Dry scalp, dandruff, and scalp itch are some of the biggest head scratchers when it comes to skincare: No matter how much command you have over your skin’s status quo, the scalp is its own beast to tame. Not to mention, it’s much harder to maintain scalp’s balance during the few cold months of winter (although the dryness, itching, and flaking can happen perennially). So let’s spotlight what causes dandruff and dry scalp, so that you can do that little “dusting off your shoulder” gesture, both figuratively and literally.

While the above dry scalp conditions are one possible cause of dandruff (due to severe dehydration), there are additional factors that might be behind flakes. 

Malassezia Fungus: The overgrowth of the fungus on the scalp is one of the most common culprits behind dandruff. This often occurs when the scalp becomes too oily and remains unwashed, which allows for the proliferation of the fungus. (Malassezia feeds on the natural oils of the scalp.) To avoid this, make sure to at least rinse the scalp daily, while washing every few days at a minimum—increasingly so if you have an oily scalp.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: This is inflammation of the skin that can result in red, itchy, and flaky patches, and which most frequently occurs in winter. You can experience seborrheic dermatitis all over the body, but it is commonly linked to scalp discomfort and dandruff. Use conditioning scalp treatments to avoid this, or be sure to massage your nourishing conditioner around the scalp while you use it in your hair, and let it set for a few minutes before rinsing. Do this every day or every couple days, depending on the propensity for irritation.

Finding the right remedy for your dry scalp condition usually starts with identifying the problem and making changes to your daily routine, diets, habits, and/or environment. (You can read above for how to avoid the problems, in order to identify the most likely treatment, too.) Typically, this will rectify the problem within a few days or a week. However, if you find that the issue is more chronic or severe, then you can resort to the aforementioned anti-dandruff shampoos, choosing a targeted active ingredient to reverse dermatitis or fungal buildup (these include ketoconazole, piroctone olamine, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, eta tree oil, coal tar, and more). 

For general dryness, it’s also helpful to invest in a scalp treatment serum, cream, or mask—something you will apply before or after a shower that will soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the scalp. These will often fix the problem within a few days, too. However, if things are extremely severe or chronic, then it’s smart to visit your board-certified dermatologist for a prescriptive and high-grade treatment.