If you’re in the dark about how dandruff forms and why, you might feel embarrassed and less inclined to find a solution. And without the right product intervention, dandruff can be near-impossible to manage on your own. That’s why we’ve decided to set the record straight on dandruff misconceptions – enabling you to update your hair care products and washing technique with confidence. Between dandruff’s causes, triggers, and treatment, read on for our definitive dandruff myth-busting guide.
Myth 1: A dry scalp is the same as dandruff
A lot of us might use the terms dandruff and dry scalp interchangeably, but there are actually a few key differences between dandruff vs dry scalp.
A dry scalp has small, white dry flakes – not dissimilar to dandruff. The scalp can also feel tight or uncomfortable, you might feel some sensitivity, and your hair might be dry or frizzy. These signs can indicate that your scalp is dehydrated and lacking in sebum (oil).
Dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by the natural presence of microorganism (flora) that lives on the scalp. This natural flora feeds on sebum and produces oleic acid, as well as omega fatty acid. If your scalp has a natural sensitivity to oleic acid, it will speed up skin cell turnover. When the scalp is continually trying to shed itself, dead skin cells collect on the surface as dandruff flakes.
Key takeaway: A dry scalp is not the same as dandruff.
Myth 2: All dandruff is the same
While you might associate dandruff with small white flakes, there are several different dandruff types: dry skin dandruff, oily skin dandruff, and dandruff caused by an underlying skin concern.
- Dry skin dandruff: the ‘quintessential’ dandruff most of us think of – dry skin dandruff characterised by small, white flakes that shed easily onto clothing.
- Oily skin dandruff: if you have this type of dandruff, you’ll be battling excess sebum and buildup along with dandruff. Instead of shedding easily, these dandruff flakes clump together, clinging to the scalp and hair. These flakes are yellow in colour and typically larger than dry dandruff flakes.
- Dandruff caused by another skin concern: in this case, your dandruff might be red and sore to the touch. If so, we recommend seeking the advice of a trusted medical professional.
Key takeaway: Not all dandruff is the same – dandruff presents differently in people with oily skin compared to those with dry skin, and sometimes dandruff is caused by a separate underlying skin concern.
Myth 3: Dandruff is contagious
Let’s make one thing very clear: dandruff is not contagious. You might notice your dandruff flakes off onto your clothes or bedding – particularly if you experience dry skin dandruff that flakes off easily. But these flakes (or any others) are not remotely contagious. While you might be embarrassed by your dandruff when it appears on darker clothing, it’s important to remember that it affects almost 50% of the population1 – so you’re not alone!
Key takeaway: Dandruff is not transmissible to others.
Myth 4: Dandruff is seasonal
Unfortunately, dandruff can happen all year-round, and the type of dandruff you have will largely depend on your sebum levels and your scalp’s sensitivity to oleic acid. So, while dandruff is not a seasonal concern, it can be exacerbated by these factors:
- Lower humidity levels
- More time spent indoors with artificial heating
- Hotter showers
Winter is a driver of these heat fluctuations, all of which can upset the balance of sebum on your scalp. If you have dry skin dandruff, these seasonal changes can further dry out the scalp. On the other hand, oily skin dandruff types might find their scalp over-producing sebum to compensate for dry external conditions.
Key takeaway: Dandruff can occur all year round, and – while it can be exacerbated by seasonal factors, such as humidity – it isn’t solely driven by them.
Myth 5: Exfoliation makes dandruff worse
This myth comes with a couple of caveats. If you try to use a physical or ‘manual’ exfoliant – like a harsh scrub, dry brush, or loofah – it can aggravate the scalp and tug at the hair follicles. However, chemical exfoliants are incredibly beneficial for dandruff-prone scalps.
One of the hero ingredients in dandruff hair care is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that works by gently exfoliating a buildup of dead skin cells, regulating sebum production, and deeply cleansing the hair follicles. You can introduce salicylic acid into your hair care routine with the Dercos Anti Dandruff K-Deep Purifying Shampoo, which gently exfoliates persistent dandruff and buildup.
Key takeaway: While physical or ‘manual’ exfoliation can aggravate the scalp, chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid can be beneficial for dandruff-prone scalps.
Myth 6: Dandruff doesn’t impact hair growth
Hair fall, or excess hair shedding, affects a large portion of the population – and understanding what causes hair fall is the first step in managing this common hair concern.
The big question, then: does dandruff cause hair loss?
While dandruff alone does not cause hair fall, dandruff does play a role in how your scalp functions. When the scalp is balanced and nourished, it fosters an environment for hair growth. But if you have dandruff, it causes itching sensations. When you repeatedly scratch your scalp, it can break the hair or damage the hair follicle, which can impede growth.
Key takeaway: The itching sensations dandruff causes can result scratching, which can impede hair growth – although dandruff alone does not cause hair fall.
Myth 7: Any shampoo will get rid of dandruff
You might hope that dandruff will quietly resolve itself, but the best way to manage your dandruff concerns is to use a targeted shampoo with anti-dandruff ingredients to gently dissolve flakes and regulate the scalp microbiome.
Some ingredients to look out for here include salicylic acid, selenium disulfide, and piroctone olamine. Read on to find out which anti-dandruff shampoo is suitable for your skin type:
- For oily skin dandruff: The Dercos Anti Dandruff DS Shampoo For Normal To Oily Hair is formulated for normal to oily scalps. Salicylic acid exfoliates and regulates sebum, while selenium disulfide controls visible dandruff and maintains the delicate balance of the scalp microbiome.
- For dry skin dandruff: When managing dry skin dandruff, you’ll need a combination of efficacious anti-dandruff ingredients and a nourishing formula that won’t dry out the scalp. The Dercos Anti Dandruff DS Shampoo For Dry Hair is an ideal solution for dry skin dandruff.
- For sensitive scalps: Harnessing piroctone olamine to target dandruff, and bisabolol to deliver comfort to the scalp, the Dercos Anti Dandruff Shampoo For Sensitive Scalp is ideal for sensitive scalp types with dandruff concerns.
Key takeaway: A targeted shampoo with anti-dandruff ingredients is the best way to manage your dandruff concerns.
Myth 8: You should wash your hair less if you have dandruff
Hair training is a myth, and stretching out your washes longer than necessary can lead to product buildup on the scalp – which can further disrupt the scalp microbiome.
As we’ve learned, washing your scalp and hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo is the most effective method to get rid of dandruff, so you’ll want to maintain a regular washing schedule. We recommend breaking up your wash schedule into two key phases: targeting and maintenance. How you wash your hair is also important to improve efficacy.
- Targeting phase: Wash your hair with your anti-dandruff shampoo three times per week for four weeks.
- Maintenance phase: Use your anti-dandruff shampoo once per week to prevent dandruff from recurring.
- Washing technique: Make sure that your hair is fully wet in the shower – this will help you work the product into a proper lather. Use warm, rather than hot, water to prevent your scalp from drying out. Once you have fully massaged the shampoo over your scalp, let it sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse the product thoroughly.
Key takeaways: When it comes to washing your hair, maintaining a regular schedule is important in both the targeting and maintaining phase – as is proper technique.
Separating fact from fiction is the first step in managing your scalp and hair concerns. Next, our scalp experts dive into hair fall in women and how to manage it.
1https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dandruff-and-itching-scalp
