Dry scalp and dandruff can be very common and can happen all year round even though it could become worse during the winter months. Severe flaking and dry scalp could be extremely embarrassing and annoying for most.  Some people tend to confuse dry scalp with dandruff.

Let’s discuss the difference between the two. 

Dry scalp is caused by a yeast fungus called Malassezia. Malassezia is normally found on the scalp without causing problems yet some people may have too much of it and it causes skin cells to multiply more quickly than they usually would causing dry scalp.  

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a condition that turns the skin oily, red, and scaly with white or yellowish flakes. Hormone imbalances, stress, immune suppression, infrequent shampooing, illness, or increased oil production can result in mild inflammation that produces dead skin cells which usually mix with oil and clumps together resulting in flakes that appear sometimes white or yellowish.

What causes dandruff?

Most cases of dandruff is caused by dehydrated sebaceous glands which are those glands that products the natural oil for our scalps. 

What causes the dehydration? Factors such as extreme climates and not drinking enough water may cause dandruff and most importantly skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.

How to deal with dandruff? 

1. Pre-poo

Pre-poo is the method of using a moisturiser, recommended oil blend, or aloe vera to fully saturate the hair and scalp before shampooing.

The pre-poo treatment needs to sit for at least 20-30 min before shampooing

2. Natural oils

The best way to combat dry scalp would be to add natural oils to your hair care routine. Be sure to choose the right oils that could help to maintain a healthy scalp.

*Olive and coconut oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

*Jojoba oil acts protects against bacteria.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar rinses are great!

The rinse may benefit those with scalp conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff.

4. Clarifying shampoos

Perhaps it’s time to use a clarifying shampoo. This is like the perfect detox for the hair and scalp. They are formulated to remove things that normal shampoo doesn’t get to like product build-up or residue.

Recommended clarifying shampoo that we stock:

1. Kerastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant
2. Schwarzkopf purifying shampoo
3. Nak Ultimate Cleanse

You may find a wide range of scalp treatment products at any Style Bar hair salon.

If extreme conditions of dandruff/dry scalp persist make an appointment with a dermatologist who would best be able to diagnose your condition and prescribe the correct medicated ointments.