Dandruff is usually associated with a dry scalp. However, dandruff can affect all hair types. The most common types of dandruff are dry dandruff and oily dandruff. Let's have a look at the differences.
Dry Dandruff
This type of dandruff is caused by a dry scalp and produces small, white flakes that fall through the hair easily when you touch the scalp. These scaly flakes result from a dry scalp and can sometimes cause irritation and itchiness. The best treatments for dry dandruff are products that fight dandruff while also moisturizing the scalp.
Oily Dandruff
This type of dandruff looks very different to dry dandruff and is usually found in people with oily hair or scalp. The flakes are often much larger and can stick together due to the excess oil in the hair and on the scalp. To treat oily dandruff, you will need anti-dandruff products that have purifying properties to deeply cleanse the scalp and control excess oils.
How to Treat Dandruff
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy, balanced diet is the first step to hair and scalp health. Ensure your diet has the required vitamins and nutrients to avoid making your dandruff worse. Zinc and B vitamins are particularly good for the scalp. You can also incorporate a supplement with these essential vitamins and minerals into your diet.
Don't Overdo it With Styling Products
If you have oily dandruff, try limiting the number of styling products you use. Using too much product can build up in the hair, making it look oily and accentuating your dandruff. Use a clarifying shampoo from time to time to remove the buildup of excess hair product.
Use the Correct Products
Whether you have dry or oily dandruff, using targeted anti-dandruff products for your hair type is crucial. Using the wrong products could worsen your dandruff and cause further irritation to the scalp.
Dandruff Myths
There are plenty of myths out there about dandruff. Let's take a look at some of the dandruff facts vs fiction!
Myth #1 - Dandruff can be treated with vinegar
Unfortunately, no evidence supports the claim that using vinegar on your scalp will treat dandruff.
Myth #2 - Having dandruff means your hair isn't clean
Dandruff can happen to anyone and does not mean that your hair is not clean. In fact, people who wash their hair thoroughly every day could still be at risk of dandruff.
Myth #3 - Dandruff Leads to Hair Loss
Although there are some links between hair loss and dandruff, research suggests that dandruff is not the direct cause. Some research indicates that excessive scratching of the itchiness caused by dandruff could be a trigger for hair loss.
Myth #4 - You don't need to exfoliate Your Scalp
Exfoliating your scalp once in a while can be beneficial to helping to control dandruff, especially if you also have a buildup of excess product in your hair and on your scalp.Vichy Sv0270 Dercos Anti Dandruff Shampoo Oily 200MlVichy's Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Oily Hair is formulated with advanced technology that balances the scalp's microbial flora to keep the scalp healthy and minimize dandruff flakes. It also helps to control excess oil production, often leading to dandruff flakes sticking together. The light formula thoroughly cleanses the hair without weighing it down. You'll see a reduction in dandruff scales and scalp irritation from the very first wash!Perfect for: Oily dandruffKey Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Citric AcidAveda Scalp Remedy Dandruff SolutionAveda's Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution is a leave-in treatment for daily use that reduces dandruff flakes, refreshes the scalp, and controls itching. The formula contains a perfectly-balanced blend of Salicylic Acid and Sugar Beet Extract to help prevent further dandruff outbreaks.Perfect for: All types of dandruff with itchiness and irritationKey Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Sugar Beet Extract, Oregano Leaf Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sage Leaf ExtractMaria Nila Head Hair Heal ShampooThis anti-inflammatory healing shampoo from Maria Nila is the perfect solution to get you on your way to a clear, healthy scalp! The powerful formula is full of ingredients that treat dandruff and scalp irritation. The soothing Aloe Vera Extract helps to reduce the itchiness that often comes with dandruff. The shampoo also contains Peptides to stimulate your hair follicles which helps to restructure the hair and improve growth. If you have coloured hair, this shampoo also contains a patented Colour Guard Complex, which maintains your hair colour by protecting your hair from UV rays.Perfect for: All types of dandruffKey Ingredients: Aloe Vera Extract, Peptides, Colour Guard Complex, Clover Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Lactic AcidWella Professionals Invigo Balance Clean Scalp ShampooYou can always rely on Wella Professional to deliver incredible results! This Clean Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains Zinc to fight dandruff and restore your scalp's natural, healthy balance. The soothing shampoo removes visible dandruff flakes and has a cooling effect that leaves the scalp feeling clean and revigorated.Perfect for: All types of dandruffKey Ingredients: Zinc, Magnesium, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Grape Fruit ExtractPhilip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner 250MlPhilip Kingsley's Flaky/Itchy Anti-Dandruff Scalp Toner is a soothing, calming solution if you have itchy dandruff. You'll feel immediate results with irritation on the scalp as well as long-term results for the treatment of dandruff. The exfoliating formula clears dandruff flakes and removes dead skin cell buildup. The toner also contains specialized ingredients to restore the scalp's microflora balance to prevent future dandruff breakouts. Perfect for: All types of dandruff with itchiness and irritationKey Ingredients: Benzalkonium Chloride, Camphor