Thursday, May 7, 2026
32.1 C
New Delhi

Myths About Oily Sticky Dandruff, Debunked By A Dermatologist

Curated By :

Last Updated:

Choosing a shampoo that removes buildup, regulates sebum production, and supports long-term scalp health can make the difference between short-term freshness and lasting relief.

font

A persistently oily scalp can be a key indicator, especially when oily sticky dandruff clumps remain stuck to the scalp or cling to your nails after scratching

A persistently oily scalp can be a key indicator, especially when oily sticky dandruff clumps remain stuck to the scalp or cling to your nails after scratching

Oily sticky dandruff can be tricky, as it is not always easy to spot, but you can definitely feel it. It leaves the scalp with a constant greasy feel that often returns within a day of washing. Unlike loose, dry flakes that shed easily, oily sticky dandruff clings to the scalp and hair, making it feel clogged and heavy. Many people notice it most when they scratch their scalp; you can often feel a layer of excess sebum mixed with product buildup under your fingertips. This isn’t about poor hygiene but is usually the result of an imbalance in how much oil your scalp produces. The issue arises when an oily scalp combines with dandruff triggered by fungi called Malassezia globosa. A persistently oily scalp can be a key indicator, especially when oily sticky dandruff clumps remain stuck to the scalp or cling to your nails after scratching.

Dr. Amit Bhasin, Director at Prive Luxe Skin and Wellness Clinic, Gurugram, shares all you need to know:

Recommended Stories

Images are for representation purposes only

Myth 1: “Just wash more often and it’ll go away.”

Washing more often with a regular shampoo might provide temporary relief, but it rarely fixes the problem. Most shampoos only remove surface oil; they don’t clear the deeper layers of buildup that keep your scalp feeling clumpy. Oily sticky dandruff needs a targeted routine—a shampoo that deep-cleans, draws out impurities, and resets your scalp. Ingredients like oxygenated charcoal absorb trapped oil and grime, while Piroctone Olamine helps control dandruff-causing microbes. Together, they not only give you that “just-cleaned” feeling but also detoxify your scalp at a deeper level.

Images are for representation purposes only

Myth 2: “It’s harmless, so I can ignore it.”

A greasy scalp with ongoing buildup can cause discomfort, dullness, and over time, impact hair health. The goal is not to strip away all oil but to deep-cleanse and detoxify in a way that restores balance. This helps maintain a healthier scalp, which is the foundation for stronger, better-looking hair.

Images are for representation purposes only

Myth 3: “It only happens in summer or monsoon.”

Yes, heat and humidity can worsen the condition, but in reality, a sebum imbalance and product buildup can happen any time of year. Even in cooler months, if the scalp’s natural balance is disrupted, oil and dead skin can accumulate, leading to that greasy scalp feel. Weather may influence the condition, but it’s not the sole cause. That’s why targeted care and regular deep-cleansing with oxygenated charcoal are important year-round to detoxify and maintain a healthier scalp, no matter the season.

The truth is, oily sticky dandruff isn’t about washing more, it’s about washing correctly. Choosing a shampoo that removes buildup, regulates sebum production, and supports long-term scalp health can make the difference between short-term freshness and lasting relief.

About the Author

authorimg
Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More

News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated.

News lifestyle Myths About Oily Sticky Dandruff, Debunked By A Dermatologist
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Loading comments…

Go to Source
Author: News18

Hot this week

‘Come in person’: How a bank gave Pope Leo a reality check

Street vendors sit in front of a billboard displays an image of Pope Leo XIV, ahead of his upcoming visit to Lebanon, at a highway in Beirut, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. The Arabic words read:”The Pope of peace. Read More

A year later, Pahalgam attack’s lessons drive India’s policy against new jihadist wave

India is constantly reviewing and reshaping its counterterrorism strategy as even a year after Pahalgam attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor by Indian armed forces, Pakistan has shown no marked shift in its terror policy, and a jihadist resurgence Read More

Fragile Ceasefire? Beirut Airstrike Killing Hezbollah Commander Sparks Israel-Lebanon Fears

Israel says it killed a Hezbollah elite commander in a Beirut airstrike, the first since last months ceasefire, raising pressure on the fragile US-brokered truce. Read More

‘Melania Became Melody’: Trump Jokes About Military Intervention Over Autocorrect Error

Speaking at a White House event honouring military mothers ahead of Mother’s Day, Trump said the problem occurred while posting messages online. Read More

Tamil Nadu government formation: TVK chief Vijay’s second bid falls flat again – what governor said

NEW DELHI: TVK chief Vijay’s second meeting with the Tamil Nadu governor on Thursday turned dissapointing again after the governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that the “majority required to form the government has no Read More

Topics

‘Come in person’: How a bank gave Pope Leo a reality check

Street vendors sit in front of a billboard displays an image of Pope Leo XIV, ahead of his upcoming visit to Lebanon, at a highway in Beirut, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. The Arabic words read:”The Pope of peace. Read More

A year later, Pahalgam attack’s lessons drive India’s policy against new jihadist wave

India is constantly reviewing and reshaping its counterterrorism strategy as even a year after Pahalgam attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor by Indian armed forces, Pakistan has shown no marked shift in its terror policy, and a jihadist resurgence Read More

Fragile Ceasefire? Beirut Airstrike Killing Hezbollah Commander Sparks Israel-Lebanon Fears

Israel says it killed a Hezbollah elite commander in a Beirut airstrike, the first since last months ceasefire, raising pressure on the fragile US-brokered truce. Read More

‘Melania Became Melody’: Trump Jokes About Military Intervention Over Autocorrect Error

Speaking at a White House event honouring military mothers ahead of Mother’s Day, Trump said the problem occurred while posting messages online. Read More

Tamil Nadu government formation: TVK chief Vijay’s second bid falls flat again – what governor said

NEW DELHI: TVK chief Vijay’s second meeting with the Tamil Nadu governor on Thursday turned dissapointing again after the governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that the “majority required to form the government has no Read More

‘Bengal’s people voted against this politics of violence’: Chirag Paswan alleges ‘TMC goons’ behind killing of Adhikari’s aide

– NEW DELHI: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Thursday condemned the killing of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s aide Chandranath Rath, alleging that the incident reflected the “politics of violence” that the people of West Benga Read More

Business Visits Rise But 30% Student Slump Drags Down India-US Travel In 2025

Business visits from India to the US remain lower than tourism and student travel but have risen sharply in the last two years Go to Source Read More

Your Shadow Is About To Disappear! Here’s Why Hyderabad Should Step Outside On May 9

When and where to watch? Hyderabad goes shadow-free this Saturday — and Pune, Mumbai, Bhopal are next in line. Read on to find out dates, timings and where to catch it. Read More

Related Articles