What Dermatologists Want You to Know About Dandruff Vs. Dry Scalp (2024)

It can be hard to determine the cause of dry, flaky skin—especially on your head. When it comes to flakes falling from your hair, knowing the differences between dandruff vs. dry scalp makes a big difference in clearing up the issue.

“People can commonly mix up dandruff and dry scalp due to their appearance, but they have slight differences and are caused by different factors,” says Noah Gratch, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.

Meet the experts: Noah Gratch, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology; Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Director Skin of Color Division at University of Miami; and Caroline N. Opene, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of UCLA Health Skin of Color Clinic

While both conditions often present similarly, treatment differs and must be determined by the root cause. While dry scalp is often a symptom of external factors like harsh cleansers and shampoos or internal factors like eczema, dandruff is different, says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Director Skin of Color Division at the University of Miami. Dandruff is a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, “an inflammatory skin condition that can cause itching, burning, scaling, and flakes and scales on the scalp,” she explains.

Below, dermatologists explain the key differences between dandruff and dry scalp, how to tell the difference, and the best ways to treat and prevent each condition.

While trying to determine whether you are dealing with dandruff or a dry scalp, the best place to start is by looking at the appearance of your scalp and considering your symptoms.

First, experts urge seeing if you are experiencing flaking only on your scalp or if it’s happening elsewhere too. “Dandruff can also affect the eyebrows, areas around the nostrils, ears, and beard area,” says Caroline N. Opene, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of UCLA Health Skin of Color Clinic. “So these are good clues that you may have seborrheic dermatitis.”

Next, consider what your scalp looks and feels like. If the flakes appear yellow, oily, or large in size, you likely have dandruff, says Dr. Gratch. However, if the flakes are small and white or if you have dryness on other parts of your body, you are likely dealing with a dry scalp.

Inflammation of the scalp and itching are also telltale symptoms of dandruff, adds Dr. Woolery-Lloyd, who notes that dandruff and associated symptoms may get worse with stress. “Dry scalp may feel tight and dry but is not likely to have the symptoms listed above,” she explains.

Causes

“Dandruff is caused by an exaggerated inflammatory response to a common yeast (Malassezia) that grows on most people’s skin,” says Dr. Opene. This response can be exacerbated by excess oil production which may be caused by hormones, stress, or poor diet, adds Dr. Gratch.

Symptoms

The visible symptoms of dandruff include flakes and scales on the scalp, says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. These flakes are often yellow or white and the scalp may have some redness, adds Dr. Opene, who notes that it may or may not be itchy.

Causes

A dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture and may be due to dry weather conditions, washing hair too frequently, product buildup, or using harsh shampoos or other hair products, explains Dr. Gratch. While Dr. Opene notes that most people with dry scalp usually have undiagnosed dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) dryness of the scalp may also be due to undiagnosed atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema).

Symptoms

Dr. Gratch says that the most common symptoms of dry scalp include dry hair, itchiness on the scalp, and small white flakes on the scalp (as opposed to larger flakes or flakes that are more yellow in color which are associated with dandruff).

Dandruff

Experts agree that frequent washing of hair (about every other day) is an excellent way to manage dandruff (as opposed to a dry scalp, where frequent washing may exacerbate your symptoms). This helps prevent excess oil buildup. Over-the-counter and prescription antifungal dandruff shampoos are especially helpful, says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. Try looking for ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid. (Consider: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo; Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo; Vanicream Dandruff Shampoo).

Hair type can influence treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis, says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “For people with textured coily/curly hair, many of the over-the-counter and prescription shampoos can be very drying to the hair,” she says. In cases where frequent washing and dandruff shampoos are unsuitable, “we rely less on shampooing and may reach for topical anti-inflammatory medications to manage dandruff,” says Dr. Opene. Your doctor can help you determine the right course of treatment for you.

Dry scalp

“Some simple ways to treat dry scalp are staying hydrated, washing your hair less frequently, avoiding heat, and avoiding products with parabens, dyes, and fragrances,” says Dr. Gratch.

Once you rule out eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, Dr. Opene suggests treating and preventing a dry scalp with moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. “You can also add a scalp treatment after washing to lock in moisture,” she says.

Experts suggest scheduling a visit with your dermatologist if you struggle to manage your scalp concerns with regular shampooing or over-the-counter treatments.

“Also if you’re really on the fence about which diagnosis you carry” it can be helpful to have your doctor take a look at your scalp, give you a diagnosis, and come up with a treatment plan that works for you, says Dr. Opene.

You should also consult a doctor if you start to lose hair or have intense itching, burning, or sores, adds Dr. Gratch