The oiliness skilled when you have got dandruff is attributable to an overgrowth of yeast. “Yeasts naturally reside in your scalp, and normally don’t trigger any issues. Nevertheless, itching and flaking can happen when an overgrowth of yeast causes your scalp’s microbiome to change into imbalanced. Nevertheless, some individuals are merely delicate to regular ranges of those yeasts on their scalp,” says Anabel.

“It’s troublesome to distinguish between dandruff and dry scalps, nevertheless, one of the best ways to do that is to suppose what could have prompted this dryness to the scalp,” says Stephanie. “Is it an allergic response to one thing you have got used, or have you ever been utilizing merchandise which can be drying out your hair and scalp not too long ago? In the event 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 probably you’re affected by dandruff. If you’re 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 completely different to dandruff?

A flaky scalp could be a symptom of dandruff, however it’s additionally a symptom of dry scalps, though they’re attributable to completely 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 will also be attributable to different scalp situations, comparable to tinea capitis (a extremely infectious fungal an infection of the scalp, additionally referred to as scalp ringworm), allergic contact dermatitis (a response to merchandise used on the scalp, comparable to hair dye, hairspray, hair gel or mousse), or psoriasis (a pores and skin situation that causes crimson or silvery scales which can be 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 comparable to seborrhoeic dermatitis may cause low-grade irritation and shedding, which in flip causes itchiness,” says Stephanie.

How do I do away with a dry scalp?

Establish the trigger

“To take care of a dry scalp you have 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 might 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 mixture of mild exfoliation and hydration can assist. “Attempt a every day re-hydrating scalp toner containing substances comparable to sodium salicylate – an anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant lively that helps to assuage the scalp,” says Anabel, comparable to Philip Kingsley’s Stimulating Every day Scalp Toner (£19.10).

Wash hair with an anti-dandruff shampoo

It looks like an apparent one however: “wash hair with a great anti-dandruff shampoo or medicated shampoo if suggested by your physician,” says Mark.

Search out soothing substances

“Some methods to deal with a dry scalp are by utilizing 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

Search our purifying substances

“Use purifying substances comparable to tea tree oil – they cleanse and management yeast ranges, which in flip combats scalp points,” says Mark.

Use a nourishing oil

“A sizzling oil therapy, comparable to coconut oil and jojoba oil, simply earlier than you’ll wash your hair might go a good distance as nicely to assist rebalance the scalp,” Stephanie says.

Apply a scalp masks

“Twice weekly, apply a moisturising scalp masks containing substances comparable to aloe vera, and gentle exfoliants, comparable to betaine salicylate,” Anabel says.

Drink loads of water

One other tip? “hydrate from inside i.e. drink sufficient water,” says Anabel. “Hydration is crucial for the physique and can assist cut back scalp flaking,” agrees Mark.

Tweak your eating regimen

What we put in our our bodies truly could make a distinction to what’s taking place on our our bodies. “Minimize down on alcohol, sugar, and processed meals – these improve yeast manufacturing,” says Mark (which as we all know from above, can set off itching).