It is very easy to confuse dandruff with a dry scalp because they are flaky and are found in the scalp area. Dandruff flakes are caused by excess oil in the scalp. When there is excess oil on the scalp, yeast forms on the scalp.

This yeast feeds on the oil and keeps growing, and thus, dandruff is formed. In dry scalp condition, when yeast feeds on the oil that is produced by the scalp, the scalp dries up. This causes the skin of the scalp to clamp and flake off. For this reason, people assume dandruff and dry scalp to be same.

How to Identify Dandruff from Dry Scalp

If your scalp seems yellowish white in colour, it is dandruff. Dandruff has larger and off-whitish flakes while dry scalp has flakes which are white and smaller. Dandruff Flakes are more difficult to remove from your scalp.

An easy way to identify dandruff from the dry scalp is to scratch your scalp and smell your fingers. If there is a certain smell, then that is the smell of dandruff.

Treatment for Dandruff

• Vinegar- Every time you wash your hair, mix two drops of vinegar with water. Not only will it remove dandruff, but also make your hair shinier.
• Keep Your Hair Clean- Wash your hair at least twice a week with anti-dandruff shampoo. However, do not overdo it as it may lead to hair damage and friskiness.
• Lemon and Coconut Oil- A perfect remedy from grandma’s kitchen, the anti-bacterial properties of lemon are a sure treatment for dandruff. Just mix a few drops of lemon juice with coconut oil and let it seep through your hair. You will notice a visible reduction in dandruff in just one wash.

Treatment for Dry Scalp

The causes of the dry scalp are not as complicated as dandruff, and hence, the treatment is not as complicated either. Here are a few simple tips you can follow:

• Let Your Scalp Breathe – To improve your dry scalp condition, you have to give your scalp a chance to breathe. Avoid using hair products that clog your pores. Leave-in conditioners, oils, etc. may have their advantages, but they don’t give your scalp a chance to breathe. It is better to stay away from them at least until the time your condition improves.
• Use the right hair products – Using hair products according to your hair type is very important. Use hair products that give your hair the chance to adjust to the temperature of your surroundings. Use a moisturising hair shampoo, Avoid using dry shampoos as they tend to escalate the dry scalp condition.
• Avoid scratching your scalp – Dry scalp causes a lot of itching, but you may want to resist the temptation of scratching. Scratching causes your scalp to flake. This not only shows on your clothes but also cause wounds on the scalp. These wounds will take a while to heal and worsen your dry scalp condition.
• Drink Water-Always keep your body and scalp hydrated. Drinking water will help the blood circulation in your scalp, improving your scalp health.

LSI: Dandruff, Dry Scalp, Treatment for Dandruff, treatment for dry scalp