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Living With Dry, Flaky, Itchy Scalp: A Complete Guide

Written by Ross Goodhart
Reviewed by Julie Karen, M.D.
Living With Dry, Flaky, Itchy Scalp: A Complete Guide

Living with a dry, flaky scalp can have its downsides - from the daily embarrassment of brushing flakes from your hair and shoulders, to the unfortunate fact that scratching an itchy scalp may lead to hair loss.

But there is a silver lining when it comes to itchy dandruff and dry skin: you can treat it. Although dandruff cannot be cured, there are effective remedies available that will stop scalp flaking (along with discomfort and embarrassment) in its tracks. 

The first step to managing scalp flaking might be as simple as buying the right shampoo for your scalp and hair. In this guide, we’ll discuss how dandruff shampoo can help treat your flaky, itchy scalp.

The Lowdown on Dandruff (And Other Common Skin Conditions)

Living With Dry, Flaky, Itchy Scalp: A Complete Guide Featured Image

Even if you have struggled with dandruff or other skin conditions for years, you may be unaware of what is actually causing your dry, flaky skin and hair. So let’s step back and cover some basics.

Dandruff is flaking that results from irritation of the scalp. Scalp irritation and flaking can be linked to a variety of other scalp conditions, such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dry scalp. And while it might feel embarrassing to see flakes on your shoulders and hair, don’t worry - dandruff is common and rarely requires any medical treatment. In fact, dandruff shampoos and scalp treatments are an extremely safe and effective response (we’ll get to that shortly). 

Common dandruff symptoms include flaking skin on your scalp and facial hair, itchy scalp, and “cradle cap,” which is a term for crusty, scaly scalp in infants. It’s believed that dandruff is often caused by overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia, but the science isn’t entirely understood.

And though dandruff can’t be cured, it can be managed easily so you stay flake-free for good. In fact, with the right dandruff shampoo, your scalp can be healthier than ever.

The Top Treatment For Managing Dandruff

If you are looking for an effective treatment to manage your dandruff, the best first-line treatment is a medicated dandruff shampoo. In particular, you should try shampooing with a Zinc Pyrithione-based dandruff shampoo. 

Scientific dermatology research has proven that medicated shampoos with Zinc Pyrithione are a safe, effective, and fast-acting treatment for dandruff. It beats back the Malassezia yeast which triggers dandruff, and increases zinc levels in your scalp cells to help prevent dandruff and those little white flakes in the future. 

What About Natural Home Remedies?

Unfortunately, natural home remedies don’t cure dandruff, eczema, dryness, or itchiness. However, that hasn’t stopped some from touting the “cure-all” benefits of the following household items:

Remember: None of these products can truly treat dandruff. And even though they appear relatively safe and natural, using these products outside of proven formulations can actually worsen your dandruff and flakiness. Scalp chemistry and microbiome activity are incredibly complex, so throwing random treatments into the mix on their own is a crapshoot at best.

Scientific dermatology research has proven that medicated shampoos with Zinc Pyrithione are a safe, effective, and fast-acting treatment for dandruff.

Can a Scalp Supplement Help?

Scalp discomfort (like dry scalp, dandruff, etc) is a function of genetic and lifestyle factors. Oftentimes, deficiencies in certain vitamins and nutrients can lead to skin irritation. The scalp is an extension of the face, and in similar fashion, your scalp can be impacted by what goes IN your body as much as what you put ON your body. 

When the scalp is irritated, there’s a chain reaction leading to other common concerns such as dryness, itchiness and flakes but also hair loss/fall and increased breakage. 

Living With Dry, Flaky, Itchy Scalp: A Complete Guide Featured Image

That’s why turning to a supplement like our Daily Scalp Essential can help balance the scalp - providing a promoting a moisturized microbiome, prevent irritation, avoid breakage and encourage hair growth through clinical-strength ingredients like turmeric, ashwagandha, biotin, spirulina and a proprietary mushroom blend.

Changing Your Habits

A high-quality dandruff shampoo can change your life, but in many cases, habits can contribute to dandruff, dermatitis, and itchy skin and hair.

Changing your habits is a way to possibly reduce the discomfort of itchy dandruff. For example, product buildup can cause scalp itch and dandruff. If you use topical hair products or hair dye frequently, you might find yourself unable to rinse all of the products from your scalp and hair. In turn, this lack of rinsing leads to sebum/oil buildup in your hair follicles and skin cells. 

Similarly, washing your hair with very hot water can worsen your dandruff, as can wearing tight-fitting hats. Another cause of dandruff is not using shampoo and conditioner frequently enough. We recommend cleansing your scalp with our anti-dandruff shampoo, 3-4 times per week to control flaking, and following up with our Nourishing Conditioner to moisturize your scalp and hair.

Consistency is Key

After choosing a dermatologist-approved dandruff shampoo,  you might notice that your itchy scalp feels better, and your hair looks great. Although you may be tempted to return to your traditional hair products, this will likely be unhelpful in the long run. Using a dandruff shampoo consistently is the only reliable way to keep dandruff at bay for good.

Try a Dandruff And Scalp Care Subscription Service

Living With Dry, Flaky, Itchy Scalp: A Complete Guide Featured Image

We’ve created Jupiter, a specially-formulated line of beautiful and effective dandruff and scalp care products that will help you remain compliant with your dandruff care. Each product - from our cleansing Balancing Shampoo, soothing Restoring Serum or moisturizing Nourishing Conditioner, to our exfoliating Purifying Mask and brush - was made with a specific purpose and role in mind. 

Jupiter's dandruff care products are formulated on cutting-edge research to ensure your treatment is effective, and our scalp and hair care products will calm your scalp with luxe, clean formulations. And with a “100% Flake-Free Guarantee” there’s absolutely no risk in trying.

Flake-Free Inside & Out Trio
Flake-Free Inside & Out Trio

The ultimate set for addressing scalp discomfort holistically. Our best-selling dandruff shampoo & scalp conditioner meets the Daily Scalp Essential. Together, they target flaking and oil production (greasiness), keeping locks nourished and tangle free, while addressing any nutritional deficiencies that inhibit the growth of healthy hair.*

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have about the information contained herein, as well as the risks or benefits of any treatment.