With dandruff, you’ll see large, greasy flakes fall onto your shoulders, and your scalp could be red and itchy. It can be treated with either an anti-dandruff or prescription-strength shampoo.

Dry scalp, on the other hand, includes powdery flakes when you brush or wash your hair, and your scalp might feel tight. It can be a result of anything from product buildup to an underlying health issue. Many people find relief by using conditioning treatments that focus on the scalp.

It’s important to not use anti-dandruff shampoo on a dry scalp, as it can dry out the scalp further.

*Source NewBeauty.com

Immediately after showering, towel dry your hair, then apply a hair moisturizer to your scalp.  If you need to use another product to style your hair, wait 5 – 10 minutes before applying that styling product.

The reason:

Shampooing removes the ”day old” natural oils and hair products, leaving your scalp clean and moist.  Applying a moisturizer to your scalp works the same way as applying a moisturizer to your body.  A hair moisturizer along with the natural oils produced by your scalp is a more effective way of combating a dry and itchy scalp.  Give it a try!

• Side note: If symptoms persist, seek a dermatologists advice for a better solution.
• Hair Moisturizers - Grooming Creme by Bumble and Bumble and Frederick Benjamin

I’ve had quite a few questions similar to this one in the past, and it seems to be an issue for many men out there.  So I decided to post this question in hopes of enlightening others, with permission of course…thanks Anthony!

Question:

Hey Craig,

I have a question for you.  So, my hair texture has changed and I’m not exactly sure why.  My hair/scalp seems to be a lot dryer now and the hair is straight.  It used to be wavy with a natural-oil texture.  Would you happen to know what may have caused this change, and what I can do to get it back to the way it used to be?  – Anthony Johnson II

Answer:

Hello Anthony thanks for the email.  Well, unfortunately, as we get older the texture of our hair does change slightly over time.  However, there are a few things that may cause a more drastic change in hair texture and scalp conditions:

(1) Diet – the condition of your hair is a direct result of what you may or may not be eating.  Changes in diet, switching or ceasing to take your vitamins, and even starting a new prescription medicine can alter your hair condition.

(2) Controlled Air- whether AC in the summer months or heat in the winter, the increased use of either in your place of work or home can cause an increase in general skin dryness, and this definitely includes your scalp.

(3) Shampoos – certain shampoos on the market (usually the lesser priced products) tend to have more detergent content than others.  Be mindful of this when shopping – higher detergent content can lead to dryer scalp.

Sometimes we don’t realize it, but it is likely all these scenarios are happening simultaneously, which compounds the negative effects even more.  I hope this helps!