Dandruff vs Dry Scalp: What’s the Difference?
Dandruff and dry scalp can occur when the scalp isn’t looked after properly. Having a healthy scalp is the key to achieving healthy hair. While it’s fine to have specific hair goals in mind once you’ve found the right hair care routine, scalp health will need to be prioritized in order for your curls to have the nourishing environment they need. Dandruff can be really drying and can wreak havoc on your curls while dry scalp can cause itching, flaking and irritation, causing curly hair to look dry. Our ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about dandruff and dry scalp and what you can do to treat it.
What is the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?
Avoid Dandruff & Dry Scalp with a Healthy Scalp Routine
How to create the ideal scalp routine
Top 3 Tips to Avoid Dry Scalp and Dandruff
What is the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?
Dandruff
- caused by a buildup of oil
- causes white or yellow flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair and the scalp may also feel dry and itchy.
- tends to be large in size and looks oily in appearance.
- causes flaky scalp, which is a symptom of dandruff and dry scalp.
- caused by hair products
- occurs when hair loses moisture (which leads to itching and flaking) while dandruff is caused by dry skin and oil build-up.
- flakes are smaller, dry and white in color.
Tip: Be mindful of how your hair is reacting to the products you use, especially if you are introducing new ones into your routine.
If your hair is frizzy and dull-looking, you might have dry scalp and if it looks oily and flaky, you might have dandruff. Those suffering from dandruff or dry scalp may need to take extra care of their scalp with the help of scalp treatments.
Meet The Experts
Samantha Stewert MIT is the lead Trichologist and founder of Curl ID.
Sharley Viola is the Lead Educator and texture hair specialist at Curlsmith.
4 Causes of dandruff
There are many causes of dandruff but first of all let's hear from a leading Trichologist Samantha Stewert about why dandruff occurs.
“The belief that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp is incorrect, our scalp produces its own lubrication that is called sebum. In susceptible individuals the naturally occurring yeast that we all have on our scalp, called Malassezia, feeds off of our scalp sebum, which then causes an overgrowth of Malassezia. This then triggers the production of a byproduct called oleic acid, which for some causes irritation, that then results in an acceleration of skin cellular turnover. That presents as white or yellow flakes. The flakes that occur with dandruff are more likely to be oily rather than dry. What we are seeing as a dry scalp is in fact the over acceleration of skin cell turnover, that then builds up on the scalp.”
While it’s important to be able to identify dandruff, let's take a look at some of the triggers;
- Sebum production
- Sebum is a natural oil that is produced by the sebaceous glands.
- When lots of sebum is produced by the glands on the scalp, it can make hair look greasy.
- It isn’t possible to eliminate sebum production because we all produce it but some of us produce it more than others.
- The health of your scalp will determine the health of your hair.
- The scalp contains almost 100,000 follicles. Hair follicles have their own microbiome and when the microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to hair issues such as dandruff and dry scalp.
- Climate
- As with hair health, your environment can have an impact on the health of your scalp.
- When it’s hot, sweat isn’t able to evaporate as it should and it can trap bacteria, excess oil and dirt in the process. These can build up on your scalp, causing its barrier to weaken and dandruff to appear.
- Cold weather can cause your scalp to lose moisture faster, which leads to cracked skin and dandruff that may be large and yellowish in color.
- Stress
- While stress isn’t a direct cause of dandruff, it’s worth mentioning because when we are stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol.
- Cortisol can affect the production of sebum, which can lead to oily skin and an oily scalp.
- Additionally, stress can also weaken your immune system, making it difficult for your body to fight off the fungus that causes dandruff.
- Lastly, with stress, comes the temptation to scratch the scalp, which leads to more irritation and flaking.
4 Causes of Dry Scalp
Loss of moisture
- When hair doesn’t have the moisture it needs, it will become dry and brittle.
- When addressing a potential loss of moisture, identifying your hair type is essential as some types retain moisture better than others.
- While retaining moisture is something that the hair needs in order to thrive, it’s important not to overdo it.
- Moisture overload is a thing and it can leave curly hair feeling soft and struggling to hold its shape.
Using the wrong hair products - The search for the right curly hair products to incorporate into your hair care routine is undoubtedly an exciting one because there’s so much to choose from. However, paying attention to how your hair is reacting to the products you use is essential. Some products can leave residue on the scalp, causing conditions such as contact dermatitis.
Climate - As extreme heat makes your hair dry, it becomes weaker and prone to damage and breakage. When the weather gets colder, we naturally develop habits to keep ourselves warm such as putting the heating on or taking hot showers. These habits can dry out the skin, causing dryness and irritation on the scalp.
Skin conditions - The products you use as part of your hair care routine can cause conditions such as contact dermatitis, which is a reaction to something that causes itchiness and irritation. This can also occur when hair is stripped of its natural oils. Other skin conditions that cause dry scalp include psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
How to Treat Dandruff
Dandruff is a common condition that can be difficult to treat, which is why it’s important to build a routine that comprises products that are designed to help clarify, stimulate and help an itchy, dry and flaky scalp for the ultimate detox.
- Our Wash and Scrub Detox Shampoo is a clarifying shampoo with micro-fine exfoliating particles that deeply cleanse the scalp from dirt and build-up. Perfect for all curl types, each particle works to help unclog follicles without leaving any residue, leaving curls shiny and revitalized.
- Our Post-Wash Calming Conditioner has been created with itchy and irritated scalps in mind. It contains peppermint and tea tree essential oils which are known to soothe and balance the scalp, restoring hair’s moisture levels post-detox.
- To help and encourage volume and fuller looking hair, finish with the Full Body Volumizing Lotion. It’s unique formula creates movement, body and provides weightless, airy definition to your curls without leaving them sticky. It also can be layered with other stylers if you desire extra hold.
How To Treat Dry Scalp
According to Samantha ‘The key to avoiding dry scalp involves maintaining a healthy scalp using appropriate hair care practices.’
- Our Essential Moisture Cleanser gently cleanses hair without stripping it of its natural oils, and our Essential Moisture conditioner delivers hydration and weightless moisture. In between washes, if required keep your hair hydrated with our Moisture Memory Reactivator curl refresher spray.
- Dry hair has a difficult time retaining moisture, so applying a deep conditioner in between washes will give your hair the moisture boost it needs. Curlsmith offers a variety of solutions that can help with the condition. The worst thing you can do when suffering from dry scalp is depriving your hair of hydration and nourishment and hoping the issue will resolve itself. Our Oil-in-Cream is a rich leave-in conditioner which melts into every strand and is guaranteed to deliver moisture throughout the week. It also doubles up as a primer, so it’s light enough to use with your favorite Curlsmith styling product. Dry scalp is susceptible to frizzy hair, so once your curls have been styled, apply the Frizz Rescue Finishing Serum to give your curls the shine and control they need.
Avoid Dandruff & Dry Scalp with a Healthy Scalp Routine
We’ve established that the key to healthy hair is a healthy scalp, which is why it’s important to create an optimum environment for our scalp to thrive in. Our Textured Hair Specialist Sharley Butcher has shared her top tips:
Be consistent with your wash day routine - We all have our own relationship with our hair and it’s totally normal to have mixed feelings about wash day. Instead of thinking about the hours you may spend giving your hair the TLC it needs, pay attention to how it feels during each stage of the process and be consistent. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be to get through wash day, which will keep your curls healthy and make it even easier for you to achieve your hair goals.
Use scalp friendly products - If you have a sensitive scalp, indulge in our Shine Recipes, which contain a range of products that are made without fragrances. All of the products in the collection are dermatologically tested and have been designed to help fight dullness and boost your hair’s natural radiance.
How to create the ideal scalp routine
Create the ideal scalp routine with our Detox Kits, which include Super-Slip Pre Primer, Wash and Scrub Detox, and Post Calming conditioner. Your detox wash day routine should look like this:
Step 1 - Primer
- Soak your hair with water and apply generously from root to tip.
- Use your fingers or a brush to gently detangle, starting from the tips and making your way up to the roots to avoid breakage.
- Do not rinse it out and apply your Wash and Scrub Detox shampoo directly on top.
Step 2 - Wash & Scrub
- Wet your hair thoroughly, dispense a generous blob of product on your palms and apply directly to the scalp.
- Massage gently but vigorously to clear the scalp and melt down all dirt and product buildup.
- Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and follow with the Post Biotic Calming Conditioner.
Step 3 - Calming Conditioner
- Apply in the shower on wet hair after you have fully rinsed out your shampoo.
- Rake through your curls to ensure each one is evenly coated and then use your fingers or a brush to gently detangle and remove all knots.
- Leave on for 1-2 minutes, then rinse well and proceed with your styling routine.
Clarifying is key for healthy hair, especially if you experience dandruff or dry scalp. The Primer creates a shield around the hair shaft, detangling and protecting its precious moisture (which dry hair can struggle to retain) while the Wash & Scrub deeply cleanses and exfoliates the scalp, melting away all dirt and build-up. The Calming Conditioner helps to soothe and refresh the scalp, leaving a tingly sensation and rebalancing moisture levels.
To elevate your scalp care routine, incorporate our Scalp Stimulating Booster and Full Lengths Density Elixir into your hair care routine. By nourishing your scalp with stimulating and scalp loving ingredients every morning and night, you’ll be taking a proactive step towards helping to create the optimal scalp environment your curls need to thrive.
Top 3 Tips to Avoid Dry Scalp and Dandruff
Although dandruff and dry scalp are common conditions, there are certain things that can be done to prevent them.
- Use a cleansing shampoo on a regular basis- To minimize the risk of dandruff and dry scalp, using a cleansing shampoo on a regular basis is essential. Cleansing shampoos will eliminate dirt and product build-up - both of which can lead to blocked follicles that cause scalp conditions and even hair loss. Sharley tells us that hair should be clarified every 4-5 washes. Curlsmith’s range of curl-friendly cleansers contain mild cleansing agents that gently remove dirt and build-up, giving the hair the reset it needs to flourish.
- Eat a balanced diet - A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy scalp, which will help to prevent conditions like dandruff and dry scalp. In addition to eating foods that promote hair health, staying hydrated by consuming enough water is essential as dehydration can lead to dryness and irritation.
- Consult a dermatologist - If you experience scalp issues that defy resolution even after using products that have been designed to alleviate scalp concerns, then you might want to consider consulting a dermatologist. A dermatologist can rule out a serious diagnosis and ensure that whatever is exacerbating the condition is treated.
Curly Hair Care from Curlsmith
Curlsmith’s mission is to bring curl confidence to everyone wanting to embrace their natural wavy, curly or coily hair. By now, you should know a lot about dandruff and dry scalp and how they can be treated. Our high-quality, vegan and cruelty-free products are made with textured hair in mind, packed with superfoods and free from ingredients that can be too harsh on curls. Our experienced team of experts are trusted authorities in hair care and on hand to help you achieve your healthiest hair yet with our hair hydrating essentials and styling products on your next wash day and beyond.
