Dandruff is a prevalent scalp condition. We can distinguish two types of dandruff: seborrheic or oily dandruff and dry dandruff. The latter is usually the most common. Seborrheic dandruff is characterized by yellowish scales that adhere to the head; typically, it appears in areas with more sebum, such as the neck or forehead. These flakes are usually larger than dry dandruff due to their fat content.
On the contrary, in dry dandruff, white and loose scales appear, more refined than the previous ones, on the scalp that can be detached from the head. In fact, on many occasions, dandruff tends to fall on clothes. People with dry dandruff tend to scratch their heads a lot, as it causes itching. However, both types have a solution, although, in this FastlyHealarticle, we will talk about dry dandruff, its causes, and home remedies to end it.
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Dry dandruff: causes
The appearance of dry dandruff can be due to many different causes, and there is no exact reason that causes it. However, the most common cause is believed to be a fungus called Pytirosporum ovale that occurs naturally on the skin.
Dandruff can alter the natural microorganisms in the skin and irritate the scalp. It usually occurs due to hormonal imbalances, so we could say that it is another possible cause of the appearance of dandruff. Anxiety, stress, or states of tension can also promote the formation of dry dandruff.
Another common reason for dry dandruff is psoriasis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin that causes flaking. This is reflected on the scalp in the form of dry dandruff.
In addition, you must be especially careful with products that damage your skin’s natural pH, such as dyes and lacquers … These products can affect the dermis of the hair, causing dandruff to appear.
Sometimes, micro-inflammations can appear on the skin, that is, minor inflammations that are difficult to see at first glance but are found in the skin tissue. If you look closely, you can see inflammatory immune cells. The skin responds to irritation and tries to repair itself through inflammation. If the offense continues, the skin will continue to respond. This is related to scalp conditions such as thinning hair, dryness, or even dandruff.
Besides these, other causes of dry dandruff can be a genetic predisposition, weather conditions, or even lifestyle factors, such as diet or alcohol intake.
Symptoms of dry dandruff
In addition to the appearance of white flakes on the scalp, dry dandruff causes other symptoms, such as those listed below:
- Itching on the head.
- Dirty-looking and matted hair.
- Dermatitis.
- Redness of the scalp.
Home remedies for dry dandruff
There are many home remedies that you can use to get rid of the annoying dry dandruff that is stuck on the scalp. Here, we will tell you some.
Olive oil
Dry dandruff causes flaking and, therefore, olive oil is a great ally. It is the healthiest of all and very nutritious, which will help restore the health of your hair.
When applied, you will help moisturize the scalp naturally. In this way, the scales will be loosened in addition to altering the area’s environment, which is very useful in preventing the proliferation of fungi.
To do this, heat five tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and mix it with the lemon. It has to be at a bearable temperature since you will have to apply it to the hair and let it act for 30 minutes. After a time, remove it with your usual shampoo, and that’s it. If you do this three times a week, you will notice the difference.
Argan oil
Argan oil has antifungal properties, which is why it helps prevent the appearance of fungi that form dry dandruff.
You have to add three and a half tablespoons of argan oil with one olive oil and heat it. As we have done in the previous case, apply it on the scalp, leave it for 30 minutes, and then rinse with shampoo and plenty of water. When you use it, take the opportunity to massage the scalp and, in this way, penetrate better. In this case, apply it every other day.
Sodium bicarbonate
Another of the best remedies for dry dandruff is sodium bicarbonate, as it is antiseptic and astringent and reduces the appearance of fungi and dead cells in the hair.
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with six drops of tea tree essential oil, which also has beneficial properties for your scalp. Rub the mixture on your head and let it act for 15 minutes. After a time, rinse and repeat this system every two days.
Lemon
Lemon also has acids that can kill fungus and, therefore, dandruff. In addition, it will give your hair much more shine.
You can prepare an astringent lotion with the juice and the peel to prevent flaking. Take one glass of water and bring it to a boil along with the lemon peel to make an infusion. Please remove it from the heat when it has boiled and strain the shell. Add the lemon juice. You can put it in a spray bottle to make its application more comfortable. Spread it all over the roots and rinse only if you see it necessary. Repeat every two days to eliminate dry dandruff and itchiness.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any kind of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Dry dandruff: causes and home remedies, we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair, and nails category .

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.