Do you have dandruff or is it just dry scalp? Find out

If you have ever had dandruff, you’d understand that the difference between dandruff and dry scalp isn’t that obvious. There is a thin line between dandruff and dry scalp and not a lot of people know about it. If you think you have dandruff, it could only be the buildup of dirt on your dry scalp. This buildup can cause itching making you feel like you have dandruff. 

Dandruff v/s Dry scalp

Dandruff is the flakey skin residue on the scalp that accumulates dried dirt and oil that develop on the scalp whereas dry scalp is just scalp with very little oil in it. Dandruff is a condition, which causes small white flakes of skin that separate and fall from the scalp.

While you can confuse the two, Dandruff is just an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp. Yes, you have yeast on the scalp called Malassezia. They are the good kind of fungi that live on the scalp. According to Shape, ‘This yeast is thought to contribute to dandruff in some people because it produces oleic acid, a fatty acid that can irritate the skin and cause flakes. This yeast can be the reason for a dry scalp because Malassezia feeds on the oil on the scalp and that dries out the scalp even further’.

In simple words, it is possible for a dry scalp causes dandruff and a yeast overgrowth can cause both dandruff and a dry scalp.

Why do you get dandruff?

Dandruff can be caused by excess oil production. So shampooing the excess oil can be a great way to prevent it. However, shampooing too much can increase irritation and dry scalp. 

How can you treat it?

Just know the right shampoo and hair products that suit your hair. seasonal changes can also affect the oil production. So it is important to switch shampoos with the changing season to avoid the excess oil production. Also refrain from using any chemicals or dry shampoos if not needed. It unnecessarily spoils the health of the healthy scalp. Another tip you can follow is to let the scalp breathe. Excess products clog the hair follicle which automatically increases the oil production to balance out the pH levels. Let the hair and scalp breathe every once in a while to avoid dandruff. 

What would you like to know next? Let us know in the comments section below. 

For more Fashion & Beauty updates: Follow @pinkvillafashion