The Difference Between Dandruff And A Flaky Scalp

Noticing flaky, dry patches on your scalp is never fun - especially when it’s accompanied by itching that leads to white flakes on your clothing.

Aside from how it can look, itchiness, dryness, or flaking can cause worry as it indicates something about our scalp health that needs addressing.

Many people jump to the conclusion that these symptoms are all related to one scalp condition, but there are actually two concerns here that might need to be addressed:

1. Dandruff
2. Flaky scalp

Before you reach for off-the-shelf remedies, it’s worth looking into the symptoms of each so you can then choose the best products to help resolve your specific scalp needs.

What is a flaky scalp?

While dandruff and a flaky scalp have similar symptoms, they are two different conditions.

When you have a flaky scalp, the skin on your scalp may not be getting enough moisture, causing it to become dry. When this happens, the skin can become irritated, causing it to flake off.

If you have dry skin in other areas of your body and you’re noticing dry, itchy skin on your scalp, too, it’s likely that you have a flaky scalp rather than dandruff.

What causes a flaky scalp?

A flaky scalp is typically caused by your skin being unable to get or retain enough moisture, causing it to dry out.

There are a few other factors that can also trigger a flaky scalp, including:

- Cold, dry air - for example, you may find you get a flaky scalp more during cold winter months.
- Using harsh products that strip hair of natural moisture and oils.
- Allergic reactions to specific products, such as hair dyes or styling products.
- Natural ageing of the skin.

What is dandruff?

Where flaky scalp is caused by a lack of moisture, with dandruff, it’s almost the opposite.

Too much oil on your scalp, along with excessive growth of a skin yeast called Malassezia (both of which are naturally produced by the skin), will result in a build of skin cells.

These skin cells then need to shed, creating the flakes we see with dandruff.

What causes dandruff?

One of the known leading causes of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis. This condition causes the skin on your scalp to become oily, red and scaly - these scaly parts then shed, causing the flakes we call dandruff.

Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in any area of the body where we have oil glands, including eyebrows, the groin, ears, side of the nose, and armpits.

As mentioned, an overproduction of a skin yeast called Malassezia can also cause dandruff and is most commonly found on the scalp. This yeast can cause skin cells to multiply quicker than normal, resulting in increased flakes of skin that need to be shed.

Some factors associated with Malassezia include:

- Stress and hormonal imbalances.
- Natural ageing.
- Some nutritional deficiencies.

What are the differences in symptoms?

If you want to determine which you might have, one of the key ways to tell is to look at the size and appearance of the flakes your scalp is shedding.

Dandruff flakes tend to be:

- Bigger in appearance.
- Oily and may clump together.
- White or yellowish in colour.
- Surface of the scalp will typically be red and oily.

Flaky scalp tends to appear as:

- Smaller, dryer flakes of skin.
- Scalp will be itchy but not oily.
- Likely to have dry patches of skin in other areas of the body.

If you are ever concerned or confused about which condition you might have, it may be worth chatting with your local GP, who can offer further advice.

How to treat a flaky scalp

The good news is there is an excellent range of products available to treat both dandruff and a flaky scalp.

We highly recommend the Philip Kingsley Haircare range:

1. Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo

The perfect gentle, mild cleanser for irritated scalps, this effective formula promises to relieve itching and provide long-lasting comfort to combat a dry, flaky scalp.

Soothing, refreshing, and apple-scented the Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo also eliminates flakes and buildup, leaving you with shiny, manageable hair all day long.

Benefits include:

- Anti-microbial Piroctone Olamine relieves your scalp while clearing it of stubborn flakes and skin cell build-up.
- Gentle, simple, effective formula soothes dryness and irritation.
- Restores the scalp's microflora balance without stripping or drying hair.

2. Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Conditioner

A new addition to the Philip Kingsley range, the conditioner is the perfect companion to the Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

Providing a sumptuous dose of super-lightweight moisture without weighing hair down or leaving any unwanted residue. This conditioner is designed to give hair a healthy boost.

Benefits include:

- Concentrated hydration that’s lightweight and balanced, perfect for oily scalps.
- Provides intense nourishment for shiny, healthy hair.
- Perfect for all hair types, offering balance for oil scalps and dry ends.

3. Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner

The perfect addition to your anti-dandruff or flaky scalp hair care regimen, the Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner tackles symptoms AND causes of dandruff, flakes and itchiness, bringing you optimal relief.

Its soothing formula offers a hit of relief for irritated, itchy scalps using a refreshing mix of anti-microbial, vegan ingredients to help you bring optimal health back to your scalp. Piroctone Olamine fights fungus and bacteria, while Camphor cools and soothes your scalp. Benzalkonium Chloride is also added to provide long-lasting relief from itchiness.

Benefits include:

- Complete 360 scalp care formula with a focus on anti-microbial ingredients.
- Refreshes and comforts the scalp for immediate, long-lasting relief.
- Brings microflora balance to your scalp to help prevent the condition from worsening or a repeat outbreak with continued use.

4. Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Mask

Created as the ultimate luxury treatment for itchy, flaking scalps, the Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Mask offers instant relief and comfort as it works deeply to treat the scalp.

Formulated with exfoliating salicylic acid, anti-fungal piroctone olamine and antioxidant-rich green tea extract, this intensive mask works to calm irritated skin while tackling the root cause of dandruff and dry, flaking scalps at bay.

Benefits include:

- Deep, intensive treatment that offers a blast of scalp relief and comfort.
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Two 20ml treatments are ideal for one full application each.

5. Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Dry Shampoo

Working to absorb excess oil and sebum, the Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Dry Shampoo provides relief between washes and hair treatments so you can feel confident in your hair care without worrying about excessive flakes.

Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients provide a cool hit of relief while offering optimum hair care. Menthyl Lactate acts as a cooling agent, offering mild relief from itchiness and irritation. Bisabolol, derived from Chamomile, soothes and calms. Zinc PCA helps reduce bacteria and prevent further scalp build-up that can lead to flakiness.

Benefits include:

- Barely-there formula that targets dandruff and won’t irritate the scalp.
- Aloe vera ingredients provide instant cooling and soothe itchiness.
- Gentle and mild, suitable for regular use.

Get on top of your scalp health today.

If you haven’t already, take a look at the recommended products and see how you can get back to a healthy, itch and flake-free scalp.

All products mentioned, plus a range of other great haircare staples, are available to purchase at Oz Hair and Beauty today.