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Does Olaplex Help With Dandruff? Will Olaplex Help Dry Scalp?

A joyful African American woman with an itchy scalp and white flakes on curly thick hair suffering from hair fall.

Olaplex is exploding in popularity because of its proven ability to strengthen and repair your hair’s protein bonds. It’s gentle, non-toxic, and incredibly effective! But what can it do for your scalp? Does Olaplex help with dandruff?

If you want to know if Olaplex can be used as a dandruff treatment, keep reading. In this article, we’re going to look into Olaplex’s effect on the scalp and share with you some of the most effective anti-dandruff treatments available.

Does Olaplex Help with Dandruff?

Olaplex products can help with dandruff. While Olaplex is best known for its bond-repairing technology, some of the products they carry can also help ease dandruff symptoms. The best Olaplex products for dandruff are Olaplex No. 4, Olaplex No. 7, and Olaplex No. 8.

Key Takeaways

  • Olaplex Products and Dandruff: Olaplex No. 4, No. 7, and No. 8 can ease dandruff symptoms. Olaplex No. 4, a shampoo with anti-microbial ingredients, targets an itchy scalp and product buildup. No. 7 oil blend soothes dry scalp flakes, while No. 8 moisturizes and combats dry hair.
  • Olaplex Benefits Beyond Dandruff: While aiding in dandruff relief, Olaplex products primarily focus on repairing hair at the molecular level, strengthening hair follicles, and preventing hair breakage. They contain bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate to rebuild disulfide bonds in hair.
  • Alternative Dandruff Treatments: Use specialized anti-dandruff shampoos containing salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione for effective dandruff control. Regular scalp care, including using products with tea tree oil and coconut oil, promotes a healthy scalp and reduces flaking.
  • Lifestyle and Scalp Health: Washing your hair regularly with the right products helps prevent dandruff by removing dead skin cells and product buildup. Environmental factors and harsh shampoos can exacerbate scalp conditions, so choosing gentle, sulfate-free hair care products is recommended.
  • Precautions and Consultations: Consult a board-certified dermatologist for severe dandruff or scalp conditions. Be aware of allergic reactions, especially for sensitive skin, and test new hair care products carefully to avoid irritation or exacerbating scalp issues.

Want to know more? In the next section, we’ll cover each of these Olaplex products in more detail.

A young black girl with thin hair and curly hair follicles was suffering from oily dandruff before using Olaplex shampoo.

Olaplex No. 4

Olaplex’s signature shampoo contains a versatile mix of ingredients that can address a number of hair and scalp issues.

Olaplex Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo: repairs, strengthens & nourishes all hair types.
Olaplex Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo: repairs, strengthens & nourishes all hair types.

It gently cleans and nourishes your locks while anti-microbial ingredients like oregano, rosemary, vinegar, and noni extract calm your inflamed scalp. Olaplex No. 4 will leave your hair and scalp cleaner, shinier, and easier to manage after every use.

Olaplex No. 7

Olaplex No. 7 is a blend of oils that can soothe your skin and reduce inflammation. It’s packed with nutrient-rich ingredients and anti-inflammatory properties, including moringa, neem oil, and pomegranate extract.

Olaplex Nº.7 Bonding Oil: boosts shine, strengthens & Repairs all hair types.
Olaplex Nº.7 Bonding Oil: boosts shine, strengthens and repairs all hair types.

In addition to its scalp-soothing properties, Olaplex No. 7 repairs and strengthens fragile strands. With regular use, you’ll see improvements in your hair’s shine and overall health. 

An amusing black woman with shoulder-length hair growth has her natural curls styled with tea tree oil.

Olaplex No. 8

If your dandruff is the result of dry skin, Olaplex No. 8 can help. Dry skin results in flakes that look similar to dandruff and can make actual dandruff worse.

Olaplex Nº.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask: moisturizes, smooths, adds body & shine.
Olaplex Nº.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask: moisturizes, smooths, adds body & shine.

This hydrating mask fights dry skin with wholesome ingredients, such as amino acids, rice bran oil, rose hip oil, and ceramides. It’s also clinically proven to improve your hair’s shine, body, moisture, and smoothness! 

Proper Dandruff Treatments to Consider

While Olaplex products can be helpful in your fight against dandruff, that’s not their primary purpose. Using a product or treatment specifically formulated to treat dandruff will give you much better results.

A cheerful black woman with an irritated scalp and hair loss with curly thick hair having trouble with her scalp health.

Here are some of our recommendations for proper dandruff treatments.

Anti-dandruff Shampoo

When it comes to fighting dandruff, anti-dandruff shampoos are your first line of defense. They treat dandruff at the source with powerful anti-microbial ingredients.

However, some people may find their formulas extremely drying, so try not to use anti-dandruff shampoos more than twice a week. If you wash your hair more often than that, alternate between regular and medicated shampoo. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that various fungus-fighting active ingredients are available. So, if one type of shampoo doesn’t work well, just try another!

Similarly, your anti-dandruff shampoo may become less effective as the yeast becomes immune to the anti-fungal ingredients. In that case, switch it out for a different shampoo, and you’ll start to see your symptoms improve again.

Before applying clarifying shampoo and conditioning hair mask, a black girl had dandruff had unruly hair follicles.

Soak up Some Sun

Got a dandruff flare-up? It might be a great time to take a short walk or do that yard work you’ve been procrastinating on. The UV rays in sunlight can kill fungi and bacteria and help reduce flaking. 

Still, sunlight can damage your skin and hair, so make sure you slather on some sunscreen before you head outside. It doesn’t take long to get the sun’s dandruff-fighting benefits, so go inside or cover your head with a hat after a few minutes have passed. 

Use an Anti-fungal Cream

Anti-fungal creams, like the ones made to fight athletes’ foot and yeast infections, effectively reduce the size of fungal colonies on your scalp. They’re an excellent option for anyone who doesn’t wash their hair often or has a severe case of dandruff.

Just apply a small amount to the affected area once or twice a day, and you should notice your dandruff improving within a couple of weeks. 

A funny black woman with shoulder-length hair growth has her natural coils styled with aloe vera gel and coconut oil.

Try a Baking Soda Scrub  

Baking soda is a cleansing agent that has powerful anti-microbial effects. Additionally, its abrasive nature can help break down build-up and dead skin flakes so you can rinse them away quickly.

Just be careful. Baking soda is extremely drying, so you’ll have to replenish your scalp’s natural moisture with deep conditioning treatments. 

To make a baking soda scrub, mix four tablespoons of baking soda, one cup of water, and several drops of essential oil. Shake well and apply the paste to your hair.

Gently massage the mixture into your scalp and rinse well with warm water. Follow your typical wash day routine, and repeat the process up to once or twice a month.

3 Ways to Prevent Dandruff

In addition to hair products, there are a few lifestyle changes that you can make that will reduce flaking and dry scalp. Here are three of the most effective ways to soothe your scalp and prevent dandruff. 

A happy African-American woman after leaving her hair stylist, making her hair feel soft with shampoo and conditioner.

Wash Your Hair and Scalp More Often

When you wash your hair, you’re getting rid of the yeast’s food source and making your scalp a less hospitable environment. But that doesn’t mean that you should wash your hair constantly.

Overwashing your hair can dry out your hair and scalp, so try to strike a balance between washing your hair enough and too much. For people with curly hair, washing your hair once or twice a week is usually sufficient. 

If you don’t wash your hair enough, slowly increase the number of times you wash it each week and see how your scalp responds to the change. 

Wash Your Hair Accessories

Dirty hair accessories are your worst enemy when you have dandruff. Every time you wear a dirty hair accessory, you’re transferring all that dirt and oil back onto your strands.

The excess oil gives the yeast more food, leading to an explosion in fungal growth. You can fight this by washing the following accessories and hair-related items after every few uses. 

  • Hats 
  • Scarves
  • Pillowcases
  • Brushes and combs 
  • Headbands
Cute young black girl that used Olaplex within her hair routine making her scalp itchy and creating flare-ups.

Get a Water Softener for Your Scalp

Hard water, which is common in American homes, can cause your dandruff to flare up. Hard water contains high amounts of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium carbonate.

When the minerals combine with your shampoo, it dries out your scalp. A dry scalp gets irritated and flaky, which leaves you with flakes that look just like dandruff. 

Hard water can also make it easier for yeast to take over your scalp. You can combat this by installing a water-softening filter onto your showerhead and using the purified water to care for your locks.

Showerhead filters remove the dissolved minerals before they settle on your scalp and dry it out. Once you switch over to cleaning your hair with purified water, you won’t go back! 

Limit Your Use of Hair Products

Some products contain harsh ingredients that can aggravate your dandruff. If you notice more flakes when using a specific gel, cream, or spray, try to avoid it.

Instead, find wholesome alternatives that will soothe and nurture your scalp.

While everyone reacts to products differently, anyone fighting dandruff should try to avoid anything with drying ingredients like: 

  • Alcohol
  • Sulfates 
  • Synthetic fragrances 
  • Parabens

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ section, where we address common questions about Olaplex and its effectiveness in treating dandruff. Here, we provide clear, concise answers to help you understand how Olaplex products can be part of your scalp care routine.

The line up of Olaplex products and their effectiveness in treating dandruff and other hair and scalp issues.

Is Olaplex Shampoo Good for Dandruff?

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo can assist in managing mild dandruff symptoms by maintaining a clean and balanced scalp environment. It contains ingredients like oregano, rosemary, vinegar, and noni extract that calm an inflamed scalp. It also gently cleans and nourishes the hair.

It’s gentle and nourishing, making it suitable for regular use. However, specialized anti-dandruff shampoos containing active ingredients like zinc pyrithione or coal tar might be more effective for persistent or severe dandruff. Olaplex products are not specifically designed to treat dandruff. For more targeted dandruff treatments, consider using specialized dandruff shampoos.

Does Olaplex 3 Help with Dandruff?

We recommend using Olaplex No. 4, Olaplex No. 7, and Olaplex No. 8 for dandruff treatment, as these products may help ease dandruff symptoms. Olaplex No. 4 contains anti-microbial ingredients that calm an inflamed scalp.

At the same time, Olaplex No. 7 is a blend of oils with anti-inflammatory properties, and Olaplex No. 8 helps fight dry skin, which can contribute to dandruff. However, it’s essential to note that Olaplex products are not specifically designed to treat dandruff.

Other options for dandruff treatment include anti-dandruff shampoos, anti-fungal creams, and baking soda scrubs. Additional preventive measures like washing your hair more often, cleaning your hair accessories, using a water softener, and limiting the use of hair products with harsh ingredients are also recommended.

How Often Should I Use Olaplex for Dandruff Treatment?

It’s essential to follow the usage instructions provided by Olaplex for each product and consult with a hair care professional to determine the best frequency for your individual needs and hair type. Additionally, remember that Olaplex products are not primarily designed for dandruff treatment, so it’s important to consider other targeted treatments mentioned in the article for more effective results.

What Hair Treatment Is Good for Dandruff?

Effective treatments for dandruff include specialized anti-dandruff shampoos containing ingredients like zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, or coal tar, which target the root causes of dandruff. Regular use of scalp exfoliants and masks, such as those with glycolic acid or aloe vera, can also help. Maintaining a balanced scalp with gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing hair masks can prevent dandruff flare-ups. For severe cases, consulting a dermatologist for prescription treatments is advisable.

Does Olaplex Oil Help With Dandruff?

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, with its blend of nourishing oils, can help soothe a dry, irritated scalp, which may indirectly benefit mild dandruff symptoms. Its moisturizing properties help maintain scalp hydration and health. For those with dandruff due to dry scalp, it can be a supportive product in a broader dandruff treatment regimen.

Does Olaplex Help With Dandruff and Hair Loss?

Olaplex products, while not specifically designed for dandruff treatment, can aid in reducing mild dandruff symptoms and hair loss. They work by strengthening hair and maintaining a healthy scalp environment. However, for more severe dandruff or chronic hair loss issues, products specifically targeted for these conditions, like medicated dandruff shampoos or hair loss treatments, may be more effective.

Does Olaplex Shampoo Remove Buildup?

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo effectively cleanses the hair, helping to remove product buildup and impurities. Its gentle formula is beneficial for maintaining a healthy scalp environment, reducing issues like product buildup and scalp itching, which are common with heavy or sulfate shampoos.

What Olaplex Is Best for Dry Hair and Scalp?

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is particularly effective for dry hair and scalp. It hydrates and moisturizes, addressing dry scalp flakes and improving hair texture. Rich in nourishing ingredients, it helps to restore natural oils and moisture balance in both hair and scalp, making it a suitable choice for those with dry hair conditions.

Does Olaplex 3 Help the Scalp?

Olaplex No. 3, a hair perfector, is primarily designed for hair repair and strengthening, focusing on restoring disulfide bonds. While it provides overall hair health benefits, its direct impact on the scalp is minimal compared to products specifically formulated for scalp care, such as anti-dandruff or moisturizing scalp treatments.

Is Olaplex Good for Scalp Issues?

Olaplex products, known for their hair-strengthening and bond-repairing properties, can be beneficial for scalp health. They address issues like irritated scalp and hair loss by nurturing your hair at a molecular level. However, Olaplex primarily focuses on hair repair rather than targeted scalp treatments. Specialized treatments may be more effective for specific scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or severe dandruff.

Related Articles

While Olaplex isn’t specifically made to treat dandruff, some products may offer you relief from mild dandruff symptoms. However, if your dandruff is moderate to severe, you shouldn’t treat it with untargeted products.

You’ll benefit more from a specialized dandruff cream, shampoo, or prescription treatment. Treatments like these will yield positive results with minimal setbacks.

We hope you were able to find all of the information you were searching for to keep your hair gorgeous and banish dandruff for good!