JiveDash

Determine the cause

If the flakes on your scalp are quite small and noticeably, well, dry, this points to a dry scalp in need of hydration. However! If your dry scalp is not a result of environmental factors or something in your routine, there's a good chance it could be due to a scalp condition such as seborrheic dermatitis (or, as most people know it, dandruff). Dandruff will appear as yellowish or white larger, oily flakes that may clump together, and while dandruff is typically caused by oily scalps, it's possible to have both dry scalp and dandruff.

Look at the ingredients

As dermatologist Dr. Anar Mikailov previously told Cosmo, anyone dealing with a dry scalp should look for shampoos with: (1) moisturizing, plant-based oils (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, argan oil, and camellia oil); (2) chemical exfoliators (like salicylic acid, azelaic acid, bakuchiol, and lactic acid); and/or (3) soothing ingredients (like CBD, aloe, and vitamin B5).

If you're working with dandruff, you'll need to grab an antifungal shampoo formulated with ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine, or salicylic acid, all of which will help curb your scalp's yeast production to minimize flakes. Just note: If you don't see an improvement after six weeks, head to your dermatologist for a prescription-strength shampoo and/or topical steroid.

Know when to see a dermatologist

Though most cases of dry scalp and dandruff can be treated and maintained with an over-the-counter shampoo, if you have been treating it and it has either (a) not been getting better, (b) getting worse, or (c) at any point becomes swollen or painful, you absolutely need to make a visit to your dermatologist. If necessary, they can prescribe prescription-strength steroids or patch-test you to determine if you have a skin allergy.

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