Dandruff

Common signs

These descriptions can help you understand and record what you notice. They cannot establish a diagnosis on their own.

• White or oily flakes on the scalp +

  Part your hair and look: fine white dry flakes, or greasy yellowish clumps stuck to the scalp. Whether the flakes are dry or oily is a key self-check clue — each points to a different cause and a different care approach.

• Itchy scalp +

  An itch that keeps returning even soon after washing. Note whether it comes with redness or extra oiliness; severe itch with red patches or oozing on the scalp should be checked for a skin condition.

• Flakes visible on shoulders and clothing +

  Noticeable white flakes collecting on the shoulders and back of dark clothing means shedding is on the heavy side. Watch for a few days whether the amount shifts with sleep, stress, or diet — it's a useful gauge of severity.

• Scalp that feels greasy or overly dry +

  Hair that clumps with oil a day or two after washing, or a scalp that stays tight and dry all year, are both signs of imbalance. Greasy scalps lean toward damp-heat; dry ones toward blood-deficiency dryness — and each calls for different care.

• Flaking that worsens with scratching +

  The more you scratch, the more it itches, and the more flakes come off. Scratching speeds up skin turnover and feeds the cycle; if you've scratched the skin open or into scabs, get that treated first before working on the underlying pattern.