The oiliness skilled when you’ve dandruff is attributable to an overgrowth of yeast. “Yeasts naturally stay in your scalp, and normally don’t trigger any issues. Nonetheless, itching and flaking can happen when an overgrowth of yeast causes your scalp’s microbiome to develop into imbalanced. Nonetheless, some persons are merely delicate to regular ranges of those yeasts on their scalp,” says Anabel.
“It’s tough to distinguish between dandruff and dry scalps, nonetheless, the easiest way to do that is to suppose what might have induced this dryness to the scalp,” says Stephanie. “Is it an allergic response to one thing you’ve used, or have you ever been utilizing merchandise which are drying out your hair and scalp not too long ago? When you’ve answered sure, then it’s in all probability a dry scalp,” she provides.
“In case your hair is a bit greasy regardless of the flakes and is there on a regular basis, then it’s possible you might be affected by dandruff. In case you are nonetheless unsure then use a dandruff shampoo for some time, like Nizoral (£9.30), and see if it alleviates the signs. Whether it is dandruff, then the ketaconazole (an anti-fungal ingredient) in Nizoral will do its job,” says Stephanie.
Is a flaky scalp totally different to dandruff?
A flaky scalp could be a symptom of dandruff, but it surely’s additionally a symptom of dry scalps, though they’re attributable to totally different causes. “With a dry, flaky scalp, the pores and skin will get irritated and flakes off. With dandruff, the trigger is an excessive amount of oil on the scalp. That extra oil causes pores and skin cells to construct up after which shed,” explains Stephanie.
“A flaky scalp can be attributable to different scalp circumstances, resembling tinea capitis (a extremely infectious fungal an infection of the scalp, additionally known as scalp ringworm), allergic contact dermatitis (a response to merchandise used on the scalp, resembling hair dye, hairspray, hair gel or mousse), or psoriasis (a pores and skin situation that causes pink or silvery scales which are adherent to the scalp,) Stephanie clarifies.
Why does a dry scalp trigger itchiness?
“A dry scalp is irritated and, as such, causes itchiness. Scalp points resembling seborrhoeic dermatitis could cause low-grade irritation and shedding, which in flip causes itchiness,” says Stephanie.
What are the most effective methods to deal with a dry scalp?
Establish the trigger
“To cope with a dry scalp you want to establish the reason for it first. We’ve sufficient sebaceous glands on our scalp to maintain the scalp lubricated, so if the scalp is dry, then there may be most likely an underlying trigger,” says Stephanie. “Some causes may very well be an allergic response to a product, and even washing your hair too typically with a poorly formulated harsh shampoo,” she provides.
Attempt gently exfoliation
As with dry pores and skin elsewhere in your physique, a mix of light exfoliation and hydration will help. “Attempt a every day re-hydrating scalp toner containing substances resembling sodium salicylate – an anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant energetic that helps to appease the scalp,” says Anabel, resembling Philip Kingsley’s Stimulating Every day Scalp Toner (£19.10).
Search out soothing substances
“Some methods to deal with a dry scalp are through the use of one thing soothing like aloe vera gel straight on the scalp [try Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Gel, £6.49] or a hydrosol like rosewater [try Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin mist, £7.99],” says Stephanie
Use a nourishing oil
“A scorching oil therapy, resembling coconut oil and jojoba oil, simply earlier than you’ll wash your hair might go a good distance as effectively to assist rebalance the scalp,” Stephanie says.
Apply a scalp masks
“Twice weekly, apply a moisturising scalp masks containing substances resembling aloe vera, and delicate exfoliants, resembling betaine salicylate,” Anabel says.
Drink loads of water
One other tip? “hydrate from inside i.e. drink sufficient water,” says Anabel.
