Flakes on the scalp are small, white or yellowish pieces of skin that come loose. This often goes together with itching or redness. The scalp can feel oily, but sometimes it feels dry instead. The flakes usually become visible when they fall from the hair onto the shoulders.
Many people immediately reach for an anti-dandruff shampoo. But if it isn’t actually dandruff, this can make things worse, the flakes may increase. This often happens with a dry scalp, because anti-dandruff shampoo can dry out the skin even more, while it really needs hydration.
To treat flakes on the scalp effectively, it’s important to first find out what scalp condition is causing them. That’s the key to the right treatment. In this article, we discuss the most common causes and the best ways to treat them.
What causes white flakes on the scalp?
White flakes appear when the top layer of the skin renews itself faster than normal. The dead skin cells come loose too early and become visible in the hair. This process can have several causes:
Dry scalp
A dry scalp often develops because of external factors such as cold air, dry indoor heating, or washing too often with a harsh shampoo. Alcohol or perfume in hair products can also reduce the scalp’s natural oil production. When the skin produces too little oil, it loses moisture and starts to flake. The flakes are usually fine, white and dry.
Dandruff (Mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis)
Dandruff is the most common cause of white or yellowish flakes on the scalp. It is a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes light inflammation. The yeast Malassezia, which naturally lives on everyone’s scalp, plays an important role. For some people, this yeast grows too much (especially when the scalp is oilier or affected by hormonal changes, stress, or genetic factors). This can lead to redness, itching and oily flakes.
Image 1: difference between dry scalp and dandruff
Contact dermatitis
Sometimes irritation or flaking develops when the skin comes into contact with a certain substance. This can include fragrance, preservatives, hair dye, metals (such as nickel) or even natural plant extracts. This type of dermatitis is usually easy to recognise by itching, redness and a clear link to using a new product.
Fungal or bacterial imbalance
Besides Malassezia, other fungi or bacteria can also disturb the scalp’s balance. This can lead to mild inflammation, irritation and flaking. In more serious cases, such as a fungal infection (example: tinea capitis), bald patches may appear. When flakes on the scalp come with hair loss, pain or visible inflammation, it is best to seek medical advice.
How to treat flakes on the scalp: Choose the right approach
The right treatment for flakes on the scalp depends on the underlying cause.
-
For a dry scalp: For a dry scalp, it’s important to restore the skin barrier and replenish moisture. Choose mild, non-drying products that help to hydrate and soothe the skin. Ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide and caprylyl glycol help to retain moisture and strengthen the scalp’s natural protection.
Liquorice root and witch hazel extract calm irritation and reduce tightness, helping the scalp feel comfortable and balanced again.
-
For dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis: the focus is on reducing yeast growth and excess oil. A shampoo for the scalp with ingredients such as piroctone olamine or climbazole can help to restore balance and reduce flaking. Calming plant extracts like witch hazel and liquorice root also support the recovery of irritated skin.
- For persistent or recurring problems: it can help to use an exfoliating scalp shampoo more often for a while. This gently removes dead skin cells and excess oil, allowing the scalp to breathe again.
A healthy scalp needs a routine that cleanses, hydrates and supports its natural balance. With the right care, you can reduce flaking and bring your scalp back to a calm, healthy state.
Benefits of a healthy scalp
The health of your scalp has a big influence on how your hair looks. A scalp contains around 100,000 hair follicles, and each one produces a single hair. Every hair follicle is connected to sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum (a natural oil that keeps the skin soft and helps to protect it). The scalp also has its own microbiome, a group of tiny organisms that work together to keep it in balance. When this balance is disturbed, problems such as dandruff or flaking can appear. A healthy scalp supports strong, shiny hair and can also help reduce itching and irritation.
Symptoms of an unhealthy scalp
White flakes are often a sign that the scalp is out of balance. When the natural oil production, the microbiome or the moisture balance stay disturbed for a longer time, the scalp can become unhealthy. You can notice this not only through flaking, but also through itching, redness or hair loss.
You may recognise an irritated or unhealthy scalp by these signs:
- Itching
- Redness or irritation
- A lot of dandruff or flakes
- Hair that becomes thinner or falls out more quickly
If these symptoms last for a long time, it can be uncomfortable and may affect your scalp and hair even more. In that case, it’s wise to pay extra attention to your scalp care or ask a specialist for advice.
When should you see a dermatologist?
If your symptoms continue despite good scalp care, or if they get worse, it’s best to ask a dermatologist for advice. In cases of severe itching, sores or noticeable hair loss, a specialist can help identify the cause and recommend the right treatment.
FAQ
How do I know if the flakes on my scalp are not dandruff?
Not all flakes are dandruff. With a dry scalp, the flakes are usually small and dry. With eczema or psoriasis, the flakes are thicker and stick more firmly to the skin.
Are flakes on the scalp contagious?
Usually not. Flakes caused by a dry scalp, eczema or psoriasis cannot be passed on to others. Only in the case of a fungal infection can it sometimes be contagious.
What role does diet play in scalp flaking?
Your diet can affect your skin. A lack of vitamins or minerals, such as B vitamins and zinc, can make the skin more sensitive. Eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, healthy fats and drinking enough water helps to keep your scalp balanced.
How are flakes and hair loss connected?
When the scalp itches, people often scratch. This can damage the skin and hair roots, leading to temporary hair loss. This can also happen with eczema or psoriasis. In most cases, the hair grows back once the scalp calms down.
Conclusion
A healthy scalp starts with understanding what causes the flakes. The reason can differ: a dry scalp, too much oil or an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia. Only when you know what has disturbed the balance can you choose the right care. Sometimes the scalp needs hydration, while in other cases it helps to reduce excess oil and yeast growth.
The key is not one single product, but a routine that fits your scalp: gentle cleansing, soothing the skin and supporting its natural balance. This way, you can effectively reduce flakes on the scalp and make it feel healthy and comfortable again.
Sources
DermNet NZ. (Seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff). https://dermnetnz.org/topics/seborrhoeic-dermatitis
Mayo Clinic. (Dandruff – Causes and treatments). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/
British Association of Dermatologists. (Seborrhoeic dermatitis – Patient information leaflet). https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/seborrhoeic-dermatitis/
