If there is one scalp condition that many debate about and think is the same, it is dandruff and dry scalp. Still, these are two different ailments that cause the same problems.

Today, we aim to resolve the dandruff vs. dry scalp debate. A dry scalp forms from a lack of moisture, while dandruff is caused by excess oil on the scalp.

Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp Comparison

The following comparison is the leading cause of each scalp condition:

	Dandruff	Dry Scalp
Oily, scaly, red skin	✔️
Smaller dry flakes		✔️
Itchy scalp	✔️	✔️
Dry skin is present on other parts of the body	✔️
Dry skin present on other parts of the body		✔️

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff results from dry skin on the scalp starting to flake off. It is known as seborrheic dermatitis, which causes redness and scalp itchiness and can become a chronic condition that worsens over time. It results from a fungus on the scalp. The main difference between dandruff and dry scalp is that dandruff is a medical condition.

Cause of Dandruff

The skin cells on the scalp automatically multiply when more are needed, die, and shed off. During shedding, skin cells turn over regularly or more rapidly due to inflammation.

Therefore, dandruff skin cells will shed more quickly than usual. Seborrheic dermatitis is a leading cause of this scalp condition, characterized by oily, scaly, and red skin.

The yellow or white flakes falling off are dandruff. Hence, the condition can occur anywhere oil glands are present, including your armpits, ears, groin, eyebrows, upper back, and alongside your nose.

In babies, it is called cradle cap. A fungus called Malassezia triggers dandruff as it lives on the scalp; however, excessive growth of this fungus causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, resulting in flaking.

Factors Causing Malassezia to Multiply:

• Your age
• Hormone imbalance
• Medical Conditions
• Stress

Additionally, dirty hair does not cause dandruff; however, the oily buildup can form flakes when hair is not washed frequently.

What is a Dry Scalp?

A dry scalp is a hydration issue that can also cause dryness, making your scalp itchy and flaky. It is not a chronic condition; you can improve it by making adjustments to your hair care routine.

Cause of Dry Scalp

When your scalp lacks moisture, it becomes dry, irritated, and forms flakes. If your scalp is dry, there is a chance that other parts of your body are also dry.

Triggers of Dry Scalp:

• Dry or cold air
• Older age
• Using harsh products that strip the natural oils from the skin
• Contact dermatitis is a reaction to the products you use on the scalp, like shampoo

You can learn more about what causes a dry scalp and what treatments you can use here.

Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp Appearance

One way to distinguish between dry scalp and dandruff is by examining the appearance of the flakes. Dandruff flakes tend to be larger and more visible, like Maldon sea salt, while dry scalp has finer, yet smaller, flakes.

Prevention & Treatment

With both scalp conditions, you can find multiple things to do to treat both conditions, even changing your scalp care routine by season:

Dandruff

Medicated Shampoo: Apply a specially formulated shampoo twice a week to treat seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. These scalp products contain ketoconazole, salicylic acids, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione, which help reduce the fungus and oil into flakes.

Up Your Intake of Omega 3: Research studies show that omega-3 helps regulate oil production, which can reduce fungal growth and flaking.

Take Your Vitamin D Supplement: One of the most effective ways to treat dandruff is by taking vitamin D3 supplements. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, vitamin D helps slow the rate of skin cell growth, which is an essential factor in the management of psoriasis and dandruff.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that help rebalance the scalp. Tea tree oil can be mixed into shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks.

Medication/Exercise: High stress can trigger dandruff and lead to excessive flaking. So, zen out with exercise or take medication to calm down.

Dry Scalp

Try a Scalp Treatment: When your dry scalp needs to feel comfortable again, the best treatment is scalp therapy using particular products or visiting us at Haste Hair.

Use Gentle Hair Care Products: Dry scalps can cause skin irritation from harsh products. Swap your shampoo and conditioner for a gentle, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free option, preferably one that is sulfate-free.

Avoiding Products With Alcohol: Many products contain alcohol, which can cause dry skin. Avoiding these products will lead to healthier hair and skin.

Wash Less Often: Daily washing can strip your scalp of natural oils. So, wash your hair every other day and use lukewarm water, not hot water.

Invest in a Humidifier: The climate is a significant contributor to dry scalps, and if you live in an arid region or experience arid winters and summers, the issue can be exacerbated. Investing in a humidifier pumps moisture back into the air.

Probiotics: Incorporate probiotic products into your body care routine. They help retain moisture by balancing the skin on your scalp, or you can take them internally.

Another helpful tip in both these cases is to ensure your hairbrush is always clean. Furthermore, also find out how often you should get a scalp treatment, so you don’t overdo it.

When Should You See Your Doctor?

If you have dandruff, which becomes severe as the skin cells multiply, it’s time to see a doctor. Especially if you notice heavier flakes, persistent itching, and increased inflammation-like redness, when you visit a doctor, they will typically start you on a mild treatment for seborrheic dermatitis.

Wrap-Up: Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp

You can easily mistake dandruff for a dry scalp. Both share the same symptoms: white flakes, itchiness, and redness.

Still, they differ, as dandruff is caused by fungal growth, whereas a lack of moisture often causes a dry scalp.

The best way to treat either condition is to treat your scalp like the rest of your body. With targeted care and attention, you can regain a healthy scalp.

If you are trying to decide if you have a dry scalp or dandruff, Haste is here to help determine your scalp problem with a professional scalp analysis.

We recommend booking a consultation with us to determine the best course of treatment for you.

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