CONFUSED: Dandruff or Dry scalp

I’m sure that a lot of us have gone to the salon and after the stylist uses the comb to scrap some flakes, you inquired and was diagnosed with dandruff.

But the question is, was it dandruff?

“I said it, it’s that woman’s shop that gave me dandruff, I knew it”

"Now when I comb my hair this dandruff stains my clothes and it is embarrassing"

Feeling sorry for her, the stylist says, " I know, but when you noticed this, what did you do?"

Client: " I put cream on my scalp but it’s still not going"

Laughs in disbelief. "Maybe you are doing it wrong, let's find out what's wrong with you first.

Is it dandruff or dry scalp?

First, what's dandruff?

Dandruff are flakes that appear on the scalp when there’s an excessive production of sebum causing skin cells to grow and die fast.

It’s usually yellowish and large and common with those that have an oily scalp.

It's also said that it is caused by a yeast known as malassezia which thrives by feeding off the fatty acids found in the sebum on our scalp

Dandruff is accompanied with itchiness, redness and general uncomfortability.

As opposed to popular opinion that says oils and creams keep dandruff at bay, the reverse happens in the case of dandruff.

The oils or creams, especially heavy ones, make the dandruff worse because this fungus — malassezia feeds on it.

Dandruff is a form of scalp inflammation that if not managed on time can lead to hair loss.

What causes dandruff?

• Oily irritated scalp
• Stress
• A yeast like fungus known as malassezia
• Sensitivity to hair care products known as contact dermatitis
• Weakened immune system

How can we manage dandruff

• Using shampoos that contain antimicrobial and antifungal ingredients like salicylic acid, pyrithione zinc, ketaconazole etc.

For example mega growth anti dandruff shampoo which sells for #6000 for the set

• Control the level of stress you allow yourself to have. Stress affects your body’s ability to fight diseases.
• Your diet should include zinc, vitamin b, fatty acids, proteins and healthy whole foods.
• If you have a sensitive scalp and susceptible to contact dermatitis, curate a hair and scalp regimen that suits you.
• Tea tree oil is a great product that helps combat the itching that comes with dandruff. Tea tree oil contains antiseptic, antifungal and antibiotic ingredients that is needed to ward off dandruff.

Tea tree oil sells for #2500

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) it’s known to restore the scalps pH and reduce dead skin that appears on the scalp. Acting as an exfoliant.

What is dry scalp?

Dry scalp is a condition wherein the scalp doesn’t produce enough sebum to moisturize the scalp.

Because there is little sebum being produced, it is very easy for the scalp to get dried off or absorbed.

The flakes accompanied by dry scalp are usually white indicating low levels of moisture and smaller in size

Other characteristics of dry scalp include itching, tightness, thinning etc.

What causes dry scalp?

• Cold and dry atmosphere
• Contact dermatitis which indicates your scalp’s reaction to hairstyling products and extensions
• Advance in age
• Over shampooing
• Use of hair products containing harsh ingredients like relaxers, dye, sulphur, and alcohol.

How do we take care of dry scalp

• Use of moisturising shampoo.
• Regulate how much you wash your hair.
• Use moisturising oils like coconut oil on your scalp frequently
• It’s best to use oils as a pre poo on your scalp before washing to reduce the harshness of the shampoo on your scalp.

These oils are best used warm and it eases off the flakes on your scalp and soothes it in the long run.

• Tea tree
• Avoid using hot water, it should be warm.
• Use products that best suits your scalp and hair needs.
• If your extentions give you contact dermatitis, soak in ACV before use. If you have used it already, soak the braids in it and also use it to cleanse your scalp.

The ACV removes the alkaline that is used on hair extensions. This alkaline is what irritates the scalp because it disrupts our scalp’s pH level that is acidic.

Consequently,

We know that dandruff is caused by an oily scalp and the overgrowth of a fungus in our scalp known as malassezia.

Flakes appear when skin cells are produced rapidly and die fast.

Flakes are oily, pale yellow in color and large.

Dry skin is caused when there is less moisture on the scalp.

That is, the scalp is unable to produce enough sebum needed for moisture, leaving it dry.

Dry scalp can be irritated and itchy. Plus, it produces flakes but unlike dandruff it’s smaller and white.

Dandruff isn’t contagious and applying anyhow oil or creams like Vaseline is just going to make it worse because it will clog your scalp and it is food for malassezia.

Now I ask, do you have dandruff or dry scalp?, I want to know your thoughts.

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