Dandruff is mainly characterized by white flakes in hair and is accompanied by symptoms like inflammation and an itchy scalp (1). Even though it is an annoying hair problem, it can be treated. But how do you find out what type of dandruff you have?

A variety of factors can cause dandruff. It can manifest itself in various ways, which must be understood before starting treatment. This article has explained the different types of dandruff and how to treat them. Keep reading.

Different Types Of Dandruff

1. Dry Skin-Related Dandruff

Dandruff often develops in people who generally have a dry scalp (2). Dry skin on the scalp can be caused due to extreme cold weather (as in winter months) or irregular hair shampooing.

People with curly hair may have a scalp drier than those with other hair types (3). Using sulfate shampoos that create a lot of foam can also cause and aggravate dry skin-related dandruff.

Symptoms: A feeling of tightness on your scalp and small, round, white dry flakes in hair.

2. Oily Scalp-Related Dandruff

This condition is characterized by an oily scalp. Sometimes, your body can start producing excess sebum (the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands) (1). Sebum, in normal quantities, can help moisturize your hair and skin and keep them from drying. It may also help delay certain signs of aging.

However, overproduction of this sebum, which could occur due to puberty, pregnancy, stress, or irregular shampooing, can cause problems. When the excess sebum mixes with dirt and dead skin cells, it forms dandruff.

Symptoms: Yellow patches on the scalp, yellowish large dandruff flakes on the scalp, itching, and greasy hair.

3. Fungal Dandruff

Fungal dandruff is a result of a scalp infection caused by the Malassezia globosa fungus. This fungal infection spreads quite rapidly when your scalp is excessively oily or has a pH imbalance 1. Malassezia produces oleic acid that increases the turnover of skin cells. This causes dandruff.

Symptoms: White or yellowish dandruff flakes and itchiness.

4. Dandruff Caused By Product Buildup

Using too many styling products (including leave-in conditioners, gels, serums, pomades, mousses or hair sprays) can cause them to accumulate on your scalp. This build-up can combine with dirt and dead skin cells to form dandruff. It could also lead to hair loss.

5. Dandruff Caused By Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis or pityriasis steatoides is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can develop on parts of your body with a higher concentration of sebaceous glands. This includes your scalp, neck, areas behind your ears, face, and eyebrows.

Studies show that this scalp dermatitis is usually caused by an inflammatory reaction to yeast that is naturally found on your skin’s surface. Stress and hormonal changes could trigger seborrheic dermatitis (4).

Symptoms: Huge, white or yellowish dandruff flakes, scaly patches, greasiness, redness, and irritation.

Dandruff could be an all-consuming part of someone’s life. One may even feel embarrassed in a company. But it doesn’t have to be so. Dandruff can easily be treated with the help of a few products and other natural methods.