Scalp health plays an important role in achieving strong, healthy hair, so it's normal to be concerned if you're experiencing dryness, flakes, or inflammation. Even though dandruff is often used as a catch-all term to describe a flaky or itchy scalp, dandruff is a specific scalp condition that's distinct from a standard dry scalp.

While seasonal shifts, changes in your hair routine, and other factors can cause a little extra skin shedding, if you're noticing excessive flakes, it's time to do something about it. No one wants to cancel plans or feel insecure over an itchy scalp! Here's what to know about the difference between dandruff and dry scalp, as well as a few tips for figuring out those flakes.

What Causes Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp?

Even though these two scalp concerns have similar symptoms, they often have different causes. Here's what to know.

Dandruff

There are a few potential causes of dandruff, but you can usually blame excess oil production and an overgrowth of malassezia (a yeast-like fungus that naturally grows on our scalps in moderate amounts).

• What to Look For: Larger, oily flakes that may have a yellowish tint and redness or inflammation.

• Pro Tip: Beginning your loc journey, experimenting with new protective styles, and other changes to your hair routine can temporarily contribute to dandruff. Luckily, a sprayable rosewater for locs can help since this key ingredient is a mild astringent with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Dry scalp

Dry scalp can contribute to dandruff, but this issue can also happen on its own. A dry scalp is a sign that hair follicles are not producing enough oil or that something (like heat styling or harsh products like relaxers) is stripping the scalp of natural oils. Both lifestyle and surroundings, like overwashing or dry weather, can contribute to scalp dryness.

• What to Look For: Smaller, drier flakes with a whiter color. Patches of dry skin on other areas of your body.

• Pro Tip: Products like a leave in conditioning milk can infuse your strands with moisture, but you should also include a nourishing scalp oil that can add a lightweight boost of hydration to your routine.

How to Get Rid of Flakes

Once you've figured out which kind of flakes you have, it's much easier to deal with them. Trying to treat a dry scalp with dandruff shampoo can actually make it worse, so understanding the cause of your scalp troubles is an important first step.

Here are three ways to say bye to flakiness:

• Use tailored products: High-performance products with nourishing ingredients can balance your scalp's pH level and oil production.

• Go for low-tension styles: Since tight styles can strain your hair follicles and disrupt your scalp's natural balance, be sure to regularly give your scalp room to breathe with low-tension styles.

• Stay consistent with your care and maintenance routine: Constantly switching products and routines can mess with your scalp, so once you've found a system that works for you, stick with it.

With the right knowledge and products, you can say hello to a flake-free scalp.

About Jaycee Naturals®

However you wear your hair, you deserve care and maintenance products that honor your natural beauty and support the health of your strands. Jaycee Naturals®, a Black- and women-owned haircare brand, offers a lineup of products carefully tailored to textured hair types. Whether you're searching for a hydrating rosewater for locs spray infused with silk amino acids or a moisturizer cream for hair styling, this innovative brand has you covered. By addressing the challenging sides of natural hair care while celebrating the innate beauty of textured tresses, Jaycee Naturals® can help turn your hair care routine into an opportunity for self-care. By drawing from personal experiences and expert insight, the founders of Jaycee Naturals® merge health and beauty to create effective products that deliver luxurious experiences. 

Find nourishing products for textured hair at https://jayceenaturals.com/ 

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3FtbWI0