Many people confuse flaking with dandruff. This is because the terms are usually used to mean one condition or the other. However, it is not really the same thing. There is a difference between dandruff and dry scalp flaking and this may be the reason why the products you have been trying are not working.

The main difference between flaking and dandruff is the excessiveness of the problem. An overwhelming amount of flaking is usually a sign of dandruff. However, a bit of flaking here or there is normal skin cells being shed from the scalp and is part of being human.

What is Flaking?

Flaking is what all human skin goes through. It happens when dead skin comes ‘off’ and new skin appears. It happens on all body parts. However, when it comes to the scalp, most black women do not wash and moisturise their scalp daily and so, the dead skin remains. This dead skin is what you see when you create a path in your hair and there are small white flakes. A dry scalp is the main cause of this type of flaking.

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff appears on oily scalps, NOT dry scalps. An overgrowth of yeast that feeds on the excess oil on the scalp clings on to the flakes from shed dead skin cells. This is what creates big flakes that are difficult to remove from the scalp.

Flakes caused by a dry scalp are smaller and can be removed by washing and oiling your scalp. Natural oils such as jojoba oil, coconut oil and olive oil are perfect for giving you soothing moisture for a healthy and flake free scalp.

If you realise that getting rid of the flakes with normal shampoo is very difficult, then you most probably have dandruff and so, you should use an effective anti-dandruff shampoo. Head & Shoulders and Clear are two of the most popular in South Arica.

To relieve a dry scalp, why not try the Dark & Lovely Scalp Soother Aloe Vera Balm.