Does Dandruff Mean Dry Or Oily Scalp?

What causes dandruff? Dandruff occurs when dead skin cells build up on the surface of your scalp and form clusters of large visible flakes. They can then break away from your skin and typically settle on your shoulders. This chronic condition is regarded as a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis that may come and go.

Dandruff can be linked to a variety of factors including a naturally occurring fungus on the surface of your scalp resulting in a tight and itchy sensation which can often become red in patches. When dandruff progresses it can result in heavier flakes as skin cells multiply more quickly causing persistent itching and possible inflammation.

Does dandruff mean dry or oily scalp? Get more information here…

Dry scalp symptoms and causes

The common symptoms of a dry scalp are an itchy scalp with dry hair and small white flakes which are simply the result of extreme dryness. The causes of a dry scalp can be due to the climate or exposure to intense sunlight. Other possibilities are irritation from haircare products or washing your hair excessively.

A dry scalp works in just the same way as dry skin. When it doesn’t produce or retain enough moisture this can cause itching, irritation, and flaking. If you shampoo too regularly you can actually wash out the hydration from your scalp, particularly if the hair care products you’re using aren’t suitable for your hair type.

The main difference between a dry scalp and dandruff is that dandruff is an actual medical condition caused by fungus increasing on your scalp’s surface. A dry scalp is often simply a hydration issue.

Oily scalp symptoms and causes

Oily scalps experience an overproduction of sebum resulting in your hair looking and feeling greasy even just a day after washing. The four main tell-tale signs are the need to scratch consistently, flat and shiny hair, oily fingers after you’ve touched your hair, and oil stains left on whatever you rest your head on.

An itchy oily scalp can be caused by genetics meaning that you were born with hyperactive sebaceous glands. Or hot and humid weather which causes these glands to produce excessive oil. Alternatively, the inflammatory skin disease seborrheic dermatitis can also lead to over-productive glands.

Greasy hair causes can be put down to using the wrong shampoo and if you continue to do so the scalp remains oily. Choose a shampoo with a pH level above 5.5 to balance your scalp to the natural level.

Preventing dandruff

Prevention can be achieved by following these simple guidelines:

Use a medicated shampoo: shampoos that contain selenium sulphide will work to decrease oil and fungus when used twice weekly.

Add tea tree oil to your regular hair care routine: tea tree oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial product that rebalances your scalp.

Take Vitamin D supplements: vitamin D helps slow the rate of skin cell growth which is a predominant factor of dandruff.

Meditate and exercise: excessive flaking can be triggered by high-stress levels so the calmer you are can reduce the likelihood of a dandruff flair up.

Cochrane in London

Not only is Cochrane & Co the finest hair replacement salon in London, but stylists also provide expertise in hair care and treatments. All you need to do is book a consultation and your scalp issues will soon be a thing of the past.