Dandruff vs Dry Scalp: What Kind of Flakes Do You Have?
Doctor’s Note
As dermatologists, we know that dealing with scalp flakes can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. It’s frustrating to see flakes, especially on dark clothes. Figuring out what helps isn’t always easy, but our online content is here to guide you!
Watch the video on the right or keep reading to learn more!
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that leads to visible white flakes and itching. It happens because of the rapid shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp. You might notice white or yellow flakes, sometimes with tiny holes around the hair roots. Dandruff can cause mild to moderate itching and can be quite annoying.
While there’s no cure for dandruff, it can be managed. It’s a long-term condition that may come and go. Although dandruff is harmless and not contagious, it can affect your confidence and how you feel in social situations.
What is Dry Scalp?
Dry scalp is a common condition that causes flakes, itching, and sometimes a tight, uncomfortable feeling. It happens when your scalp doesn’t have enough moisture, which leads to dry, dead skin cells shedding. The flakes from a dry scalp are usually smaller and less oily than dandruff flakes, and the itching is typically mild to moderate. A dry scalp usually happens when you have dry skin too.
Although dry scalp is manageable, it may need regular care to prevent it from coming back. It can be caused by many things, like changes in the weather, harsh hair products, or other skin conditions. While dry scalp isn’t a serious condition or contagious, it can affect your comfort and confidence. Keeping your scalp moisturized and using gentle hair products can help reduce symptoms and improve scalp health.
Dry Scalp vs Dandruff
Are you unsure if you have dandruff or just a dry scalp? Check out your flakes (or have a friend help). This can help you identify your symptoms and find the best treatment.
Dry Scalp
Cause: Lack of moisture
Itch: Mild
Flakes: Small, white
Context Clues: Cold weather, dry air, harsh shampoos, eczema
Treatment: Scalp moisturizers, gentle shampoo, avoid harsh chemicals and irritation
Dandruff
Cause: Yeast (fungal infections)
Itch: Mild to moderate
Flakes: Large, white to yellow, with "hair holes" (where the hair grows through a flake)
Context Clues: Look for flakes with “hair holes,” which dry scalp flakes don’t have.
Treatment: Antifungal shampoo
So now you know what you have. How do you treat it?! Medicated Shampoo! Let’s start with Dandruff Treatment:
Best Shampoo for Mild Dandruff
For mild flakes, look for ingredients that gently reduce flakes and soothe irritation without drying out the scalp. Effective ingredients include zinc pyrithione, tea tree oil, and sulfur.
Head and Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo
Main Ingredient: Zinc Pyrithione
Reduces: Flakes, irritation
Notes: Suitable for sensitive scalps; gentle for regular use
Main Ingredient: Tea Tree Oil
Reduces: Flakes, scalp oil
Notes: Provides a cooling, tingling feel; good for mild dandruff
Main Ingredient: Zinc Pyrithione
Reduces: Flakes, irritation
Notes: Suitable for sensitive scalps; gentle for regular use
Main Ingredient: Zinc Pyrithione
Reduces: Flakes, irritation
Notes: Suitable for sensitive scalps; gentle for regular use
Best Shampoo for Moderate Dandruff
For persistent flakes or moderate itchiness, opt for shampoos with stronger antifungal ingredients like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide.
Main Ingredient: 1% Ketoconazole
Reduces: Severe flakes, fungal growth
Use: 1-2 times weekly
Notes: Stronger prescription option available (2% ketoconazole)
Main Ingredient: 1% Selenium Sulfide
Reduces: Flakes, scalp oil
Use: 2-3 times weekly
Notes: Effective for oily dandruff
Main Ingredient: 1% Selenium Sulfide
Reduces: Flakes, scalp oil
Use: 2-3 times weekly
Notes: Effective for oily dandruff + moisturizing
Head and Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo
Main Ingredient: 1% Selenium Sulfide
Reduces: Flakes, scalp oil
Use: 2-3 times weekly
Notes: Effective for oily dandruff
Let’s move onto treating dry scalp:
Dry Scalp Treatment
Dry scalp can be annoying, but there are effective ways to treat it. Start with a gentle shampoo free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and fragrances. Options like Vanicream Shampoo and DHS Clear Shampoo are great choices because they cleanse without removing natural oils. For extra hydration, try a scalp serum like Head & Shoulders Hydrating Serum, which keeps your scalp moisturized and reduces flakes. If you prefer natural ingredients, Briogeo Scalp Revival is a good option with tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and charcoal to soothe and exfoliate your scalp. Using these products regularly can make a big difference, helping your scalp feel healthy and comfortable.
Main Ingredient: Free from common irritants (No fragrance, dye, or parabens)
Reduces: Irritation, build-up, and dryness
Use: Gentle enough for daily use or as needed
Notes: Ideal for sensitive scalps; maintains scalp moisture without irritating
Main Ingredient: Pyrithione Zinc 2%
Reduces: Flakes, itching, mild to moderate dandruff
Use: 2-3 times weekly or as directed by a dermatologist
Notes: Gentle on sensitive skin; fragrance-free and dye-free
Main Ingredient: Binchotan Charcoal, Tea Tree Oil, Salicylic Acid
Reduces: Flakes, itching, mild to moderate dandruff
Use: 1-2 times weekly
Notes: Soothes and detoxifies; ideal for dry, flaky scalps
Head & Shoulders Hydrating Serum
Main Ingredient: Pyrithione Zinc 0.1%
Reduces: Dryness, flakes, and itching
Use: Apply directly to scalp daily; no rinse required
Notes: Lightweight, non-greasy serum that provides targeted hydration for dry scalps
Dandruff vs Dry Scalp: When to See a Dermatologist
If you’re unsure whether it’s dandruff or a dry scalp, or if over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist. What else could it be? Seborrheic Dermatitis and Scalp Psoriasis are common culprits. We see hair and scalp conditions all the time and can give you a better idea of what is going on! We can help you identify the cause and recommend more targeted treatments to relieve symptoms and improve scalp health.
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