Dandruff: dry or oily scalp?

Question

Now that's it's winter, my dandruff is getting worse. My scalp is itchy, and when I scratch, it just exacerbates the problem. I've heard that dandruff is caused by oily scalp, but itching is caused by dry hair. So what do I have? I think my scalp is oily, but my ends are dry. And what's the best treatment, since I think anti-dandruff shampoos, like Head n Shoulders, don't work on me.

Answer 1

Dandruff is actually a fungus that feeds on oil (eugh), so the cause is oily hair, and it does cause itching. I have a bit of a dandruff problem as well. Try Pert, it always seemed to work for me. If the problem persists, you might want to go to a dermatologist

Answer 2

Most people get dandruff and dry flaky scalp confused. Dandruff is kind of thick and yellowish. It's really gross. Most folks have dry scalp, especially in winter. Try a shampoo for dry scalp. Also Tea Tree shampoo is really good, it's by Paul Mitchell. Good luck.

Answer 3

Nizarol shampoo. Use it 2 to 3 times a week and I promise no flakes. You can use another shampoo between the washings with Nizarol. I use Garnier Frutis Dandruff Control everyday and Nizarol. Nizarol used to be by prescription only but it's over the counter now. It's a bit expensive but I guarentee it's worth it's weight in gold. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Dandruff is down to oily scalp, although it's easy to see why people think it would be a dry scalp due to the flakes being dry.

Try T/Gel.

Answer 5

if it's tiny white flakes, it's dry scalp. If it's crusty yellowish larger flakes, it's oily dandruff, caused by a fungus, and has a "musty" smell, and can be contagious if you use someone else's comb, hat, etc. It sounds more like dry scalp that you have, use a moisturizing shampoo, and give yourself cholesterol or hot oil scalp treatments.

Answer 6

i would first go to your doctor, they can prescribe a medicated shampoo that will work alot better then your regular dandruff shampoos. secondly you need to moisturize your hair, i just tried a really good moisturizing treatment. mix one packet plain jello with 2 tbsp milk and 2 tbsp molasses until jello is dissolved. apply all over wet hair and leave for 30 min. the shampoo and condition as usual. as for you itchy scalp get a bottle of mouth wash (like Listerine) and dip a cotton ball in it. dab mouthwash around the irritated and itchy area. you may want to take a break from hot tools, color, and turn the temperature down on your shower. also try washing your hair in mineral water or rain water. because your normal water has harsh chemicals like chlorine it the softness of the water will moisturize and make you hair softer. also cut back on conditioner, it makes the the hair oily.

Answer 7

You should go to a dermatologist and get your scalp checked out. You could have some type of dandruff condition and he/she can prescribe a special dandruff shampoo that will work good for you and rid you of your problem.