Many people think dandruff is a one size fits all, which could not be further from the truth. While most people associate dandruff with white flakes and an itchy scalp, the truth is—there are different types of dandruff, and knowing which one you have is the first step to treating it effectively.
In this post, we’re breaking down the most common types of dandruff, what causes each, and how to tell which one you might be dealing with.
1. Dry Skin Dandruff (Simple Dandruff)
What it looks like:
- Small, white, powdery flakes
- Dry, itchy scalp
- Flakes fall easily onto shoulders
Common triggers:
- Cold weather
- Hot showers
- Harsh shampoos
- Lack of scalp moisture
How to treat it:
- Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners
- Avoid daily washing and use gentle formulas
- Add scalp oils or leave in conditioners to your routine
👉 If your skin feels dry all over (not just your scalp), this type is likely.
2. Oily Scalp Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis)
What it looks like:
- Yellowish, greasy flakes
- Sticky, clumped dandruff
- Redness and irritation on the scalp (and sometimes eyebrows, nose, ears)
Common triggers:
- Overactive sebaceous glands
- Overgrowth of Malessezia Yeast
- Hormonal changes or stress
How to treat it:
- Anti-fungal shampoos (zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole)
- Avoid heavy hair products that clog pores
- Rinse thoroughly after washing
👉 If your scalp feels oily and your flakes are greasy or itchy, this is probably your type.
3. Fungal Dandruff (Malassezia Overgrowth)
What it looks like:
- Moderate to heavy flaking
- Itchy, inflamed scalp
- May be accompanied by redness or tenderness
Common triggers:
- Overreaction to a natural yeast (Malassezia globosa) on the scalp
- Humid environments
- Immune system sensitivity
How to treat it:
- Use anti-fungal shampoos (like dandRX)
- Stick to a consistent wash routine
- Avoid sugar-heavy diets that fuel yeast growth
👉 If your dandruff flares up in heat or humidity, and doesn’t respond to regular shampoo, this could be it.
4. Product Buildup Dandruff
What it looks like:
- Flaky, dull-looking residue
- Itchiness without redness or irritation
- Appears mostly where products are applied (edges, crown)
Common triggers:
- Dry shampoo or styling products that aren’t washed out
- Not rinsing thoroughly
- Using too much product or layering too often
How to treat it:
- Clarifying shampoo once a week
- Limit styling product use
- Deep-clean your scalp regularly
👉 If your scalp feels itchy after using a certain product, buildup could be the culprit.
5. Psoriasis (Often Confused with Dandruff)
What it looks like:
- Thick, silvery-white scales
- Red, raised patches of skin
- May extend beyond the hairline
Common triggers:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Stress
- Cold weather or dry climate
How to treat it:
- Prescription treatments (topical steroids, medicated shampoos)
- See a dermatologist
- Avoid scratching to prevent worsening
👉 If flakes are thick, scaly, and patchy—this may not be dandruff at all.
