalp treatment.

Need another recommendation? If you suspect you’re reacting to your normal shampoo, think about switching to a hypoallergenic and sulfate-free option, such as Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment. This soothing treatment is specifically formulated to target dry skin with hyaluronic acid and a rebalancing vitamin B3 complex. Or, if your flakes are caused by sensitivity, Klorane Ultra-Gentle Shampoo with Oat Milk is a super-gentle hypoallergenic oat milk formula that will soothe irritated skin. 

Of course, don’t count out seeing your dermatologist if over-the-counter solutions aren’t cutting it—especially if you’re dealing with any severe symptoms. “It’s important to see a dermatologist if there is intense itching, redness, soreness, or swelling on the scalp—or if there are signs of infection like yellowish scales, severe crusting, or any discharge from the scalp,” advises Dr. Lolis. “If dandruff is causing significant embarrassment, stress, or is affecting self-esteem—it’s especially important for a bride preparing for her wedding.” 

How to Prevent Getting Dandruff Before Your Wedding

If you have a history of dandruff or are simply doing your best to keep your skin in tip-top shape before the big day, the name of the game is taking care of yourself. “Follow a well-balanced diet rich in zinc, B vitamins, and healthy fats,” says Dr. Lolis. “Omega-3 fatty acids, for instance, can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health.” You’ll also want to manage your stress levels—a tricky feat in the final months leading up to your wedding. But if you can keep up an exercise routine, a healthy amount of sleep, work in a short daily meditation, or even just ensure you’re getting fresh air daily, you’ll curb the chances of dealing with any unexpected skin woes. 

That being said, if you do have a history of dandruff and want to keep any flare-ups at bay, a good anti-dandruff shampoo with moisturizing properties will be good to have on hand (no matter how stress-free you are), like Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. “I love Ouai’s Anti-Dandruff shampoo,” says Dr. Lolis. “It’s great at washing away dead skin cells, oil, and product build-up since it contains salicylic acid.” Kerastase Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is another option to consider. “This shampoo has salicylic acid and zinc—both ingredients work for exfoliators and decreasing fungal growth,” says Dr. Lolis. “It also offers hydration via glycerine and squalene.”