Questions — Haircare
Dandruff vs dry scalp: how to tell the difference.
Dandruff flakes are larger, yellow-white and slightly oily, caused by a yeast called Malassezia. Dry scalp flakes are small, white and powdery, caused by lack of moisture. The fix is different, so it helps to know which you have.
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Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
Quick answer
Dandruff vs dry scalp at a glance
Dandruff
Bigger oily flakes, itchy, often greasy roots. Treat with ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione or selenium shampoo.
Dry scalp
Tiny white flakes, tight feeling, dry skin elsewhere. Treat with a gentle moisturising shampoo and scalp oil.
Both
Worse in British winter and with central heating.
Treatment
How to treat each one
1. Dandruff
Use a medicated shampoo 2–3 times a week, leave it on 5 minutes, then rinse.
2. Dry scalp
Wash less often with lukewarm water, use a fragrance-free shampoo, add a few drops of scalp oil before washing.
3. See a pharmacist
If it is red, sore or spreading to the face, ask about seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis.
