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

Scrubbing the scalp aids circulation, strengthens hair follicles and helps to prevent dandruff, itchiness and inflammation, among other benefits, practitioners and dermatologists say.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 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

People with dandruff may also want to shampoo once a day, said Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a dermatologist based in La Jolla, California.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 23, 2023

The assistant director sweeps his left: hand through his hair and releases a blizzard of dandruff.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

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