Having healthy, beautiful hair requires a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is clean and nourished. Remember that scalp is skin with hair follicles and glands that produce natural oils known as sebum. These oils help shield the scalp and keep it hydrated, moisturized, and protected.
When it comes to scalp health, the best approach is to keep it clean and nourished. Regularly washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo removes dirt, oil, product buildup, and other impurities. Proper cleansing frequency will help avoid scalp challenges that cause scalp issues over time.
Now, when the scalp is unhealthy, it becomes dry, flaky, itchy and irritated, leading to problems like dandruff or to more severe issues, like psoriasis, alopecia, and even permanent hair loss. The most common scalp challenges that occur are dry scalp and dandruff. While they may look similar, they are quite different. It's important to understand the differences between a dry/ flaky scalp and dandruff so we recognize how and when to take action to maintain a healthy scalp.
Today, we will zero in on the differences between a dry/ flaky scalp and dandruff explaining what they are, how to identify each, and the best approach to controlling and possibly eliminating them altogether. Let’s get started!
Dry Scalp vs Dandruff
Dry scalp, also known as Xerosis of the scalp, is a common condition that results when the scalp does not produce enough natural oils (sebum) to keep it hydrated and healthy. It is characterized by itching, tightness, and white flakes.
There are many potential causes of dry scalp including environmental factors such as weather.
During colder months when the air has less moisture, or in areas with very low humidity levels this scalp challenge is more frequent. Hair care products, styling techniques, diet, lack of proper care, genetics, age, and various skin conditions can all be the cause of dry scalp; as well as, certain medications and underlying medical conditions.
Dandruff is also a common scalp condition that causes flakes to form on the head. The main cause of these flakes is Seborrhoeic Dermatitis which is an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia furfur that triggers excess oil production on the scalp. However, dandruff can come from irritation due to harsh chemicals such as those found in some shampoos or styling products. In addition to flaky skin (large in size), dandruff can cause redness, itchiness, and inflammation of the scalp. It is also characterized by red patches covered with greasy scales which can be scaly or flaky. In some cases, it may also present with yellowish-white to grayish-brownish scales depending on each person's unique skin type.
“All matters of scalp flaking - no matter if it’s dry scalp or dandruff - has a dysfunctional epidermal barrier layer as part of the process contributing to the condition. Maintaining proper function of this important layer is critical to scalp health” says Susan Walker, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and certified Trichologist with the World Trichology Society who founded TrichoSpa by Earthtones, a clinical hair, skin, and scalp spa to address this very issue by specializing in corrective trichological treatments for various scalp concerns and hair issues.
A combination of factors such as stress, fatigue, hormones, medications and climate can contribute to flare-ups. Dandruff presents differently in adults than in infants and children. In adults it usually manifests as scaly patches on the scalp along with redness and greasiness on the upper forehead and around the nose & eyebrows. Other parts of the body including chest & back may also be affected. For infants and children, it usually appears as a red rash on their scalps (called “cradle cap”).
It is important to treat dry scalp and dandruff properly to achieve healthy hair and skin.
Solutions & Techniques
Dry Scalp
When treating dry scalps, use shampoos specifically formulated for dry scalps that are gentle enough to nourish without stripping away your natural oils. You should also use a leave-in conditioner to give extra moisture throughout the day. Once or twice a month you should do a deep conditioning treatment such as hot oil treatments or masks that can penetrate deeply into the follicles and provide intense hydration.
Dandruff
Avoiding harsh cleansers can help maintain moisture levels in the scalp which will prevent dryness or irritation. Additionally, massaging your scalp with an oil-based treatment once or twice a week can help keep your head balanced in terms of hydration as well as stimulate circulation which encourages healthy hair growth.
If you have dandruff then look for medicated shampoos that contain active ingredients such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide and or salicylic acid which help reduce inflammation while also reducing the amount of dead skin cells present on the scalp's surface and help control Malassezia production. There are specialized anti-dandruff serums designed specifically for treating flaky scalps that can be used twice a week. Additionally, an exfoliating scrub may be used to remove dry, flaky skin on the scalp.
It is also important to remember that dry scalp is not contagious while flaky scalp is, so proper hygiene practices should always be followed when treating either condition.
Additional Techniques
If you're experiencing a dry scalp, there are several treatments available that can provide relief:
- Begin by changing your shampoo to one designed specifically for sensitive scalps; these usually contain less harsh chemicals so they won't irritate your skin further.
- Taking short lukewarm showers instead of hot ones can also help reduce irritation on the scalp while still allowing you to get clean.
- Using coconut oil or olive oil as a natural moisturizer will help restore moisture to your scalp without any added chemicals or fragrances.
- Avoiding tight hairstyles such as braids or ponytails can help reduce friction on your scalp which may lead to less irritation and fewer flakes.
- Lastly, easing up on heat styling tools such as straighteners or curling irons.
When seeking treatment for either condition, it’s important to consult with a doctor to determine the best course of action since some treatments could worsen one condition while improving another. Additionally, changes in diet or lifestyle such as increased water consumption or reducing stress can also help relieve symptoms of both dry scalp and dandruff without needing medication.
Conclusion
In addition to keeping the scalp clean and well-nourished it's important to pay attention to any physical symptoms you might be experiencing such as redness, flaking or itching which could indicate an underlying issue like dandruff, psoriasis or dry scalp . If either problem persists for more than a week, it’s advised that you visit your dermatologist who can provide further diagnosis and advice on how best to treat your individual case of dryness or flakiness in order to maintain healthy hair follicles and a healthy scalp overall.