Dandruff vs Dry Scalp: What Do You Have?
Doctor’s Note
What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes visible white flakes and itching. It's due to the rapid shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp. You might notice white or yellow flakes, sometimes with little holes where your hair grows. Dandruff can cause mild to moderate itching and can be quite bothersome.
Dandruff is not curable, but it is manageable. It's a long-term condition that tends to come and go over time. Even though dandruff is harmless and not contagious, it can affect how you see yourself and your confidence in social situations.
What is Dry Scalp?
Dry scalp is another common condition that causes flakiness, itching, and sometimes a feeling of tightness or discomfort. It happens when your scalp doesn't have enough moisture, leading to the shedding of dry, dead skin cells. The flakes from a dry scalp are usually smaller and less oily compared to dandruff flakes, and the itching can be mild to moderate.
Dry scalp is manageable but may require ongoing care to keep it from coming back. It can be caused by many factors, including changes in the weather, harsh hair products, or underlying skin conditions. While a dry scalp is not a serious medical condition and isn't contagious, it can affect your comfort and self-esteem. Keeping your scalp hydrated and using gentle hair care 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.
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
Cause: Yeast (fungal infections)
Itch: Mild to moderate
Flakes: Large, white to yellow, with "hair holes" (where the hair grows through a flake)
Treatment: Antifungal shampoo
So now you know what you have. How do you treat it?!
Dandruff Treatment
Dealing with dandruff can be frustrating, but the right treatments can help. Nizoral is a strong option because it contains ketoconazole, an antifungal ingredient that fights dandruff at its source. Selsun Blue, with its selenium sulfide, is another powerful choice to reduce flakiness and itching. Head & Shoulders is a popular option that uses pyrithione zinc to treat dandruff while keeping your scalp moisturized. T-Gel by Neutrogena is also effective, especially for severe dandruff, as it contains coal tar to slow down the growth of skin cells on your scalp. Using these shampoos regularly can help control dandruff and make your scalp feel healthier.
Neutrogena T/Gel
Active Ingredient: 0.5% coal tar
Note: Reduces flakes + itch. Can be smelly + messy. Coal tar shampoo is also very popular for seb derm and psoriasis.
Nizoral
Active: 1% Ketoconazole
Note: Anti-fungal. Anti-inflammatory. Prescription version is 2% ketoconazole.
Selsun Blue
Active Ingredient: 1% Selenium Sulfide
Note: Anti-fungal. Reduces skin cell turnover (to prevent flakes)
Head & Shoulders
Active Ingredient: 1% Zinc Pyrithione
Note: Anti-fungal. Anti-bacterial. Anti-inflammatory.
Dry Scalp Treatment
Dry scalp can be annoying, but there are ways to treat it effectively. Start by using a gentle shampoo that's free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and fragrances. Products like Vanicream Shampoo and DHS Clear Shampoo are good options because they cleanse without stripping away natural oils. For added moisture, consider a scalp serum like Head & Shoulders Hydrating Serum, which helps keep your scalp hydrated and reduces flakiness. If you prefer a more natural approach, Briogeo Scalp Revival can soothe and exfoliate your scalp with ingredients like tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and charcoal. Regularly using these products can make a big difference and help your scalp feel healthy and comfortable again.
Vanicream Shampoo
Free of irritants: No fragrances, dyes, parabens, or sulfates.
Gentle: Cleans without stripping natural oils.
Dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin.
Non-medicated: Safe for daily use.
DHS Clear Shampoo
Free of irritants: No fragrances, dyes, parabens, or sulfates.
Gentle: Cleans without stripping natural oils.
Dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin.
Safe for daily use.
Briogeo Scalp Revival
Soothes: Contains tea tree and peppermint oils.
Exfoliates: Charcoal and vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators remove buildup.
Moisturizes: Coconut oil provides hydration.
No harsh chemicals: Free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens.
Head & Shoulders Hydrating Serum
Hydrates: Provides deep moisture for dry scalp.
Soothes: Contains calming ingredients for irritation relief.
Fights dandruff: Active ingredient reduces flakes and itching.
Easy application: Lightweight, non-greasy formula.
Dandruff vs Dry Scalp Summary
Both dandruff and dry scalp are common conditions that can cause discomfort and affect your confidence. Understanding the differences between dandruff flakes and dry scalp flakes can help you choose the right treatment. For dandruff, medicated shampoos like Nizoral, Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders, and T-Gel can be very effective. For dry scalp, gentle shampoos and moisturizing products can provide relief. By using the right products, you can manage these conditions and keep your scalp healthy.
Still Confused? Check out our Scalp 101 Course for additional info about dry scalp, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis!