What are the key differences between dandruff and dry scalp. How can you identify which condition you have. What are the most effective treatments for dandruff and dry scalp. Is it possible to prevent these scalp issues.

Understanding the Root Causes of Dandruff and Dry Scalp

Dandruff and dry scalp are two common scalp conditions that share similar symptoms but have distinct causes. To effectively treat these issues, it’s crucial to understand their underlying factors:

Dry Scalp: Lack of Moisture

Dry scalp occurs when the skin on your head lacks adequate moisture. This can be triggered by various factors:

• Cold, dry air
• Contact dermatitis from hair products
• Aging
• Use of harsh, oil-stripping products
• Dehydration

Dandruff: Excess Oil and Yeast Overgrowth

Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by dryness. Instead, it results from:

• Overproduction of sebum (skin oil)
• Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast
• Rapid skin cell turnover

The main culprit behind dandruff is a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, which causes oily, red, and scaly skin. This creates an environment where Malassezia yeast can thrive, leading to increased skin cell production and shedding.

Identifying the Symptoms: Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp

While both conditions can cause flaking and itching, there are key differences in their symptoms:

Dry Scalp Symptoms

• Small, dry flakes
• Itchy scalp
• Dry skin on other parts of the body
• Tight, uncomfortable feeling on the scalp

Dandruff Symptoms

• Larger, oily flakes
• Itchy scalp
• Redness or inflammation
• Scaly or crusty patches (in severe cases)

Can you differentiate between dandruff and dry scalp at home? Try applying a light moisturizer to your scalp before bed. If the flakes disappear after washing your hair the next morning, you likely have dry scalp. If they persist, dandruff is the more probable culprit.

Effective Treatments for Dry Scalp and Dandruff

Once you’ve identified which condition you’re dealing with, you can take targeted steps to address it:

Treating Dry Scalp

1. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo
2. Apply a moisturizing conditioner
3. Consider a scalp oil treatment
4. Increase your water intake
5. Use a humidifier in dry environments

Managing Dandruff

1. Wash hair regularly with a medicated dandruff shampoo
2. Rotate between different active ingredients (zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole)
3. Leave the shampoo on for a few minutes before rinsing
4. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove buildup
5. Consider a scalp exfoliation treatment

Are over-the-counter treatments not working? If you’ve tried dandruff shampoos for at least a month without improvement, or if your symptoms worsen, it’s time to consult a dermatologist. They can rule out other conditions like psoriasis or eczema and prescribe stronger treatments if necessary.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Scalp Health

While topical treatments are essential, your overall health and habits can significantly impact your scalp condition:

Nutritional Factors

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Support skin health and reduce inflammation
• Zinc: Helps regulate oil production and skin cell turnover
• Biotin: Promotes healthy hair and scalp
• Vitamin D: May help control Malassezia yeast growth

Lifestyle Considerations

• Stress management: High stress levels can exacerbate dandruff
• Regular exercise: Improves circulation to the scalp
• Proper hair care: Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling
• Hygiene: Keep hair clean, but avoid overwashing

How can you incorporate these factors into your daily routine? Start by adding more fatty fish, nuts, and seeds to your diet. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, and be mindful of your hair care products and practices.

Prevention Strategies for Long-Term Scalp Health

While dandruff can’t be completely cured, and dry scalp may recur, you can take steps to prevent or minimize these issues:

Preventing Dry Scalp

• Use a scalp-friendly, pH-balanced shampoo
• Avoid hot showers and harsh hair treatments
• Protect your hair from extreme weather conditions
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet

Preventing Dandruff Flare-ups

• Use anti-dandruff shampoo regularly, even when symptoms improve
• Manage stress levels
• Avoid products that irritate your scalp
• Keep your scalp clean and avoid excessive oil buildup

Is it possible to completely prevent scalp issues? While complete prevention may not be realistic for everyone, consistent care and attention to your scalp health can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of both dry scalp and dandruff.

When to Seek Professional Help for Scalp Conditions

While many cases of dry scalp and dandruff can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional attention:

Red Flags for Dry Scalp

• Persistent dryness despite home treatments
• Severe itching or pain
• Spreading to other areas of the body
• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth)

Warning Signs for Dandruff

• No improvement after 4-6 weeks of over-the-counter treatment
• Worsening symptoms or scalp inflammation
• Development of bald patches or hair loss
• Symptoms affecting your quality of life

How can a dermatologist help with persistent scalp issues? A professional can provide a definitive diagnosis, rule out other conditions, and prescribe stronger treatments such as prescription-strength antifungal shampoos or topical corticosteroids if needed.

The Impact of Hair Care Practices on Scalp Health

Your daily hair care routine can significantly influence the health of your scalp. Consider the following factors:

Shampoo Selection

• Choose sulfate-free formulas for dry scalp
• Look for zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole in dandruff shampoos
• Avoid fragrances and harsh chemicals if you have sensitive skin

Washing Frequency

• For dry scalp: Wash less frequently with lukewarm water
• For dandruff: Wash more often to control oil and yeast growth
• Adjust based on your hair type and lifestyle

Styling Considerations

• Limit heat styling to prevent scalp irritation
• Avoid tight hairstyles that can stress the scalp
• Use scalp-friendly styling products

How often should you wash your hair if you have scalp issues? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Experiment to find the right balance for your scalp and hair type, adjusting as needed based on your symptoms and lifestyle factors.

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Scalp Conditions

While often considered merely cosmetic, scalp conditions can have a significant psychological impact:

Emotional Effects

• Embarrassment or self-consciousness
• Anxiety in social situations
• Lowered self-esteem
• Frustration with persistent symptoms

Coping Strategies

• Educate yourself about your condition
• Join support groups or online communities
• Practice stress-reduction techniques
• Seek professional help if symptoms affect your quality of life

How can you maintain a positive outlook while dealing with scalp issues? Remember that these conditions are common and treatable. Focus on the steps you’re taking to improve your scalp health, and don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed.

By understanding the differences between dry scalp and dandruff, identifying your specific condition, and taking appropriate steps to treat and prevent scalp issues, you can achieve a healthier, more comfortable scalp. Remember that consistency is key in managing these conditions, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if your symptoms persist or worsen. With the right approach, you can enjoy a flake-free, itch-free scalp and healthier hair.

Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp: What’s the Difference?

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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil on the scalp and an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. Dandruff cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed with a specialized shampoo.

If you have a dry, flaking scalp, you may suspect dandruff. But it could be a symptom of dry scalp. Dandruff and dry scalp have the same main symptoms, which are falling flakes and an itchy scalp, but they’re two different conditions.

With dry scalp, your skin gets irritated and flakes off. With dandruff, the cause is too much oil on your scalp along with an overgrowth of yeast, called Malassezia, that’s already on your skin. That excess oil causes skin cells to build up and then shed. Knowing which of these conditions you have can help you get the right treatment and banish those flakes for good.

You get dry scalp when your skin has too little moisture. The skin on your scalp becomes irritated and flakes off. If your scalp is dry, the skin on other parts of your body, such as your arms and legs, could be dry too.

Dry scalp can also be triggered by factors such as these:

• cold, dry air
• contact dermatitis caused by a reaction to products you apply to your scalp, such as shampoo, styling gel, and hairspray
• older age
• the use of products that strip the natural oils from your skin

The skin cells on your scalp and body normally multiply when you need more of them. Then they die and shed off. During this process, your skin cells turn over on a regular basis or turn over faster in response to inflammation. When you have dandruff, skin cells on your scalp shed more quickly than usual.

The main cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that turns your skin oily, red, and scaly. The white or yellow scales flake off, creating dandruff. You can get seborrheic dermatitis anywhere you have oil glands, including your eyebrows, groin, armpits, chest, upper back, ears and along the sides of your nose. In babies it’s called cradle cap.

Often, a fungus called Malassezia triggers dandruff. This fungus normally lives on your scalp. If you have too much of it, though, it causes your skin cells to multiply more quickly than usual.

Certain factors can cause Malassezia to multiply, including:

• age
• hormones
• stress
• underlying medical conditions and nutritional deficiencies

Dirty hair doesn’t cause dandruff, but if you don’t wash your hair often enough, the oily buildup can contribute to flakes.

One way to tell the difference between dry scalp and flakes from dandruff is by their appearance. Dandruff flakes are bigger, and they look oily. In babies with cradle cap, their scalp looks scaly or crusty. Both dryness and dandruff can make your scalp itch.

The following is a comparison of the main symptoms of each condition:

You can treat most dandruff yourself with an over-the-counter shampoo. If you’ve tried a dandruff shampoo for at least a month and your flakes haven’t improved, they’re getting worse, or the skin on your scalp looks red or swollen, make an appointment with a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating the skin. You might have another skin condition that needs to be treated.

A doctor or healthcare professional will determine whether you have dandruff by looking at your scalp and hair. They can rule out conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which can also cause flaky skin on your scalp.

If you have dry scalp, wash with a gentle shampoo and then use a moisturizing conditioner. One way to tell whether you have dry scalp or dandruff is to apply a light moisturizer to your scalp before you go to bed. If the cause is dry scalp, the flakes should disappear once you shower the next morning. Some hair stylists can perform a scalp treatment that uses steam to deliver more moisture to your scalp.

Dandruff shampoo

For mild dandruff, wash your hair every day with a gentle shampoo to lower the amount of oil on your scalp. If your dandruff is more severe or a regular shampoo doesn’t work, try a dandruff shampoo.

Most dandruff shampoos contain medication that kills the fungus on your scalp or removes flaky skin. Here are some examples:

• Pyrithione zinc (Head and Shoulders, Jason Dandruff Relief 2 in 1) is an antifungal drug. It kills the fungus on your scalp that causes flaking. Pyrithione zinc shampoos are gentle enough to use every day.
• Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) lowers the amount of fungus and prevents too many skin cells from dying off. If you have blond or gray hair or dye your hair, ask a healthcare professional before using shampoo containing selenium sulfide. It can change your hair color.
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral) kills the fungus that causes dandruff. You can buy it in either over-the-counter or prescription strength.
• Salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal) removes extra scales from your scalp before it can flake. Salicylic acid can dry out your skin and cause more flaking.
• Coal tar (Neutrogena T/Gel) slows the growth and shedding of skin cells on your scalp. Tar-based shampoos can also change your hair color if you have blond or gray hair.

Dandruff tea tree oil

Shampoos containing tea tree oil are an alternative remedy for dandruff. Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient with antifungal properties that some studies show treat dandruff. Some people are allergic to tea tree oil. Ask a doctor before you try it. Stop using the product if you have any redness or swelling.

No matter which dandruff shampoo you try, read the instructions on the bottle and follow them carefully. If you’re not sure which shampoo to use or how often to use it, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. You might have to try a few brands before you find one that relieves your dandruff.

Once your dandruff improves, you might be able to cut back on the number of days that you use the shampoo. For more stubborn dandruff, a doctor can prescribe a stronger shampoo or a topical steroid or topical antifungal.

Here are some tips to prevent dandruff and dry scalp:

If you have dandruff, wash your hair often with an antidandruff shampoo. Make sure to rinse out all the shampoo.

Avoid using hair products that contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach and alcohol. These ingredients can dry out your scalp. Also avoid oily hair products that can build up on your scalp.

Spend a few minutes out in the sun every day. There’s some evidence that ultraviolet (UV) light exposure can help control dandruff. You don’t want to get too much sun exposure, though, because it can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Manage your stress with meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques.

Dandruff isn’t curable. Most people will have to manage symptoms over the long term. Usually, the flakes will come and go. Treating dandruff with a special shampoo can manage your condition and prevent itching and flakiness.

Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp: What’s the Difference?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil on the scalp and an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. Dandruff cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed with a specialized shampoo.

If you have a dry, flaking scalp, you may suspect dandruff. But it could be a symptom of dry scalp. Dandruff and dry scalp have the same main symptoms, which are falling flakes and an itchy scalp, but they’re two different conditions.

With dry scalp, your skin gets irritated and flakes off. With dandruff, the cause is too much oil on your scalp along with an overgrowth of yeast, called Malassezia, that’s already on your skin. That excess oil causes skin cells to build up and then shed. Knowing which of these conditions you have can help you get the right treatment and banish those flakes for good.

You get dry scalp when your skin has too little moisture. The skin on your scalp becomes irritated and flakes off. If your scalp is dry, the skin on other parts of your body, such as your arms and legs, could be dry too.

Dry scalp can also be triggered by factors such as these:

• cold, dry air
• contact dermatitis caused by a reaction to products you apply to your scalp, such as shampoo, styling gel, and hairspray
• older age
• the use of products that strip the natural oils from your skin

The skin cells on your scalp and body normally multiply when you need more of them. Then they die and shed off. During this process, your skin cells turn over on a regular basis or turn over faster in response to inflammation. When you have dandruff, skin cells on your scalp shed more quickly than usual.

The main cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that turns your skin oily, red, and scaly. The white or yellow scales flake off, creating dandruff. You can get seborrheic dermatitis anywhere you have oil glands, including your eyebrows, groin, armpits, chest, upper back, ears and along the sides of your nose. In babies it’s called cradle cap.

Often, a fungus called Malassezia triggers dandruff. This fungus normally lives on your scalp. If you have too much of it, though, it causes your skin cells to multiply more quickly than usual.

Certain factors can cause Malassezia to multiply, including:

• age
• hormones
• stress
• underlying medical conditions and nutritional deficiencies

Dirty hair doesn’t cause dandruff, but if you don’t wash your hair often enough, the oily buildup can contribute to flakes.

One way to tell the difference between dry scalp and flakes from dandruff is by their appearance. Dandruff flakes are bigger, and they look oily. In babies with cradle cap, their scalp looks scaly or crusty. Both dryness and dandruff can make your scalp itch.

The following is a comparison of the main symptoms of each condition:

You can treat most dandruff yourself with an over-the-counter shampoo. If you’ve tried a dandruff shampoo for at least a month and your flakes haven’t improved, they’re getting worse, or the skin on your scalp looks red or swollen, make an appointment with a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating the skin. You might have another skin condition that needs to be treated.

A doctor or healthcare professional will determine whether you have dandruff by looking at your scalp and hair. They can rule out conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, which can also cause flaky skin on your scalp.

If you have dry scalp, wash with a gentle shampoo and then use a moisturizing conditioner. One way to tell whether you have dry scalp or dandruff is to apply a light moisturizer to your scalp before you go to bed. If the cause is dry scalp, the flakes should disappear once you shower the next morning. Some hair stylists can perform a scalp treatment that uses steam to deliver more moisture to your scalp.

Dandruff shampoo

For mild dandruff, wash your hair every day with a gentle shampoo to lower the amount of oil on your scalp. If your dandruff is more severe or a regular shampoo doesn’t work, try a dandruff shampoo.

Most dandruff shampoos contain medication that kills the fungus on your scalp or removes flaky skin. Here are some examples:

• Pyrithione zinc (Head and Shoulders, Jason Dandruff Relief 2 in 1) is an antifungal drug. It kills the fungus on your scalp that causes flaking. Pyrithione zinc shampoos are gentle enough to use every day.
• Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) lowers the amount of fungus and prevents too many skin cells from dying off. If you have blond or gray hair or dye your hair, ask a healthcare professional before using shampoo containing selenium sulfide. It can change your hair color.
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral) kills the fungus that causes dandruff. You can buy it in either over-the-counter or prescription strength.
• Salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal) removes extra scales from your scalp before it can flake. Salicylic acid can dry out your skin and cause more flaking.
• Coal tar (Neutrogena T/Gel) slows the growth and shedding of skin cells on your scalp. Tar-based shampoos can also change your hair color if you have blond or gray hair.

Dandruff tea tree oil

Shampoos containing tea tree oil are an alternative remedy for dandruff. Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient with antifungal properties that some studies show treat dandruff. Some people are allergic to tea tree oil. Ask a doctor before you try it. Stop using the product if you have any redness or swelling.

No matter which dandruff shampoo you try, read the instructions on the bottle and follow them carefully. If you’re not sure which shampoo to use or how often to use it, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice. You might have to try a few brands before you find one that relieves your dandruff.

Once your dandruff improves, you might be able to cut back on the number of days that you use the shampoo. For more stubborn dandruff, a doctor can prescribe a stronger shampoo or a topical steroid or topical antifungal.

Here are some tips to prevent dandruff and dry scalp:

If you have dandruff, wash your hair often with an antidandruff shampoo. Make sure to rinse out all the shampoo.

Avoid using hair products that contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach and alcohol. These ingredients can dry out your scalp. Also avoid oily hair products that can build up on your scalp.

Spend a few minutes out in the sun every day. There’s some evidence that ultraviolet (UV) light exposure can help control dandruff. You don’t want to get too much sun exposure, though, because it can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Manage your stress with meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques.

Dandruff isn’t curable. Most people will have to manage symptoms over the long term. Usually, the flakes will come and go. Treating dandruff with a special shampoo can manage your condition and prevent itching and flakiness.

How to eliminate dandruff with dry scalp [Vichy experts’ opinion]

Slight, imperceptible peeling of the epidermis of the head is the norm. These scales are evidence of the normal course of the process of renewal of epidermal cells. It is possible to diagnose and remove dandruff only when the dead scales are no longer transparent, but white, and become visible to the naked eye – not only on the head, but also on clothes. Most people mistakenly believe that dry scalp and dandruff is a superficial cosmetic problem. However, these changes are a symptom of the internal problems of the body, which must be addressed in stages and comprehensively.

What is dandruff?

At its core, dandruff is a condition of the skin of the scalp, in which dead particles of the epidermis exfoliate in excess. As a rule, this is preceded by a malfunction of the sebaceous glands located near the hair follicles, which, due to a failure, stop producing a sufficient amount of sebum. In professional language, the disease is called seborrhea, which can appear in the life of any person, regardless of hair type, age, gender and other signs.

Seborrhea most often manifests itself in two forms: oily and dry, less common is a mixed form. Let’s take a closer look at each type of dandruff.

Oily seborrhea

The most common form of dandruff. It appears due to the accelerated reproduction of the fungus of the genus Malassezia, which is normally present on the scalp of every person. Epidermal cells begin to intensively renew themselves, dead skin particles stick together due to an excess of sebum and appear as dandruff flakes at the base of the hairline. Oily seborrhea is expressed in the form of loose, large yellowish flakes, accompanied by itching and increased production of sebum, due to which the strands quickly get dirty and look stuck together.

Dry seborrhea

This form of dandruff manifestation occurs due to reduced function of the sebaceous glands, as a result of which the epidermis of the head becomes overdried and sensitive. Dry seborrhea appears in the form of small dusty scales over the entire surface of the scalp, often accompanied by itching, burning and irritation. There is also thinning, brittleness, loss of the natural shine of the hairline. The main factors in the occurrence of dry seborrhea include genetic predisposition, hormonal or age-related changes in the body, certain diseases of the immune, endocrine, nervous and digestive systems, unbalanced nutrition and improper care. Frequent staining, daily thermal exposure to styling devices, non-compliance with the drinking regimen also provoke dryness and dandruff.

What to do if you have dry scalp and dandruff?

In the course of numerous studies, the Vichy laboratory revealed that the main cause of the development of the disease is not only the growth of the Malassezia bacterium. The fact is that by its activity it disrupts the natural balance of the skin microbiome, that is, it completely changes the entire normal microflora, and microorganisms characteristic of us give way to others – pathogenic ones. Add to this the negative impact of the external environment, poor ecology, constant lack of sleep and stress, and you get ideal conditions for the life of Malassezia.

Also, we must not forget that the diet plays an important role in what is happening. In order for skin and hair to become noticeably healthier, foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, in other words, healthy fats, must definitely appear in your diet. These are vegetable oils, cereals and fatty fish. Do not forget about the enrichment of the body with animal and vegetable proteins. For those who abstain from animal products, there are equally valuable soybeans, beans, chickpeas, tofu, corn, various nuts and seeds. After a mandatory consultation with a doctor, select the optimal course of vitamins and trace elements.

Choosing an Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

After all the internal work has been done, it will be necessary to pay attention to the immediate problem on the head: you will need a special product that will restore the microbiome and bacterial balance of your scalp. To do this, Vichy specialists have developed a unique intensive anti-dandruff shampoo for sensitive scalp Dercos Technique. The gentle soothing formula of the product includes bisabolol and octopirox (a substance with antifungal properties). The product does not contain sulfates (which is especially important in the treatment of dry seborrhea) and helps to effectively cope with dandruff and soothes sensitive dermis. Clinical trials of the product have proven that its regular use stops the development of Malassezia bacteria and restores the normal microbial balance of the epidermis, preventing itching and increasing natural barrier functions, thereby eliminating 100% of visible dandruff from the first application.

The uniqueness of the shampoo formula lies in the content of an effective ingredient – Selenium DS, which has established itself as one of the most effective anti-dandruff components. It also reduces the growth and prevents the reproduction of the fungus Malassezia and normalizes the natural flora of the epidermis. In addition to Selenium Disulfide, specialists have added: ceramide R to increase the barrier properties of the hair and salicylic acid to gently but effectively exfoliate dead particles. To achieve the best result, we did not forget about the natural antioxidant – vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is aimed at combating the action of free radicals.

how to understand what is happening with the scalp

Dandruff or dryness – this question often arises. These problems look the same, but they need to be dealt with in different ways.

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dry skin

dandruff

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For example, in case of dryness, you can resort to oils, but if you have dandruff, then an oil mask will only increase the number of scales. Or, say, a shampoo with salicylic acid: it helps to cope with dandruff, but dryness will only aggravate. See the dilemma?

It is very important to understand the difficulty you are facing. Doctors told how to do this – take their recommendations into service.

Who’s Who

“Dandruff is technically a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur,” explains dermatologist Rachel Cochran Gathers, MD. Seborrheic dermatitis flares occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common triggers are weather changes and stress.

Flaking is usually caused by dryness of the scalp, which may be accompanied by tightness, itching or redness. In terms of triggers, the most common culprits are cleansers and cold weather, as well as hormonal fluctuations, including those associated with age. In fact, everything that causes dryness of the skin of the face and body has the same effect on the head.

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How do you tell dryness from dandruff?

You should carefully consider what falls on the shoulders and remains on the head. “Dandruff is usually large individual scales that are located at the base of the hair,” explains MD, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. “They can be yellowish in color and be oily, while the scales that appear due to dry skin are usually smaller and white.”

Iris Ruby, MD, dermatologist, suggests doing a little experiment to find out what the problem is.