Struggling with scalp flakes? The underlying causes can be dandruff or dry scalp. A dry, flaky scalp or dandruff can be inconvenient and embarrassing, and cause certain discomforts like tightness, itching, and stinging. That’s why, before delving deep into the treatments for any of these scalp symptoms, it is essential to know the root causes of flakes or itchiness. If thoughts like ‘why is my scalp itchy,’ or ‘what are the causes of flaky dandruff scalp?’ or ‘what are the dry scalp dandruff treatments’ are bothering you, you have come to the right place.
L’Oréal Professionnel experts are here to discuss how to differentiate between dandruff and dry scalp. This guide on dandruff vs. dry scalp explores the causes, symptoms, and preventive methods of these similar yet unique scalp issues so that you can identify your particular concern and take the best care of your scalp and hair.
Dandruff vs. dry scalp: What's the difference?
Scalp flakes are associated with both dandruff and dryness. Understanding the differences between dandruff and dry scalp with flakes is crucial for the effective treatment of these flaky scalp issues. Explore the causes behind these conditions to better address them.
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff vs. dry scalp? What scalp concern you have? Let’s find out!
Dandruff occurs when dead skin cells accumulate on the skin's surface, forming noticeable white flakes. Eventually, these flakes detach from the skin and gather along the hair fiber, strands, and shoulders.
Causes of dandruff
Do you have dandruff or dry scalp? Let’s find out! Dandruff isn't solely a result of dry skin build-up. It's associated with various factors,
• Malassezia overgrowth
Malassezia fungus is usually harmless, living naturally on the scalp and feeds off lipids like sebum. However, overgrowth of Malassezia (due to excess oil production) can cause irritation and faster cell shedding and visible white flakes.
• Seborrheic dermatitis
Dandruff is typically related to seborrheic dermatitis – a common inflammatory skin condition that causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff. It primarily affects scalp, face, and other oily areas of the body.
• Using harsh hair care products
Your scalp may react to certain hair care products. People with contact dermatitis may suffer from irritated and itchy scalp.
• Incorrect hair care practices
Over shampooing can cause dry scalp, itchiness, dandruff, and even hair loss. On the other hand, infrequent hair washing can lead to dead skin cells build up on the scalp, flakes, and itching.
• Other medical conditions
Certain medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis can cause flaky scalp.
How to identify dandruff?
How to differentiate between dandruff and dry scalp, you ask? Let’s find out!
• White or yellowish flakes: You might notice white or yellowish flakes on your scalp, hair, or shoulders. The flakes can be small and powdery or larger and clumped together.
• Itchy scalp: Itchiness often accompanies dandruff, and scratching can make it worse, leading to more flaking.
Experiencing dandruff in winter is more common as dry air can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dehydration and flakiness.
Dandruff treatment
Here are some effective remedies for flaky dandruff scalp:
1. Use anti-dandruff shampoo
L’Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced range has the perfect solution for dandruff-prone scalps.
• For a gentle way to eliminate flaky dandruff without causing scalp irritation, opt for a mild anti-dandruff shampoo such as the L’Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced anti-dandruff dermo-clarifier shampoo. Notice up to 100% visible dandruff removed* & up to 72h dandruff protection** with the lightweight clarifying shampoo by L’Oréal Professionnel. Consistent use of this product can aid in restoring the skin's moisture balance and reducing the formation of visible flakes.
*Clinical test on 60 subjects, after 4 weeks of use.
2. Indulge in purifying hair spa treatment
For additional protection against dandruff, indulge in a scalp-purifying treatment, especially professional salon-based hair spa treatments. These sessions will help you effectively remove dandruff and flakes from your scalp and hair.
L’Oréal Professionnel offers various in-salon scalp purifying treatments using these products - L’Oréal Professionnel Hair Spa purifying concentrate, L’Oréal Professionnel scalp rebalancing scrub mask, L’Oréal Professionnel Hair Spa DX creambath, etc.
The next section of this guide on dandruff vs. dry scalp unfolds the causes of dry, flaky, or itchy scalp, its symptoms, and treatment. Read on!
What is a dry scalp?
Much like inheriting eye or hair color, genetics also determine our inherent skin type, which can range from oily, sensitive, combination, normal to dry. Dry skin stems from the skin's inability to generate sufficient sebum and natural oils, leading to dehydration of the skin's top layer. Consequently, this layer dries out, cracks, and sheds as fine flakes, appearing as small white flakes on the scalp and in the hair.
Causes of dry scalp
Dry scalp can occur due to the following reasons;
• Skin conditions
Seborrheic dermatitis
Another cause of an itchy, flaky scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, which typically emerges in areas of the body where oil production is high, commonly affecting the scalp, upper back, and nose. Recognisable symptoms include redness, excessive oiliness, white or yellowish flakes on the scalp, inflamed pink patches, and a sensation of burning or scalp itchiness.
Psoriasis
Additionally, another factor contributing to an itchy, flaky scalp could be psoriasis, an enduring autoimmune condition triggered by an accelerated multiplication of skin cells. Consequently, these cells accumulate into red, cracked, and sometimes painful scales. On the scalp, this accumulation might hinder new hair growth, leading to noticeable hair thinning around the affected area.
• Environmental factors and incorrect hair care
Dry air: This is a major cause, especially during winter or in dry climates. Low humidity strips moisture from your skin, including your scalp.
Hot water: Long, steaming showers can feel great, but they can also dry out your scalp.
Over-washing: Washing your hair too frequently, even with gentle shampoos, can strip away natural oils, leaving your scalp parched.
Heat styling: Hairdryers, straighteners, curling irons, etc, lower the moisture content of your scalp if used excessively.
How to identify a dry, flaky scalp?
This ‘dry scalp vs. dandruff’ guide is useful for those who are unsure about whether they have dandruff or dry, flaky, or itchy scalp. Dry scalp can be characterised by the following symptoms.
• Small, dry flakes: Dry scalp flakes are typically small and white, resembling fine dust or powder.
• Itchiness: Your scalp might feel tight, itchy, and irritated.
• Dryness in other areas: If you experience dry skin on other parts of your body, especially during the colder months or in dry climates, you might also notice a dry scalp.
• Absence of other symptoms: Unlike some scalp conditions, a dry scalp is usually not accompanied by redness, inflammation, or sores.
Dry scalp treatment
Replenishing your scalp's natural moisture isn't as straightforward as moisturizing your skin. Directly applying an emollient on the scalp might leave your hair feeling greasy and lifeless. The remedy lies in using hair care products tailored for this unique scalp type. Here’s a list of professional hair care products by L’Oréal Professionnel that will help you alleviate dry scalp symptoms.
1. Apply hydrating shampoo
Enriched with Niacinamide, L’Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced anti-discomfort dermo-regulator shampoo delivers 83% soothing* and 49% hydrated hair in 1 use*. No added colorant, silicones, and alcohol. Begin with applying the shampoo, create a rich lather, and rinse thoroughly. Follow it up with the treatment products (based on your concern) for optimal scalp care.
*Self-assessment on 32 subjects after application of shampoo + mask + hair drying.
*Instrumental test
2. Use scalp soother treatment
L’Oréal Professionnel Scalp Advanced anti-discomfort intense soother treatment, formulated with Niacinamide leaves you with 83% soothing* sensation and 96% hydrated hair**.
*Self-assessment on 32 subjects after application of shampoo + mask + hair drying.
**Instrumental test
3. Go for nourishing hair spa treatment
Pampering your dry scalp and hair with a nourishing spa treatment helps improve overall condition. Indulge in professional salon-based hair spa treatment to alleviate dryness, remove flakes, and increase the moisture level in your scalp and hair.
For best results, experts suggest using L’Oréal Professionnel Hair Spa deep nourishing creambath (for dry hair and scalp) and L’Oréal Professionnel Hair Spa hydrating concentrate (for dry and sensitive scalp) for nourished and hydrated hair. Opt for this in-salon treatment twice a month and get rid of dry scalp-induced woes.
With this elaborate discussion, we have come to the end of our guide on dry flaky scalp vs. dandruff. Go through the details to identify whether you have dandruff or dry scalp and build your hair care and scalp care routine accordingly.
Need help with your hair care routine? Take the L’Oréal Professionnel Hair Quiz and get a tailored hair care routine in just 2 minutes.
For professional help and further assistance regarding product details, usage, and more, visit the nearest salon to let the L’Oréal Professionnel hair experts address your delicate locks the right way. Our hair pros will provide the best dandruff and dry scalp treatments that can truly make a difference and help you flaunt the hair of your dreams.