One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp is the appearance of the flakes. Flakes from dandruff tend to be much larger and incredibly visible—think flaky, Maldon sea salt. Flaky dry scalp tends to be much finer and smaller.
The most common sign of dandruff is when you start to notice white flakes falling from your scalp to your shoulders and back as you brush or tousle your hair. The cause of dandruff is not entirely understood, but it is often associated with excess oil production and an overgrowth of fungus.
It’s important to understand that you can wash your scalp’s hydration down the drain if you shampoo it too regularly. It’s so important to use well-formulated haircare products designed to hydrate your strands without stripping them.