Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

It's often (and incorrectly!) assumed that dandruff and dry scalp are one and the same thing, since both exhibit similar symptoms like a flaky scalp. Either skin condition can also be extra sensitive to haircare products, feel tight with itching sensations, and in some cases show patches of redness. However, the causes, presentation, and best ways to treat dandruff and dry skin differ, so understanding the difference between them is critical.

Because they both result in visible flakes on the scalp, determining whether you have one or the other isn't always easy. You may even have both at the same time.

So, dandruff vs dry scalp: Let's dive in.

 

What is Dry Scalp?

The scalp can be classified as normal, oily, combination, or dry − just like the skin on your body or face. And just like elsewhere, dry scalp occurs when there's insufficient sebum (natural skin oil) to keep it adequately moisturised. The top layer of the skin dries out and sheds as fine flakes. A dry scalp may result from one or more different factors:

 

Causes of dry scalp

• Inadequate sebum production: as we age, our scalp (as with the skin generally) produces less oil.

• Environmental factors: cold, dry air or hard water can excessively dry the scalp.

• Hair products: over-frequent shampooing, or using products that contain harsh detergents, can strip the scalp of its natural oils.

• Underlying conditions: some skin conditions can manifest on the scalp.

• Dehydration: Not drinking sufficient water can leave the skin and scalp dehydrated.

 

Symptoms of Dry Scalp

Dry scalp symptoms may include any or all of the below:

• Small, white, dry flakes on your scalp and through your hair

• Sensitivity or itching sensations on the scalp

• Tight, uncomfortable feeling scalp

• Frizzy or dry-looking hair

 

Treatment options for Dry Scalp

Dry scalp treatment can often be as simple as restoring adequate moisture levels:

• Gentle shampoo and moisturising conditioners can infuse much-needed moisture to a dry scalp.

• Scalp massages with jojoba, coconut, or olive oil can help nourish it.

• Less frequent shampooing, so sebum isn't stripped from the scalp as much.

• Avoid harsh hair care products and overly hot water, both of which can exacerbate a dry scalp.

Dandruff is also a scalp condition marked by the shedding of excessive amounts of skin flakes. It often produces larger, yellowish flakes from a combination of both dead skin cells and excess oil, accompanied by itching sensations on the scalp.

However, dandruff is not related to skin type, nor the result of a build-up of dead or dry skin cells caused by infrequent hair washing. It's a recurring issue prone to relapses that affects up to 50% of the population, with a negative impact on quality of life.[1]

Causes of dandruff

• An unbalanced scalp microbiome: The microbiome is the invisible ecosystem of microorganisms which forms an integral part of the skin’s surface. What makes a balanced microbiome varies from one part of the body to another, but it's always essential to skin wellbeing and plays a key role in skin protection. If the scalp microbiome is unbalanced, it can lead to excessive skin cell proliferation and flaking.

• Unbalanced sebum composition: Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands in the skin. It's made up of various oils, some of which are important nutrients for the microbiome. Excess oil production on the scalp can lead to an imbalance of the microbiome. This can potentially cause discomfort on the scalp, and trigger dandruff.

• An altered skin moisture barrier function caused by both microbiome imbalance and dysregulated sebum production, resulting in rough skin and a flaky scalp.

These three can aggravate each other in a self-perpetuating cycle.

Other factors can also contribute to the incidence of dandruff, as well as individual predisposition and environmental factors like the changing of the seasons.

Symptoms of Dandruff

If you have dandruff, you may experience any or all of the below:

• Flakes that are white or yellowish in colour.

• Areas of oily skin on the scalp.

• Itching sensations on the scalp.

• Occasional redness and skin sensitivity.

Treatment options for Dandruff

DERCOS anti-dandruff DS shampoo range for dry hair and normal to oily hair combines two dermatologically active ingredients in selenium disulfide (DS) and salicylic acid. Selenium disulfide helps rebalance the scalp microbiome, whilst salicylic acid removes visible flakes on the scalp and hair. DERCOS anti-dandruff shampoo eliminates up to 100% dandruff on first use [2] and provides +6 weeks anti-relapse.[3]

Key Differences Between Dandruff vs Dry Scalp

Remember, although both conditions result in skin flakes:

• Dandruff often results from excess sebum, whilst dry scalp is caused by too little.

• Dandruff flakes are often larger and oilier, while dry scalp flakes tend to be smaller and dry.

• Dandruff might make your scalp feel oily, whereas a dry scalp feels tight and dry.

Preventative Measures for Both Conditions

Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid both dandruff and dry scalp, aim to select hair products suited for your scalp and hair type. Establish a consistent hair and scalp care routine. And if the condition persists, consult a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

So, although dandruff and dry scalp might seem similar at first glance, they’re distinct conditions that require different approaches to care.

Dry scalp occurs when the skin on your scalp isn't producing (or retaining) sufficient natural oils to keep it moisturised. Dandruff, on the other hand, is usually the result of an imbalance in scalp conditions, leading to proliferation of skin cells.

They can sometimes be difficult to differentiate, but by understanding the differences between the two, you can better address your scalp's specific needs and enjoy healthier, happier hair.

References

1. Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC. Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015 Dec;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019.

2. 2,607 subjects tested. 3 observational studies. 6 scientific studies. Consumer test on 262 subjects after 2 weeks of regular use.

3. 2,607 subjects tested. 3 observational studies. 6 scientific studies. Cosmeto-clinical study on 45 subjects after 4 weeks of use and 6 weeks of remanence.