Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp - For Black Woman’s Hair
Picture this, you’re headed out to dinner… looking all cute & stuff in your little black dress hugging in all the right places. You take one last look in the mirror before leaving…. And then you see them nasty white flakes look back at you (now this would make a church girl want to cuss, LoL)!
Dandruff is caused by too much oil on the scalp. Dry scalp is when your skin (scalp) has little to no moisture. Dandruff and dry scalp have similar symptoms like itchiness and flakes, however there's a difference.
What Causes Dandruff?
The excess oil causes skin cells to build up and then it sheds. There is no cure for dandruff. However, you can treat the symptoms with an over the counter shampoo. Wash hair often and make sure to rinse out all the products. Avoid products with alcohol. If it gets worse consult a dermatologist.
What causes Dry Scalp?
The skin gets irritated and flakes off. Dry scalp is triggered by colder weather, reactions to products, excessive washing or skin conditions like eczema. If you have dry scalp, wash with a gentle shampoo and then use a moisturizing conditioner.
| Dandruff | Dry Scalp | |
|---|---|---|
| Inching | ✓ | ✓ |
| Large Flakes | ✓ | |
| Small Flakes | ✓ | |
| Scalp Produces Too Much Oil | ✓ |
How to know the difference & Treat it
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. If you still see flakes this is dandruff.
- Dandruff flakes are larger. Dry scalp flakes can appear to be yellow or white.
- Oily, Greasy, Itchy, Irritated scalp is more than likely dandruff.
- Dry skin types are more prone to experience dry scalp.
How has Dandruff or Dry Scalp effected your hair goals, Let’s chat (link).
