Dandruff is dandruff? Not true!

Dandruff is generally the result of a natural bodily process in which the skin continuously renews itself and sheds old skin cells. Dandruff only becomes bothersome for those affected when an excessive amount of flakes are produced, forming large, visible scales. However, this can have various causes – which is why not all dandruff is the same.

In this blog post, we explain the differences between oily and dry dandruff, and what role chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis, as well as fungal infections, can play.

What is dandruff?

In short: Dandruff is an accumulation of dead skin cells. It results from an accelerated renewal process of the skin cells on the scalp and appears as white, dry or yellowish, oily skin flakes.

How to distinguish oily dandruff from dry scalp and chronic inflammatory skin conditions?

1. Oily dandruff on the scalp

Oily dandruff is primarily caused by excessive sebum production, often in conjunction with a yeast fungus called Malassezia. These flakes are generally larger and stickier than dry dandruff.

Symptoms of oily scalp

• Yellowish, oily flakes
• Oily scalp
• Sometimes itching

2. Dry, flaky scalp

Dry, flaky scalp occurs particularly when the skin on the head does not produce enough moisture or loses too much moisture. This can be caused primarily by environmental factors, frequent hair washing, dry heating air in winter, or the use of aggressive hair products.

Symptoms of dry scalp

• Small, white, dry flakes
• Dandruff that easily falls from the hair
• Usually itching

3. Dandruff with neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can also affect the scalp. It is characterized by dry, flaky, and itchy skin, including on the head. Often, aggressive care products with fragrances are not tolerated and worsen the flaking.

Symptoms of neurodermatitis on the scalp

• Dry, rough skin and flaking
• Severely itchy skin areas
• Redness and inflammation

4. Psoriasis on the head

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to an overproduction of skin cells. Here too, the symptoms can appear on the scalp in the form of dandruff. However, unlike other types of dandruff, these are difficult to remove from the scalp, and the skin beneath the flakes is severely reddened.

Symptoms of psoriasis on the head

• Thick, adherent flakes, so-called plaques
• Silvery-shiny flakes
• Severe itching

What helps with oily dandruff?

• Anti-dandruff shampoos: Shampoos with active ingredients such as piroctone olamine or antifungals like ketoconazole can help reduce dandruff.
• Healthy diet and stress reduction: These factors can also positively influence the well-being of the scalp.
• Regular hair care: Keep the scalp clean and avoid additional styling products.

What helps with dry, flaky scalp?

• Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners: Use primarily shampoos with natural surfactants and moisturizing ingredients.
• Mild hair products: In contrast, avoid aggressive shampoos with strong fragrances and products containing alcohol.
• Reduce hair washing: Reduce hair washing to 2-3 times a week to preserve the scalp's natural oils and prevent further dehydration.
• Avoid blow-drying: Avoid frequent and especially hot blow-drying or straightening of the hair.

If your dandruff is due to neurodermatitis or psoriasis, we recommend choosing a particularly mild shampoo or wash gel in addition to the tips for dry scalp mentioned above, which is specially tailored to the needs of sensitive scalps. These products are generally free of silicones and preservatives and also free of fragrances that could additionally irritate the scalp.

⇢ Read here how to recognize typical symptoms of neurodermatitis and how it differs from psoriasis.

Should you moisturize a dry scalp?

Sounds absurd, but yes! Moisturizing lotions or oils can be applied in small amounts to the scalp to reduce dryness.

For example, a natural almond oil is a real nutrient booster and provides moisture to the skin and hairline. Olive oil or coconut oil also have a similar positive effect. You should gently massage a few drops of the oil into the scalp and leave it on for at least 20 minutes.

A scalp mask also works wonders as a real home remedy for dry scalp and dandruff. For this, you can use a very moisturizing cream and leave it on overnight.

Dandruff during pregnancy – good to know!

If dandruff occurs during pregnancy, it is usually due to hormonal changes that the body undergoes during this time. Here too, we recommend our tips for dry dandruff: mild hair care products, natural surfactants, and reduced hair washing.

The same applies to dandruff problems during puberty and menopause, where hormonal changes also play a significant role.