Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp: Differences & Effective Treatments

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.

So, today, we want to solve 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 causes of each scalp condition:

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 weakens 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, the skin cells turn over regularly or faster with inflammation.

So, dandruff skin cells will shed faster than usual. Seborrheic dermatitis is a leading cause of this scalp condition, which makes the skin oily, scaly, and red.

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, but too much of it causes skin cells to multiply fast, resulting in flaking.

Factors Causing Malassezia to Multiply:

• Your age
• Hormone imbalance
• Medical Conditions
• Stress

Also, dirty hair does not cause dandruff, but the oily buildup can form flakes when hair is not washed often. 

What is a Dry Scalp?

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

Cause of Dry Scalp

When your scalp lacks moisture, it becomes dry, irritates, 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 stripping 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 tell the difference between dry scalp and dandruff is the appearance of the flakes. Dandruff flakes tend to be larger and 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: Two times a week, you can use a specially formulated shampoo to treat seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. These scalp products contain ketoconazole, salicylic acids, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione, which helps reduce the fungus and oil to 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 best ways to treat dandruff is with vitamin D3 supplements. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, vitamin D helps slow down the rate of skin cell growth, which is an essential factor in 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 triggers dandruff and leads 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 one free of fragrance and essential oils, preferably 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 huge culprit of dry scalps, and if you live in a super dry region or have very dry winters and summers, summers can be the problem. Investing in a humidifier pumps moisture back into the air.

Probiotics: Invest in probiotic products for your body care routine. They help retain moisture by balancing your scalp skin, 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 not to overdo it.

When Should You See Your Doctor?

If you have dandruff, which starts getting extreme as the skin cells multiply, it is time to see a doctor. Especially if you notice heavier flakes, always itching, and notice more inflammation-like redness. When you see a doctor, they will start you on a mild seborrheic dermatitis treatment.

Wrap-Up: Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp

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

Still, they differ, as dandruff is caused by fungal growth, while a lack of moisture 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.

We recommend booking a consultation with us to determine the best way for you to get the best treatment.

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