Do you know what is the difference between dry scalp and dandruff? If not, you are not alone, but did you know that millions of people suffer from both dry scalp and/or dandruff every year.
In this blog post, we will explore the differences between dandruff and dry scalp, and discuss how Texas Tea Hair Products can help treat both conditions.
What are the causes of Dandruff and Dry Scalp?
Both show signs of "flaky scalp," which can make it tricky to tell the difference without a dermatologist's help.
Causes of Dandruff
Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin cells on the scalp to produce white flakes (or yellowish flakes), it may become itchy and it comes and goes depending on how to treat your scalp.
It is can be associated with seborrheic dermatitis. This is a skin condition in which the yeast lives on the skin, or by stress, cold, or overall health. If left unchecked the fungus produces mild inflammation on the scalp that produces more dead skin cells that lead to other symptoms such as flakes and itchy scalp.
Causes of Dry Scalp
On the other hand, dry skin happens when the hair or scalp loses too much water and is related to having dry skin in other places as well. Some hair care products can dry and irritate the scalp by stripping the natural oils from your skin such as harsh shampoos or drying hair products.
Cold weather can also lead to dry scalp because there is not much humidity in the atmosphere, which results in dry air, dry hair, and a flaking scalp!
4 Key Points Between Dandruff and Dry Scalp
Underlying Cause
-
Dandruff is caused by a skin fungus that grows on the scalp.
-
Dry scalp is caused by a lack of oil and moisture in the scalp.
Common Treatments
-
Dandruff can be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal dandruff shampoo.
-
Dry scalp can be treated with a moisturizing shampoo and moisturizing conditioner.
How Common Are They
-
Dandruff is more common in men than women.
-
Dry scalp is more common in women than men.
Known Home Remedies
-
Dandruff can also be treated with home remedies like apple cider vinegar or olive oil.
-
Dry scalp can be prevented by using a humidifier in your home.
5 Best Shampoos You Can Use for Dandruff and Dry Scalp
The easiest solution to getting rid of those pesky flakes is to choose the correct shampoo. You want to use any of the following to kill the fungus on your scalp:
1) Coal Tar
Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo inhibits cell growth and skin cell shedding on the scalp. This shampoo might alter the color of your strands so please be advised.
2) Pyrithione zinc
Head and Shoulders, Jason Dandruff Relief 2 in 1 is known as one of those antifungal drugstore shampoos that are gentle to be able to use every day.
3) Ketoconazole
4) Selenium Sulfide
Selsun Blue shampoo inhibits fungus and prevents the loss of too many skin cells. Before applying a shampoo containing selenium sulfide, ask your doctor if it's safe for color-treated or gray hair because it can alter the color of your strands.
5) Salicylic acid
Neutrogena T/Sal shampoo eliminates extra scale from your scalp before it can flake. It should be noted that salicylic acid has the potential to dry out the skin and produce more flaking in some individuals and this is why we recommend it last.
Chart: Differences Between Dandruff and Dry Scalp
For a quick comparison of the main symptoms, refer to the following:
Should You Use Home Remedies to Treat Dandruff or Dry Scalp?
Dandruff
When it comes to treating dandruff, people often recommend using apple cider vinegar, CBD products, and witch hazel to treat various medical issues. However, there is not enough evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of any of these remedies for treating seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff.
It is recommended to use anti-dandruff shampoo, but you may want to contact a board-certified dermatologist for the best dandruff shampoos to use because using the wrong shampoo could lead to contact dermatitis.
Dry Scalp
To combat dry and itchy scalp, you may also want to look into your shampoo routine to avoid excessive washing, as this leads to scalp dryness by removing the natural oils your scalp needs. It should be noted that dry scalp can be caused by using dry shampoo that strips your hair too much.
We recommend finding a gentle shampoo with coconut oil or jojoba oil as an active ingredient. When you are in the shower, use warm water not hot water, or wear a shower cap to protect the hair when you are not washing your hair.
Should you Scratch your Scalp if you Have Dandruff?
We know that dandruff is common and if you have it, you know that the skin cells can become itchy...very itchy. Since it is caused by a fungal infection, you may be concerned, but it is okay to scratch your scalp. You make notice dandruff flakes all over your clothes afterward, but this does not mean that you have poor hygiene.
The only word of caution is to make you notice how often your dandruff appears in between your wash days because this may mean you are not washing your hair enough or you need to ditch the regular shampoo you are using and begin using an anti-dandruff shampoo. If you stick with a normal shampoo for too long and you continually scratch your scalp all the time, you could experience hair loss or bald spots.
Why Use Texas Tea Hair Care Products for Dandruff and Dry Scalp
Millions of people suffer from dry scalp and dandruff every year, but with Texas Tea Hair Care products, you don't have to be one of them! We believe that you deserve to have healthy, flake-free hair! That's why we have developed the "Texas Tea" line of hair products that have been specifically designed to combat dry scalp and dandruff with our oil, butter, and/or buttercream formulas. Not only do they work well, but they also smell amazing!
The product that we recommend the most is our Texas Tea Hair Oil with essential oils because it can be used as a scalp treatment since it comes with a child-resistant dropper cap for proper treatment to the areas that need it the most. The oil is made to provide moisture to your scalp with the main ingredients, but the key ingredient to fight dandruff and reduce inflammation is our combination and use of essential oils (peppermint and tea tree oil) that are safe for the scalp and skin.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT AND TEA TREE OIL?
These two essential oils combined become an extremely powerful anti-microbial and anti-fungal force that eliminates bacteria, viruses, and fungi to rid the scalp of dandruff. This combo has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce any itchiness on the scalp caused by inflammation. It also seeks to boost circulation to stimulate blood flow in the scalp to promote healthy hair growth leaving your scalp with a cool and soothing sensation if used during a scalp massage. There is no need to use too much oil because a little goes a long way to combat dandruff.
WHEN YOU SHOULD SEE A DOCTOR
The majority of dandruff may be treated with over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo at home. If you've used a dandruff shampoo for at least a month but your flakes are still present, gotten worse, or your scalp skin appears red or inflamed, make an appointment with a dermatologist to get evaluated.
Your doctor will provide you with the right treatment after examining your scalp and skin to see whether you have dandruff. They can rule out diseases like eczema and psoriasis, which may cause flakes due to the skin on the scalp. Even though most dandruff shampoos work, your doctor can prescribe specific shampoos to help get rid of the cause of the flakes or other prescription-strength treatments besides a shampoo.
