It starts with an itch. Then, you notice the white specks on your shoulder. Your immediate reaction is likely to grab an anti-dandruff shampoo. But did you know that treating a dry scalp with harsh dandruff products can actually make the problem worse?
While they share similar symptoms—itchiness and flakes—dry scalp and dandruff are two very different conditions caused by opposite factors. Understanding the difference is the first step to finally getting relief.
The Breakdown: What's the Difference?
Dry Scalp
Dry scalp is exactly what it sounds like: your skin lacks moisture. Just like the skin on your arms or legs can get dry and flaky in cold weather or due to dehydration, your scalp can too. There are multiple causes for dry scalp and these could include:
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Cold, dry air
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Contact dermatitis caused by select hair products
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Age (older age tends to need more moisture)
Dandruff
Dandruff, on the other hand, is usually caused by too much oil. Seborrheic dermatitis or the condition that turns the skin oily, red, and scaly, is the result of your skin becoming irritated by excess production of skin cells, leading to dandruff. Another cause of dandruff could be a fungus called Malassezia, which leads to your skin cells multiplying faster than usual.
Although the exact cause of Seborrheic dermatitis can be difficult to pinpoint, it’s likely due to one of these main factors:
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Age
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Hormones
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Stress
Comparison Table: Which Do You Have?
|
Feature |
Dry Scalp |
Dandruff |
|---|---|---|
|
Main Cause |
Dehydration, cold weather, harsh products |
Excess oil, Malassezia fungus sensitivity |
|
Flake Appearance |
Small, dry, white, dust-like |
Larger, oily, white or yellowish, clumps together |
|
Scalp Feeling |
Tight, dry, itchy |
Oily, greasy, intensely itchy |
|
Hair Condition |
Hair often feels dry and brittle |
Hair often feels greasy or oily |
The Solution: Targeted Care for Your Condition
Once you've identified the culprit, you can choose the right regimen.
If You Have Dandruff...
You need ingredients that regulate oil production and target the fungus causing the irritation.
1. The Best-Seller: Davines Purifying Shampoo
This is our #1 best-selling anti-dandruff solution for a reason, with hundreds of 5-star reviews. It acts quickly to clarify the scalp and resolve flakes.
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Key Ingredient: Selenium Sulphide (a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent) and Dandelion Phytoceuticals.
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Why we love it: It works fast. Available in a 100ml trial size if you're new to it, and a 1000ml value size for long-term maintenance.
2. The Luxury Ritual: Kérastase Symbiose Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 250ml
A luxurious, cellular anti-dandruff shampoo specifically designed for oily, sensitive scalps prone to dandruff. It exfoliates instantly and removes visible flakes.
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Key Ingredient: Salicylic Acid (to exfoliate) and Piroctone Olamine (to fight fungus).
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Why we love it: It effectively removes buildup while keeping the hair fiber hydrated, unlike many harsh medicinal shampoos.
3. The Vegan Choice: Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 250ml
A gentle yet effective cleanser that removes visible flakes from the scalp while soothing inflammation.
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Key Ingredient: Superberries Complex and AHA (to rebalance the scalp).
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Why we love it: It’s a clean, vegan formula that balances the scalp’s microbiome for future protection.
Shop the full Dandruff Control Collection
If You Have Dry Scalp...
You need deep hydration and soothing ingredients to repair the skin barrier and stop the "tight" feeling.
1. The Instant Soother: Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Scalp Soothing Shampoo 250ml
Specifically formulated for dry, sensitive scalps prone to irritation. It gently cleanses while moisturizing.
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Key Ingredient: Aloe Vera (to soothe) and Panthenol (to moisturize).
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Why we love it: It instantly reinforces the scalp's natural barrier.
2. The Microbiome Booster: Davines Elevating Scalp Recovery Treatment 100ml
>
A leave-on serum designed to tackle dryness and inflammation at the source. It hydrates and rebalances the scalp's ecosystem.
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Key Ingredient: Microbiotic Booster and Tasmanian Pepper Berry (for anti-inflammatory benefits).
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Why we love it: It significantly increases scalp hydration and reduces redness immediately after use.
3. The Balancing Lotion: Revlon Professional ReStart Balance Scalp Moisturizing Lotion 100ml
A lightweight, moisturizing lotion that helps to balance the scalp's microbiome and reduce dryness.
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Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid (for intense hydration) and Panthenol.
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Why we love it: It provides virtually weightless hydration, perfect for fine hair.
4. The Deep Nourisher: Davines Nourishing Shampoo
If both your scalp and your hair feel parched, this is the solution. It’s creamy and rich, designed to reconstruct the hair while hydrating the scalp.
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Key Ingredient: Vegetable Keratin and Biacidic Bond Complex.
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Why we love it: It tackles the root cause of breakage while soothing the scalp. Also available in a 1000ml value size.
Shop the full Dry Scalp Collection
Ready to Heal Your Scalp?
How to Order:
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Shop Online: Visit HairMNL.com for nationwide shipping.
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Same-Day Pickup: Need relief today? Select "Store Pickup" at checkout for picek up at HairMNL Studio in Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
Need a Diagnosis? Not sure if it's flakes or dryness? Book a Free Online Consultation with our experts to get a personalized scalp analysis.
