Find out what are the most common causes of dandruff, what is the difference between dandruff scalp and dry scalp, what to avoid in case of dandruff and how to get rid of it effectively.
What is dandruff?
First, let's take a closer look at what dandruff actually is. These are dead scales of skin that peel away from the scalp. Since the scalp, like the skin on the body, renews itself, inconspicuous flakes on the surface of the scalp are natural and it is a condition that affects all of us. However, if the skin begins to flake off more or the flakes become harder to remove from the scalp, dandruff occurs.
What are the causes of dandruff?
The most common cause of dandruff is an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, which occurs naturally on the scalp. However, if there is overgrowth, the scalp develops inflammation, which results in dandruff. There can be a number of other causes behind dandruff, such as improperly used hair products, unsuitable diet, stress, lacking vitamins and minerals, certain diseases, or dry scalp.
What is the difference between dry and oily dandruff?
Dry dandruff is associated with dry flaky scalp. You can recognize it because it tends to be small and fine, is often associated with itchy scalp and is visible on the shoulders as a fine whitish dusting.
In contrast, oily dandruff tends to be larger and flake-shaped and sticks more to the scalp and hair. People who suffer from oily dandruff tend to have a problem with their hair getting oily quickly. Treatment for dandruff should always depend on whether you are suffering from dry or oily dandruff.
For dry dandruff, try shampoos for sensitive and dry scalps
If dry dandruff is your problem, you need to choose the right hair products. In this case, shampoos that are designed for the needs of dry and sensitive scalps are the right choice. On the other hand, shampoos designed to fight oily dandruff are not recommended in this case, as they could worsen the dry scalp problem.
How to fight oily dandruff?
Now we come to the second type of dandruff, namely oily dandruff. In this case, reach for anti-dandruff shampoos. The choice of the right shampoo should depend on the severity of the problem. Dandruff shampoos usually contain anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients as well as antibacterial and antifungal components, which include ketoconazole or salicylic acid, for example. In addition to anti-dandruff shampoo, you can also improve your hair and scalp care with a hair tonic.
Dandruff vs. dry scalp
Dandruff isn't always the reason of itchy and peeling scalp; dry scalp can also be to blame. How do you know which problem you're dealing with?
Dry scalp is very often associated with dry hair that breaks easily and lacks its natural shine. People who have dry scalp often have dry skin. They are also troubled by skin itching and irritation.
What are the causes of dry scalp?
The most common causes of a dry scalp include washing hair too often, using improper shampoos, frequent blow-drying, stress, inadequate diet and a lack of important vitamins and minerals.
How to treat a dry scalp?
For dry scalp treatment, proper nutrition and regular water intake are essential. Of course, the right choice of hair products is also important. Shampoos should be formulated for dry scalp care. Non-aggressive moisturizing products, whether in the form of conditioners, hair masks, hair oils or serums and tonics with antibacterial ingredients, which help to restore the natural balance of the scalp while hydrating the skin, also help to revitalize dry scalp.
Avoid blow-drying your hair with hot air, using styling products too often and washing your hair with hot water. Some old wives' tricks can also help to get rid of the dry scalp; your hair can benefit from a rinse with apple cider vinegar or chamomile tea, for example.
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