Dealing with flakes on scalp can be frustrating. Often caused by dryness and dandruff, flaky scalp can lead to discomfort, tightness, itching and embarrassment if left unattended. But are these symptoms a result of dry scalp or dandruff? To tackle the issue from its core and get effective treatment for any of these scalp symptoms, it is essential to first know the root causes of flakes or itchiness. Read on as we address queries like ‘why is my scalp itchy,’ ‘what are the causes of flaky dandruff scalp?’ or ‘what are the dry scalp dandruff treatments’ to decode the difference between dandruff vs dry scalp and
In a Nutshell
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.
Table of Content
Dandruff vs. dry scalp: What's the difference?
Scalp flakes are associated with both dandruff and dryness. Understanding the differences between dandruff vs 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 dandruff 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 dandruff 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, dandruff flakes 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 building up, resulting in flakes on scalp, persistent itching, and discomfort. Maintaining the right washing frequency helps prevent flakes on scalp while keeping the scalp balanced and healthy.
• Other medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, can cause a 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, especially in winter, is more common as dry air can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dehydration and flakiness. Read more to learn how to remove dandruff effectively for more insights and tips.
Dandruff treatment
Here are some effective remedies for flaky dandruff scalp:
1. Use anti-dandruff shampoo
For a gentle way to eliminate flaky dandruff without causing scalp irritation, opt for a mild anti dandruff shampoo that removes impurities and cleans the scalp.
2. Indulge in purifying hair spa treatment
For additional protection against dandruff, indulge in a scalp-purifying treatment, especially a professional salon-based hair spa for dandruff. These sessions will help you effectively remove dandruff and flakes from your scalp and hair.
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. Recognizable 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.
Curious about the main reasons for dandruff? Read more for expert-backed insights and tips.
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 characterized 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 that will help you alleviate dry scalp symptoms.
1. Apply hydrating shampoo
Start by applying a hydrating shampoo for sensitive scalp to cleanse the scalp while maintaining moisture balance.
2. Use scalp soother treatment
Use a scalp soother treatment, such as a scalp scrub, to gently exfoliate buildup, calm irritation, and restore scalp comfort.
3. Go for a 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.
With this elaborate discussion, we have come to the end of our guide on dandruff vs dry scalp. Go through the details to identify whether you have dandruff or dry scalp and build your hair care and scalp care products routine accordingly.
Need help with your hair care routine? Take the 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.