Dandruff and Dry Scalp: What’s the Difference?

Itching? Flaking? Burning? If you’ve noticed an uptick in scalp sensitivity (and subsequently little white flakes) you might be dealing with dandruff. Or is it just dry skin? Despite how similar dandruff vs. dry scalp conditions are, there are specific differences that make them stand apart. We’re breaking down everything there is to know about dry scalp vs dandruff and how to tell the difference between the two — plus when to see a dermatologist — ahead.

Dandruff is a chronic condition that waxes and wanes over time. A mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, in its most obvious form, dandruff presents itself as noticeable white flakes. Dandruff is often falsely associated with poor personal hygiene, but in reality, it’s a normal physiological response to a disruption of the skin cell turnover cycle. It’s triggered by any number of factors but the most common causes of dandruff include:

• MALASSEZIA: Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that lives on the scalp naturally. It feeds on the excess sebum and oils in the scalp, leaving oleic acid in its place. People that are sensitive to oleic acid experience dandruff as it breaks down in the scalp.
• STRESS: Another factor that exacerbates dandruff is stress, which can trigger an excess of Malassezia. While the fungus is not introduced to your scalp by stress, it can thrive in a compromised immune system, which is what stress does to the body.
• GENETICS: Skin sensitivity, including being sensitive to oleic acid, is a trait that is inherited. So your chances of being susceptible to dandruff depends on your genes. If you experience dandruff, it's likely someone else in your family does.
• SEASONAL CHANGES: Especially during the cooler months, seasonal changes can have a dramatic effect on the scalp. The combination of indoor dry heat and the cold, outdoor temperatures can create dry flaking until the body balances and adapts to the new season.

The most obvious symptom of dandruff is patches of white flakes on the scalp, made up of dead skin, that come loose in the hair. Other common symptoms of dandruff include:

• Itchy scalp and/or eyebrows
  
• Noticeable white flakes on the scalp and/or eyebrows
  
• Redness of the scalp and/or eyebrows
  
• Dry skin on your scalp and/or eyebrows
  
• Greasy or dry scales on the scalp
  
• Yellowish to reddish scaly raised bumps along the hairline
  

Knowing which type of dandruff you have is key to getting rid of the flakes. Let’s take a closer look at each and their underlying causes below.

1. Dry skin dandruff. This type of dandruff happens in the winter months as cold weather and indoor heating dries out the skin on your scalp. Using hot water to wash your hair frequently can also lead to dry skin dandruff. 
2. Oily skin dandruff. An oily scalp left untreated can lead to oily skin dandruff. When the sebaceous glands under the skin produce too much sebum, it can clump together, irritating the scalp and cause dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is a severe form of oily skin dandruff.
3. Fungus-related dandruff. Dandruff from an overgrowth of Malassezia on the scalp can trigger an inflammatory response that produces dandruff or other conditions, such as eczema.
4. Disease-related dandruff. Some common skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis, can affect your scalp and cause dandruff.

While itching, flaking, and scalp irritation are all signs of dandruff, the same symptoms are associated with a dry scalp. The conditions can be difficult to differentiate but require separate treatments. So how do you know if you’re dealing with dandruff vs dry scalp? A dry scalp is caused by the skin's inability to produce enough sebum and natural oils to keep itself hydrated. As a result, the top layer of the skin dries out, cracks and sheds as fine, white flakes. Dandruff on the other hand is caused by an imbalance in scalp conditions, leading to an overactive production of skin cells that shed in flaky clumps. Dry skin types usually experience a dry scalp, as well as those with hormonal conditions or taking certain medications. A dry scalp can feel tight and uncomfortable, and often results in frizzy, brittle hair. This is where it differs from dandruff, where the hair can appear oily and flaky at the same time. Restore the natural moisture levels of a dry scalp with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

The itching and flaking of dandruff can almost always be controlled on your own with the following treatments and prevention.

Reach for an anti-dandruff shampoo formulated specifically for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis at least two times a week. These shampoos contain ingredients to decrease oil and fungus overgrowth. Some are available in stronger formulations by prescription. Look for ingredients on the label such as selenium sulfide that act as an anti-fungal agent.

In addition to using an anti-dandruff shampoo, a weekly antifungal and antibacterial scalp treatment can help keep your scalp flake-free. Apply to all the areas affected by dandruff, massaging in gently. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse. Use it for up to 3 weeks.

Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, making it a great option for scalp rebalancing especially in the case of Malassezia dandruff. You can use tea tree oil to treat dandruff in a number of ways:

• Add five-to-ten drops of tea tree essential oil to your current shampoo bottle and shake vigorously. 
  
• Look for a tea tree oil shampoo containing at least 5% of tea tree oil.
  
• Make tea tree oil shampoo from scratch using olive oil, vitamin E oil, coconut milk, filtered water, and baking soda and tea tree oil.
  

Dandruff tends to worsen during dry, cold-weather months. The loss of humidity in the air during winter can add to the buildup of dry skin that comes with dandruff. If you live in a dry climate, or it’s a dry time of year, use a humidifier to pump a little moisture back into your environment. Keep one in all of your main living and working spaces.

Like many other conditions, stress exacerbates dandruff, triggering an excess of Malassezia. And while the fungus is not introduced by stress, it thrives in a compromised immune system, which is what stress does to the body. If you’re dealing with dandruff, try to reduce your stress by meditating a few minutes every day.

Foods that contain zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and B vitamins may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of dandruff. Try adding the following foods to your diet:

• ZINC: poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains and dairy products 
  
• OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, broccoli, spinach
  
• B VITAMINS: eggs, fish, milk, whole-grain cereals, lean beef
  

The best line of defense against a case of dandruff is to wash your hair everyday or every other day with an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo. In most instances, the condition should clear within a month. But if you’ve still got a persistent dry scalp, itchy skin, heavier flakes and noticeably more inflammation, it could be a more serious form of seborrheic dermatitis. This inflammatory condition usually affects the scalp, but it can also appear as dry skin with flaking on the forehead, sides of the nose, ears, or chest. In this case, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist. The good news is, seborrheic dermatitis is incredibly common and not difficult to treat. 

Whether you’re dealing with dandruff vs dry scalp, the best way to restore healthy hair is by using high quality hair products made from active ingredients, rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. These are our favorite products for treating and preventing dandruff and dry scalp:

1. Naturaltech Nourishing Shampoo. This moisturizing shampoo cleanses dehydrated scalps and damaged, dry and brittle hair gently leaving it soft and well conditioned.
2. Naturaltech Purifying Gel. This dandruff treatment gel purifies the scalp with natural antifungal and antibacterial ingredients to keep the scalp clean and healthy.

All of our formulas are free of harmful toxins and are made with renewable energy and packaging that minimizes the environmental impact. Our hair care isn’t just good for your hair, it’s good for the planet. And once your scalp is flake-free, treat yourself to a new cut or color with a Davines stylist in your area.  

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor