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Step 1
Use a cortisone shampoo designed to treat dandruff. Cortisone shampoos are sold over the counter with a variety of concentrations and strengths of cortisone. These shampoos are safe for contact with the face and should produce results within a few days.
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Step 2
Wash your hair regularly, following the instructions listed on the cortisone shampoo bottle carefully. Allow extra time when showering as you will most likely need to leave the shampoo on your for up to 10 minutes and may need to apply it more than once per shower. Thoroughly massage the cortisone shampoo throughout your scalp with your fingers to clean both the skin on your head and your hair, rinsing with warm water and repeating as necessary.
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Step 3
Use scalp cortisone creams and lotions in combination with cortisone shampoo to treat your dandruff. Creams and lotions are usually recommended for use once a day and are intended to be applied to damp hair immediately after showering. There are also a variety of other non-cortisone products designed to treat dandruff available at most pharmacies and grocery stores that can be used in combination with cortisone shampoos and creams, so feel free to experiment to find the best types for your hair.
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Step 4
Be aware when testing out new products, such as cortisone shampoos and lotions, that some may actually cause dandruff due to allergic reactions and excessive drying of the scalp. If you begin to experience dandruff or any flaking or drying of the skin on your head shortly after beginning use of a new product, it is likely that you will need to discontinue its use. It is also best to refrain from using hair styling products while treating your hair with cortisone because these products, such as hairspray and gels, may cause dandruff and lead you to mistakenly believe the cortisone is the cause.
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Step 5
Contact your doctor if your dandruff persists despite several weeks of treatment with over-the-counter cortisone shampoos and lotions. These products do typically take a few days to produce results but it is possible you may need a product with a stronger dose of cortisone to treat your condition. Prescription cortisone shampoos are available and may be recommended by your doctor if your dandruff does not respond to over-the-counter treatments.
