Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp

Our skin is constantly regenerating and regularly sheds flakes of skin. About every 4 weeks, the skin renews itself. As long as the amount of dead dandruff is kept within limits, this isn't noticeable.

If your skin sheds old cells too quickly or if they are clumped together with skin fat, this is called dandruff. Larger flakes are formed, becoming visible as snow on your shoulders.

The difference between a dry scalp & dandruff

So what exactly is the difference between a dry scalp & dandruff and how do you find the right product to help?

If the dandruff is very fine and can be easily wiped off your clothes, your scalp is most likely prone to dryness. Sometimes this also makes the skin itchy, which of course can be extremely uncomfortable.

Reasons for dry scalp:

  • Heating
  • Air conditioning
  • Frequent hair washing
  • Wrong skin care products
  • Overly degreasing shampoos

Solutions for dry dandruff:

Be careful: using anti-dandruff shampoo can dry the skin out - if you have a dry scalp this could aggravate the problem!

The difference to oily dandruff:

Oily dandruff tends to occur when you are prone to an oily scalp, which sometimes coincides with increased sebum production on the face, i.e. oily facial skin.

If the skin sheds old cells too quickly and these clump together with the skin's own sebum, flakes are formed that get stuck in your hair or land on your shoulders. These are usually stickier and harder to knock off clothes due to the higher fat content.

Reasons for an oily scalp:

  • Increased skin sebum production
  • Puberty
  • Diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or a fungal infection
  • A yeast fungus native to the skin that spreads under favourable conditions, causing the skin to flake even more

The solution to oily dandruff

Most anti-dandruff shampoos counteract excessive sebum production and degrease the scalp. They should also contain antibacterial and antifungal ingredients. If you have a lot of sticky dandruff, use the shampoo for at least 3 weeks to see an improvement.

The all-rounder: organic anti-dandruff shampoo by Hands on Veggies

Our herbal Organic Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with Fennel & Mint contains no sulfates. It gently cleanses your hair with mild sugar surfactants and has a balancing effect - on both dry and oily scalps:

  • It provides the skin with moisture and stimulates regeneration.
  • Prebiotic ingredients strengthen the microbiome of the scalp and keep it healthy.
  • Rosemary extract promotes healing and protects the scalp.
  • Fennel extract counteracts dandruff and strengthens the hair.
  • Colloidal oats soothe irritated scalps and relieve itching.

Do men really have dandruff more often than women - and why is that?

Many men wash their hair every time they shower, which is too often. Some also just use shower gel, which is also not ideal. Both cause the scalp to dry out.

Because men's skin tends to produce more sebum than women's skin, they are also more prone to oily scalps and to greasy dandruff.

DIY SOS scalp cures using home remedies

  1. Balancing acid rinse with apple cider vinegar:
    Cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy for dandruff, an itchy scalp, or greasy hair: simply mix cider vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:2 directly in a bottle or bowl. Wash your hair with shampoo as normal and then rinse it with the vinegar mixture, as you would with a regular conditioner. Wrap a towel around your hair and leave the mixture on for about 30 minutes. Then rinse without shampoo!
  2. Olive oil as an overnight soothing scalp mask:
    This is good for both dry scalps and dandruff: Olive oil gives the scalp back the moisture that can be removed by aggressive shampoos and care products. Simply massage a few drops of olive oil into the scalp, leave it overnight, and wash your hair with a mild shampoo the next day. Use a towel or a thin hat to protect your pillow from the oil.
  3. Coconut oil against oily dandruff:
    Coconut oil is a quick remedy if you have an oily scalp with dandruff. It nourishes the skin and inhibits fungal and bacterial growth. Just melt a tablespoon of coconut oil between your hands, massage it into the scalp, and leave it to act. A relaxing head massage is also the perfect end to a long day! Afterwards, you can wash your hair with a mild shampoo as usual.

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