Even in Florida, it is possible to get dandruff or dry scalp. It can be easy to confuse the two, as they both have the same symptoms. People with dry, flaky scalp may immediately assume they have dandruff. However, what is the difference between dry scalp and dandruff? This is an often-debated question among our clients. Learn the different signs between the two, and get treatment for both of them.
Dry Scalp Causes and Symptoms
Dry scalp occurs when the skin gets irritated and flakes off. It happens when the skin has very little moisture. Dry scalp happens the same way that dry skin does – when the skin doesn’t produce or retain enough moisture. This can lead to itching, flaking, and irritation.
Contrary to what you might think, over-washing your hair can lead to a lack of moisture. Additionally, the products that you are washing your hair with may dry it out as well. Make sure to look for products that are designed to hydrate your strands without weighing your hair down.
You may already know that the climate that you live in also plays a role in causing dry scalp. This could be either high levels of heat or cold as well as low levels of humidity. Even an excess of sun exposure can lead to dry scalp. Additionally, you may be genetically inclined to get dry scalp.
Some of the symptoms of dry scalp include:
- Itchy scalp
- Dry hair
- Tiny flakes in the hair
Some of the causes of dry scalp include:
- Inability to produce or retain moisture
- Sunburn
- Excessive washing
- Irritation from haircare products
- Climate
Dandruff Causes and Symptoms
Our skin sheds dead skin cells, even aside from our scalp. Dandruff occurs when this process speeds up. Dandruff “flakes” you get are actually dead skin cells. Also, the faster the scalp sheds dead skin, the worse that the dandruff will become. Dandruff has been associated with “dirty scalp” or the effects of “bad hygiene” when in reality, it could happen to anyone.
Contrary to what you might think, dandruff is actually caused by too much oil in the scalp as well as an overgrowth of fungus. Our scalp contains hair follicles with sebaceous glands that produce a large amount of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that creates an ideal environment for fungi to thrive in. When dandruff progresses, it can cause skin cells to multiply more quickly than usual.
Another factor in the production of dandruff is stress – stress can take a toll on the body, which includes your scalp health. It could be any time of stress that runs you down – work deadlines or even fighting off an illness.
Some of the symptoms of dandruff include:
- Itchy scalp or eyebrows
- Redness
- Large noticeable white flakes
Some of the causes of dandruff include:
- fungal infections of the scalp
- oils secreted by the scalp
- sensitivity to substances, such as hair products
The Difference Between Dry Scalp and Dandruff
Many people find it difficult to discern between dry scalp and dandruff. Additionally, it is possible to have both dandruff and dry scalp. Some of the differences between dandruff and dry scalp include:
- When the scalp feels oily
- An intense scalp itching even when the scalp does not feel dry
- Hair that looks greasy
Also, the main difference between the two is that dandruff is an actual medical condition that is a result of a fungal infection. There is also a difference in the size of the flakes as well. With dandruff, flakes are oily, large, yellow and white. If it is simply dry scalp, you would notice that you would also have issues with dryness on the rest of your body.
Prevent dry scalp by:
- using less irritating shampoos
- switching to a moisturizing shampoo
- shampooing the hair less frequently
- using a humidifier to keep the skin from getting dry
- drinking more water
Best Haircare Products For Dry Scalp & Dandruff
The salon at Vinaccia Hair Goddess is a supplier of Davines haircare (and preferred clients can save 20% on all products at our salon.) Davines makes amazing products for dry scalp and greasy hair. All of which are gentle on your scalp.
Davines NATURALTECH PURIFYING Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – Shampoo for both dry and greasy dandruff. 250 ml / 8,45 fl.oz.
This purifying anti-dandruff shampoo is for scalp with dry or greasy dandruff. It is clarifying and detoxifying and fights microbial attacks and dandruff, establishing a healthy environment for hair growth.
Davines NATURALTECH REBALANCING Shampoo Oil rebalancing shampoo 250 ml / 8,45 fl.oz.
Do you find yourself getting an excess of oil production on your scalp and roots? This rebalancing formula combats excess sebum production.
Davines NATURALTECH PURIFYING Gel for both dry and greasy dandruff. – Dandruff Treatment Gel 150 ml / 5,07 fl.oz.
The Davines purifying treatment gel is a game changer. It purifies the dandruff-prone scalp and keeps the scalp clean and healthy.
When To See a Doctor
Both dandruff and dry scalp can be managed at home. However, there are scalp conditions can look like dandruff but are something more serious Scalp psoriasis, causes redness, flakes, and itching but is caused by an autoimmune disorder. A form of severe dandruff called seborrheic dermatitis can cause intense, painful inflammation.
Vinaccia Hair Goddess Salon in Winter Park
Vinaccia Hair Goddess is located at Phenix Salon Suites, right at 601-A S, N New York Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Ready to transform your hair’s look, feel and vitality? Schedule an appointment today. Call Jenn at 407.900.3656 or set one up here.
COVID-19 Regulations
In accordance with social distancing, Vinaccia Hair Goddess can only see one person at a time and there is no double booking allowed at this time. Vinaccia Hair Goddess is requiring you to wear a mask during your appointment. Your health and safety is a priority at Vinaccia Hair Goddess. In between appointments, Jenn will be disinfecting the salon to ensure the highest level of cleanliness. Phenix Salon Suites also has its own staff to sanitize the building and restrooms several times a day.