dandruff
noun
dan·druff ˈdan-drəf 
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching
dandruffy
ˈdan-drə-fē
adjective 
Example Sentences
The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.
Recent Examples on the Web Sometimes, this means a product is created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). 
Allure, 27 July 2022 Although not technically a shampoo, this cleansing scalp serum uses glycolic and salicylic acids to wash away product buildup, excess oil, dandruff, and anything else that might be troubling your strands. Jillian Ruffo, Harper's BAZAAR, 16 Aug. 2022 This conditioner is perfectly designed to complement the brand’s dandruff-fighting shampoo and contains pyrithione zinc. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Apr. 2022 Luckily, there are apple cider vinegar hair rinses available at your disposal to cleanse your scalp of build-up and dandruff flakes while boosting shine at the same time. Allure, 23 June 2022 Tea tee oil, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and coconut oil have all been shown to have anti-fungal properties, which kills the dandruff-causing yeast. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 31 May 2022 Salicylic acid works to prevent scalp irritation and reduce dandruff. ELLE, 11 June 2022 This is a gentle product that fights dandruff with ingredients like pyrithione zinc. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 June 2022 These products can help calm scalp irritation, remove buildup, balance sebum levels, and treat conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 31 May 2022 See More
Allure, 27 July 2022 Although not technically a shampoo, this cleansing scalp serum uses glycolic and salicylic acids to wash away product buildup, excess oil, dandruff, and anything else that might be troubling your strands. Jillian Ruffo, Harper's BAZAAR, 16 Aug. 2022 This conditioner is perfectly designed to complement the brand’s dandruff-fighting shampoo and contains pyrithione zinc. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Apr. 2022 Luckily, there are apple cider vinegar hair rinses available at your disposal to cleanse your scalp of build-up and dandruff flakes while boosting shine at the same time. Allure, 23 June 2022 Tea tee oil, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and coconut oil have all been shown to have anti-fungal properties, which kills the dandruff-causing yeast. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 31 May 2022 Salicylic acid works to prevent scalp irritation and reduce dandruff. ELLE, 11 June 2022 This is a gentle product that fights dandruff with ingredients like pyrithione zinc. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 June 2022 These products can help calm scalp irritation, remove buildup, balance sebum levels, and treat conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis. Cristina Montemayor, Men's Health, 31 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
probably from dand- (origin unknown) + -ruff, from Middle English rove scabby condition, from Old Norse hrūfa scab; akin to Old High German hruf scurf, Lithuanian kraupus rough
First Known Use
1545, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing dandruff
Kids Definition
dandruff
noun
dan·druff ˈdan-drəf
: thin dry whitish flakes of dead skin that form on the scalp and come off freely
Medical Definition
dandruff
noun
dan·druff ˈdan-drəf
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching