dandruff

American  

[dan-druhf] / ˈdæn drəf /

Also dandriff

noun

1. a seborrheic scurf that forms on the scalp and comes off in small scales.

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dandruff British  

/ ˈdændrəf /

noun

1. Also called (now rarely): dandriff. loose scales of dry dead skin shed from the scalp

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Other Word Forms

• dandriffy
  adjective
• dandruffy
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of dandruff

First recorded in 1535–45; origin uncertain

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Explanation

When you have dandruff, there are an unusually large number of skin cells flaking off your scalp. Dandruff can be itchy and irritating, and a little embarrassing. Most people have a least a little bit of dandruff, since the shedding of skin cells from the scalp is perfectly normal. Dandruff only becomes a problem if your head is constantly itchy and your shoulders are always covered in white flakes. While we know the word dandruff dates from the 16th century, much of its origin is uncertain. The last part, -ruff probably comes from East Anglian dialect, huff or hurf, "scab."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dandruff

Ulta Beauty is adding Jupiter dandruff care to its shelves as part of an expansion into clinical hair care.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026

Later that day in the Oval Office, Trump brushed what he described as a bit of dandruff from Macron’s shoulder.

From Salon ● Nov. 23, 2025

Dermatologists say that scalp treatments promote circulation and detoxify, as well as calm and hydrate skin, all of which can help prevent dandruff, itchiness, dryness and inflammation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2024

Others have found that using dandruff shampoo, especially Selsun Blue with selenium sulfide, can be helpful.

From Seattle Times ● May 15, 2024

I see her giving Addie the evil oculus every morning as Addie stands there, silent as dandruff and every bit as annoying.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe

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