Because the symptoms of Dandruff and Dry Scalp are so similar, few people know which one they’re battling. They try treatments that either don’t work or make the problem even worse. That’s why it is necessary to know which issue you’re plagued with, so it can be treated properly.

What is Dry Scalp?

There are many different issues that can cause dry Scalp, according to the hair care professionals at Illumai. A lack of moisture from the use of harsh shampoos or other hair cleansers, styling product buildup, and even cold temperatures can all contribute to this issue.

The main reason this can cause dry scalp is because it alters the pH level of the sebum produced, which normally would protect your scalp from infection. This disturbance could leave you prone to bacterial and fungal attacks, says the experts at PHS Hairscience salons.

This can cause a variety of symptoms, including an itchiness, tight scalp, flaking, irritation, and an unclean feeling on your scalp and hair. Because these are similar symptoms for those suffering from dandruff, those with dry scalp try to treat it with dandruff products, making it even worse.

Dandruff treatments are harsher cleansers that strip away natural oils and proteins that those with dry scalp need to retain, which is why these products can actually reduce the moisture in your already dry scalp.

In fact, not only can these products dry the scalp even further, they can also slow your hair’s growth and cause inflammation of the follicles.

How to Treat Dry Scalp

If you are suffering from a dry scalp, there are a few things you can do to help it retain its moisture and halt the flaking skin you’ve noticed in your hair and on your clothing.

Using a shampoo that does not contain sulfates is a good first step. These cleansers are especially harsh on your hair, stripping it of its natural moisture and oil and leaving it clean, yet dry. A sulfate-free shampoo will leave the oils alone while still giving you that clean feeling.

Stay away from any medicated shampoos for dandruff treatments because these are not meant to reduce dryness. They are doing more damage and creating a drier scalp.

Don’t use your new, gentler shampoo every day. Shampooing every two to three days is better because your scalp will have time between washings to produce the natural oils it needs to recover from its dryness.

If you use styling products regularly, try to cut back a bit by using them less often as well as a smaller amount each time. Blow-drying should also be kept to a minimum because it can make the issue worse.

If all else fails and you still suffer from a dry scalp that no amount of gentle care can deal with, it may be time to visit your dermatologist to be sure you are doing everything correctly. They may have a few suggestions for you.

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is more common than dry scalp and if you’re noticing flakes, this is most likely the issue as explained in this video by Dr. Jeffrey Benabrio

Like dry scalp, dandruff is an excessive shedding of skin off the scalp in the form of oily, white flakes. Itchiness and a scaly appearance are also symptoms of dandruff says the healthcare specialists at Medguidance.

Some causes of dandruff include various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and Malassezia. Seborrheic dermatitis is also a common cause of dandruff and along with the oily skin and flakes on your scalp, they can also appear on your ears, nose, armpits, and groin areas.

Contact dermatitis is also a common cause of dandruff. This condition is an allergic reaction to certain types of hair products including dyes, styling products, and shampoos. Using too much of these products can result in a red, itchy, scaly scalp.

How to Treat Dandruff

If you’re suffering from dandruff, be sure to wash your hair often and thoroughly rinse away all the shampoo, so there is nothing left in your hair to irritate it further.

There are specific shampoos designed to treat dandruff because of the stronger cleansers that will help to strip away the excess oils and leave your hair clean, fresh, and free of flakes.

PHS Hairscience lists a few ingredients to look for when purchasing these dandruff controlling products: Ketoconazole, Salicylic acid, Zinc pyrithione, Selenium sulfide, and those containing Coal Tar all can help to reduce fungus, slow the death of the skin cells, and clear out the oils.

Writer Alyssa Jung also suggest numerous natural products to help deal with dandruff. Aspirin is one, though it should be used crushed into your shampoo rather than ingested. Tea tree oil can also be used in this way.

Baking soda can also be used in lieu of shampooing to reduce any fungus on your scalp. Equal parts apple cider vinegar and water sprayed on your scalp makes it difficult for yeast to grow,and can reduce your dandruff production.

Olive oil, coconut oil, lemon, and even mouthwash can all be used in different ways to help deal with your dandruff issues. Be sure to consider their uses and what will work best for your particular hair type, so the problem is cleared up instead of made even worse.

Conclusion

While it can be difficult to tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp, it is not impossible. Once you know which ailment, you can begin down the road to treating the issue. In addition to hair products on the market, there are also alternative methods to treating both dandruff and dry scalp.

The post What Is Going On? Difference Between Dandruff And Dry Scalp? appeared first on Bloom Gorgeous.