It can be challenging to decipher whether your scalp suffers from dandruff or a dry scalp. This is because the symptoms of these scalp issues are similar. Both result in an itchy scalp, but dandruff possesses large yellow or white oily flakes. On the other hand, a dry scalp can be characterised by small, white dry flakes. Finally, a dry scalp can also cause dry skin on your body, while dandruff can cause red, oily and scaly skin. To make this process easier, this article will give you a breakdown of the causes of both issues and will detail how you can prevent or stop them from occurring.
Causes Of Dandruff
Your scalp produces large amounts of the fungus Malassezia to thrive so that you can grow healthier hair. However, when your sebaceous glands produce excess oil, it can also result in an overproduction of this fungus. This type of overproduction can cause dead skin cells to clump together to form large yellow or white flakes. Excess oil and fungus can occur when the immune state of your scalp is lowered by stress, an inflammatory diet and low amounts of vitamin D3.
Causes Of A Dry Scalp
Just like the occurrence of dry skin, a dry scalp can also take place when it cannot retain or absorb as much moisture naturally. In addition, excessive washing, using products with harmful ingredients and too much exposure to the sun can also lead to a dry scalp.
Dandruff: Prevention and Treatment
Adopt Wash Day Routine Created Especially For Dandruff
As dandruff is a condition, it is essential to use a shampoo that has been formulated to treat and prevent occurrences of dandruff. These types of shampoo should contain selenium sulfide, ketoconazole salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione to decrease oil, fungi and flakes. Use this shampoo on your afro curls at least twice week. Manuka honey is another ingredient that your dandruff prone hair needs as it contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to combat and prevent dandruff. So, after your anti-dandruff shampoo, use our Moisture Rich Conditioner With Manuka Honey And Avocado, as it can also restore the shine and body to your damaged hair.
Consume A Diet That Is High In Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Fried foods, red meat and refined carbohydrates are ok if consumed as part of a healthy diet. However, if your consumption of these foods outweighs eating more fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, this can cause conditions like dandruff.
To manage inflammation and restore your scalp’s natural immune state, you need to eat foods like tuna and salmon, which are high in vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids. Your diet should also include fruits like strawberries and blueberries, which can stimulate hair growth as they are rich in vitamin C. Biotin can also improve follicle growth and can be found in foods like egg yolks and bananas.
Protect Your Afro Hair After Washing With An Anti-Dandruff Treatment
To rebalance your scalp after washing, use our Curling Crème With Coconut & Jamaican Black Castor Oils. While coconut oil can penetrate your hair shaft easily to prevent dandruff, castor oil contains ricinolein acid and omega-9 fatty acids, which can work together to moisturise your hair, balance oil production and reduce the occurrence of dandruff.
Dry Scalp: Prevention & Treatment
Opt for a Leave-In Scalp Treatment
When your scalp lacks moisture, you need to incorporate an extremely hydrating product for the days in between your wash day. Our Leave-In Conditioner With Manuka Honey And Avocado Oil is the perfect partner to our hydrating shampoo and moisturising conditioner duo. This is because it can seal in the moisture from your washday, reduce split ends, and improve your strands' smoothness. More importantly, it contains manuka honey, which can act as a natural UV barrier against the sun, reduce breakage, and strengthen your hair follicles. The best part is that you can also apply a small amount of this mixture all over your afro hair every day to keep it refreshed.
Use Gentle Products That Avoid Toxic Ingredients
Our products are made from natural ingredients like plant oils meaning that they will be gentle and not irritate your scalp. In addition to our hydrating shampoo, conditioner and leave-in, you could also lengthen and stretch your curls naturally, without a heat tool, using our Curl Elongating Gel. This mixture also contains flaxseed oil and rosewater, which can nourish the scalp and restore the natural pH level of your scalp.
Keep Washing Your Afro Hair To A Minimum
If you shampoo your afro curls too often, you can risk removing the natural oils from your scalp, which can cause more dryness. Aim to wash your kinky hair every 7-10 days, and if you have more of an active lifestyle, this time frame should be between 4-5 days.
If you have dandruff, it is a condition that you will have to learn to care for in the long term. With the right tips, you could try to reduce the occurrence of larger flakes. However, if your condition worsens, it is crucial to seek a doctor's advice. Alternatively, a dry scalp can be managed more efficiently with natural hair care products that moisturise and nourish your scalp.