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Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp: Understanding the Itch and How to Treat It
You are dressed and ready to go out, but then you look in the mirror and see it: white flakes on your shoulders. Or maybe you are sitting at your desk, and the urge to scratch your head is unbearable.
Scalp issues are embarrassing and uncomfortable. But before you rush to buy the strongest medicated shampoo, you need to ask yourself one question: Is it dandruff, or is it just a dry scalp?
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are completely different conditions. Treating a dry scalp with harsh dandruff products can make it worse, and treating dandruff with just oil won't solve the problem.
At Tommag Hair Care, we believe in diagnosing the root cause before applying the solution. Here is how to tell the difference and exactly how to treat both.
What is Dry Scalp? (The "Thirsty" Scalp)
The Cause:
A dry scalp is simply skin that lacks moisture.1 Just like the skin on your arms or legs can get ashy and dry, the skin on your head can too. This is common during the Harmattan season in Nigeria, or if you wash your hair too often with harsh, stripping shampoos.
The Symptoms:
Flakes: Small, dry, and white. They fall off easily like dust.
Itchiness: Mild to moderate itchiness.
Hair Condition: Your hair usually feels dry and brittle too.2
The Treatment for Dry Scalp:
You need Hydration, not medication.
Switch Shampoos: Stop using sulfates.3 Use our [Herbal Repair Shampoo], which cleanses without stripping natural oils.
Deep Condition: Restore moisture balance with our [Moisturizing Rinse-Out Conditioner] or [Volumizing Deep Conditioner].
Oil Treatment: The most effective fix is a hot oil treatment. Apply our [Strengthening Growth Oil] to your scalp and massage it in. This mimics the natural sebum your skin is missing.
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Aloe Vera Hair Butter
₦8,500.00
Anti Breakage Kit
₦35,500.00
Anti-Dandruff Hair Cream
₦7,000.00
Anti-Dandruff Itchy Scalp Spray
₦8,500.00
What is Dandruff? (The "Fungal" Issue)
The Cause:
True dandruff (Seborrheic dermatitis) is not caused by dryness; it is often caused by too much oil. A yeast-like fungus called Malassezia feeds on the excess oil on your scalp.4 This irritation causes your skin cells to shed faster than normal, creating clumps.
The Symptoms:
Flakes: Larger, oily, yellow or white clumps. They stick to the hair and scalp rather than falling off like dust.
Itchiness: Intense, constant itching.
Scalp Condition: Your scalp might look red, inflamed, or feel greasy/oily.
The Treatment for Dandruff:
You need Balance and Anti-Fungal Control.
Stop Oiling the Flakes: Adding heavy grease to dandruff is like adding fuel to a fire. The fungus feeds on the oil! Stop using heavy pomades on your scalp.
Exfoliate/Detox: You need to lift the buildup. Use our [Detox Hair Mask Treatment] to deeply cleanse the pores and remove the fungal buildup that regular shampoo misses.
Targeted Treatment: This is the game-changer. Use our [Anti-Dandruff Itchy Scalp Spray] or [Anti-Dandruff Hair Cream]. These are formulated with active botanical ingredients that fight the fungus and soothe the inflammation without weighing your hair down.
The Quick Check: Is it Dryness or Dandruff?
| Feature | Dry Scalp | Dandruff |
| Flake Appearance | Small, dry, white "dust" | Large, oily, yellow/white clumps |
| Scalp Feeling | Tight, dry | Oily, greasy, inflamed |
| Cause | Lack of moisture/water | Excess oil & fungus |
| Tommag Solution | Growth Oil + Deep Conditioner | Anti-Dandruff Spray + Detox Mask |
Conclusion
Whether you are suffering from the "Harmattan dust" of a dry scalp or the stubborn itch of dandruff, the solution starts with understanding your body.
If you have small, dry flakes, reach for moisture. If you have large, oily flakes, reach for our anti-dandruff solutions.
Still scratching your head?
Get instant relief today. Shop our [Scalp Care Collection] and finally say goodbye to the itch.