Overview
If you have a dry, flaking scalp, you may suspect dandruff. But it could be a sign of dry scalp. Dandruff and dry scalp have the same main symptoms, which are falling flakes and an itchy scalp, but they are two different conditions.
In dry scalp, the skin gets irritated and flakes off. With dandruff, the cause is too much oil on the scalp. That excess oil causes skin cells to build up and then shed. Knowing which of these conditions you have can help you get the right treatment and banish those flakes for good.

Causes and Symptoms
You get dry scalp when your skin has too little moisture. The skin on your scalp becomes irritated and flakes off. If your scalp is dry, the skin on other parts of your body, like your arms and legs, could be dry, too.

Dry scalp can also be triggered by factors like these:

• cold, dry air
• contact dermatitis caused by a reaction to products you apply to your scalp, like shampoo, styling gel, and hairspray
• older age

The skin cells on your scalp and body normally multiply when you need more of them. Then they die and shed off. When you have dandruff, skin cells on your scalp shed more quickly than usual.

The main cause of dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that turns the skin oily, red, and scaly. The white or yellow scales flake off, creating dandruff. You can get seborrheic dermatitis anywhere you have oil glands, including your eyebrows, groin, armpits, and along the sides of your nose. In babies it’s called cradle cap.

Often, a fungus called malassezia triggers dandruff. This fungus normally lives on your scalp. Yet some people have too much of it, and it causes skin cells to multiply more quickly than usual.

Certain factors can cause malassezia to multiply, including:

• age
• hormones
• stress

Dirty hair doesn’t cause dandruff, but if you don’t wash your hair often enough, the oily buildup can contribute to flakes.

One way to tell the difference between dry scalp and flakes from dandruff is by their appearance. Dandruff flakes are bigger and they look oily. In babies with cradle cap, the scalp looks scaly or crusty. Both dryness and dandruff can make your scalp itch.

Symptoms of dandruff vs. dry scalp

Following is a comparison of the main symptoms of each condition:

Seeing a doctor
You can treat most dandruff yourself with an over-the-counter shampoo. If you’ve tried a dandruff shampoo for at least a month and your flakes haven’t improved, they’re getting worse, or the skin on your scalp looks red or swollen, make an appointment with a dermatologist, which is a doctor that specializes in treating the skin. You might have another skin condition that needs to be treated.
Your doctor will determine whether you have dandruff by looking at your scalp and hair. They can rule out conditions like eczema and psoriasis, which can also cause flaky skin on the scalp.

Treatment
If you have dry scalp, wash with a gentle shampoo and then use a moisturizing conditioner. One way to tell whether you have dry scalp or dandruff is to apply a light moisturizer to your scalp before you go to bed. If the cause is dry scalp, the flakes should disappear once you shower the next morning. Some hair stylists can perform a scalp treatment that uses steam to deliver more moisture to your scalp.

For mild dandruff, wash your hair every day with a gentle shampoo to reduce the amount of oil on your scalp. If your dandruff is more severe or a regular shampoo doesn’t work, try a dandruff shampoo.

Most dandruff shampoos contain medicine that kills the fungus on your scalp or removes flaky skin. Here are some examples:

Pyrithione zinc (Head and Shoulders, Jason Dandruff Relief 2 in 1) is an antifungal drug. It kills the fungus on your scalp that causes flaking. Pyrithione zinc shampoos are gentle enough to use every day.

Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue) reduces fungus and prevents too many skin cells from dying off. If you have blond or gray hair or you dye your hair, ask your doctor before using shampoo containing selenium sulfide. It can change your hair color.

Ketoconazole (Nizoral) kills the fungus that causes dandruff. You can buy it in over the counter or prescription strength.

Salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal) removes extra scale from your scalp before it can flake. In some people, salicylic acid can dry out the skin and cause more flaking.

Coal tar (Neutrogena T/Gel) slows the growth and shedding of skin cells on the scalp. Tar-based shampoos can also change your hair color if you have blond or gray hair.

Shampoos containing tea tree oil are an alternative remedy for dandruff. Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient with antifungal properties. An older studyTrusted Source from 2012 showed that a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo reduced scaling without causing side effects. Some people are allergic to tea tree oil. Ask your doctor before you try it. Stop using the product if you have any redness or swelling.

No matter which dandruff shampoo you try, read the instructions on the bottle and follow them carefully. If you’re not sure which shampoo to use or how often to use it, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. You might have to try a few brands before you find one that relieves your dandruff.

Once your dandruff improves, you might be able to cut back on the number of days that you use the shampoo. For more stubborn dandruff, your doctor can prescribe a stronger shampoo or a steroid lotion.

Outlook
Dandruff isn’t curable. Most people will have to manage symptoms over the long term. Usually, the flakes will come and go. Treating dandruff with a special shampoo can manage the condition and prevent itching and flakiness.

Prevention
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Here are some tips to prevent dandruff and dry scalp:

• If you have dandruff, wash your hair often with an antidandruff shampoo. Make sure to rinse out all the shampoo.
• Avoid using hair products that contain harsh chemicals, like bleach and alcohol. These ingredients can dry out your scalp. Also avoid oily hair products that can build up on your scalp.
• Spend a few minutes out in the sun every day. There’s some evidence that ultraviolet light exposure can help control dandruff. Yet you don’t want to get too much sun exposure because it can increase your risk for skin cancer.
• Manage your stress with meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques.

The word Barber, is derived from the latin word “barba” meaning beard.  It is a person whose occupation is to cut hair, perform shaves and trim beards.

Hairstylist or Cosmetologist, is derived from the Greek word “kosmetikos” meaning “skilled in adornment”, and is the study of the application of beauty treatments (haircutting/hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures and electrolysis).

Barbers are also trained to provide facials, color and perm hair. This is quite similar to the services the hairstylist would perform; however, there are two very distinct differences between them.

(1) Shaving – the art of shaving with a straight-razor can only be performed by a licensed barber.

(2) Manicure/Pedicure – these two services can only be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or nail technician, not a barber.
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There are many men that seek out hairstylists for that “new” more trendy hairstyle, and in many cases the people they choose are perfect for that goal. But, don’t discount your barber just yet! The growing importance from men to look their best, is constantly putting pressure on barbers to expand their skill-sets.  And, that’s pretty exciting for the barbering world!

What is the difference between a Barber and a Hair Stylist?  Does it matter?  Well, when it comes to male grooming, guys have a couple of options.  Aside from swanky shaving boutiques, “watch sports while you get your haircut” salons, and the classic men’s barbershop, the options for a men’s haircut boils down to two options: a Barber or a Hair Stylist.  While knowing the core differences between the two professions can be helpful, we argue that choosing one over the other because of their title isn’t the best way to go.

Making the Right Choice

We’ve put together a thoughtful infographic detailing everything you need to know about Barbers and Hair Stylists – the tools they use, the skills they possess and the education they must attain.  It may surprise you to learn just how much the two professions have in common!  Make sure to read through to the end as we include our recommendation on how to choose the best option for you at the bottom.

How to Choose between a Barber and a Hair Stylist

The main difference between a barber and a hair stylist is the fact that a barber can use a straight edge razor to shave your face.  Now, the education piece is important as well.  While cosmetologists learn a variety of skills during their time at school, Barber’s do spend more time learning about the different cutting and styling techniques on men’s hair.  

With that being said, we argue that your decision between a barber and a stylist should come down to the professional and not the profession.  In our opinion, it doesn’t matter which license they hold – the quality of service, the integrity of the person, the commitment to their craft and their passion for the industry should matter much more.
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Making Your Decision

The next time you are in need of a new stylist or barber here is our recommendation on how to choose between the two.

1. Determine your desired cut/style – the type of style or cut you are after will help you narrow down the pool of potential hair cutters.
2. Research your area’s best salons and barbershops (look at their work on their website or social media, read their online reviews, drop in for a quick consultation, or ask your friends and family for suggestions)
3. Once you’ve chosen your preferred location, communicate with the guest services team.  More than likely they will know the ins and outs of each stylist or barber who works there – what they specialize in, what types of styles they are good at, what they enjoy doing, etc.  The guest services team will be able to place you with a person who can help you achieve the look you are going for.
4. Over-communicate!  Every time you visit a new stylist or barber make sure you tell them exactly what your vision is.  Don’t be afraid to speak up during the appointment if the cut isn’t short enough or the look isn’t turning out as you thought it would.
5. Bring in a photo as an example.  It never hurts to have a visual example of what you are looking for.

All in all, it is important to remember that most stylists these days are well trained and well equipped to handle any type of men’s haircut or style.  On the flip side, most barbers are equally as trained to handle women’s cuts and styles. 

What would men’s magazines have done for the past year or so, I wonder, without the re-emergence of Brad Pitt as the style icon he was back in his 1990s heyday? From the chisel-jawed one’s gilded turn in Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood last year to his more recent Brioni tux-clad series of red carpet appearances, Pitt has proved beyond any doubt that style and sex appeal don’t go anywhere after 50.

One of the key areas in which Pitt excels is with his hair. Though recent years have seen the actor opt for darker hues and shorter cuts, his most recent honeyed slick-back is not only incredibly complimentary to both his bone structure and his skin tone, but it’s also a look that speaks of a certain glamour only Hollywood can truly muster, and it goes as well with a tux as it does with a beaten-up band tee and jeans, as Pitt so deftly proved in OUTH.

Pitt’s red carpet train chasers Ansel Elgort and Timothée Chalamet have also tried the cut out recently, both with equal levels of success. Here, our resident barber Joe Mills explains how to get the look yourself.

The styling guide

1. Who does it suit? This cut suits medium to thick hair, ideally with a slight wave. You need to have a good four to six inches of hair on the top, and it should be left heavy, with a little texture added.

2. How should I have it cut? The back and sides should be a good three inches in length, which will allow it to be swept back. Texture needs to be added here too, so that your hair has some movement and doesn’t look too “Lego-head”. Ask your barber for a longer, classic layered cut with some texture and no hard lines around the back and sides.

3. How do I style it? Ideally, you’ll need to get the hairdryer out for this. Use a texture spray when your hair is freshly shampooed, then blow dry the hair back from your face using a vent brush. When it’s almost dry, apply a styling cream that will give it enough hold but will allow you to still be able to run your fingers through it.

The products you need

1. A lightweight, non-aerosol volumizing spray - spray on damp hair before blow-drying.

2. A light cream pomade for all hair types - apply to damp hair for a wet-look finish, or dry for a more natural, matte style.

3. A Vent Brush - like this one by Denman

4. A Hair Dryer (I have some recommendations for you here)
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When we want to dry hair fast, we normally reach for a hairdryer, often with some remorse for all the blow drying hair damage we are going to cause. What if I told you that I know how to make hair dry faster and with less damage at the same time?

Read on to see some ‘healthy hair drying’ myths busted and to adopt the best drying routine.

Does Blow Drying Damage Hair?

The short answer is yes, it does. Hairdryers expose your hair to heat, which makes it rough and brittle and causes split ends. Here is how it happens.

Your hair remains strong and shiny when its outer layer, the cuticle, is safely protecting the inner cortex containing water. Too much heat damages the cuticles and makes the trapped water form bubbles and break the hair.

Is cold blow drying bad for hair then?

You might have guessed right, it’s not. The sad part is that it won’t let you dry your hair fast either. Thus, while cold air drying does miracles defining shine and setting naughty strands in place, blowing cold air through your soaking wet mane is both vain and unpleasant.

Air Drying vs. Blow Drying

Before you ditch your hairdryer and start sacrificing time to air dry your hair instead, please be informed that it is not always better to let your hair dry naturally.

Adam Reed, ghd global ambassador, warns that hair absorbs much water while washing, and waiting for all the water to evaporate in the air takes much time. The problem here is not only that nobody has time for that; the longer time the hair stays wet, the more the cortex swells and cracks, causing permanent hair damage.

Recent research carried out in Korea confirms that a long-lasting wet stage is as harmful as exposure to high drying temperatures. More than that, researchers suggest that the right blow drying technique brings much better results than natural hair drying.

5 Steps to Drying Your Hair Quickly Without Damaging It

Thankfully, a healthy hair drying routine exists, and the process is not long or painful. Just follow these 5 steps and learn to avoid the mistakes women are prone to make.

1. Use Hair Conditioner
I can almost hear you saying that applying a conditioner is part of washing your hair, not drying it. But hear this: Hair conditioners not only nourish your hair and prevent breakage making it easy to detangle your hair after washing, but they also actually help your hair dry faster.

The secret is that conditioners create a gentle coating that repels water and prevents excessive soaking of your tresses. If you have curly hair, using leave-in conditioners will also let you stop hair frizzing after washing.

2. Be Gentle and Use the Right Towel
Drying hair with a towel is not a good way to dry your hair fast without a blow dryer. Instead, it is another myth that needs to be busted. The fact is, wet hair is very susceptible to damage, so rubbing the moisture out can seriously harm the cuticles.

To make your hair dry faster, use a super-absorbent hair-drying towel to blot excessive moisture or, if you have long thick hair, wrap it up, turban-style. Soft microfiber towels work best here, but you can also dry hair with a cotton T-shirt, piling your hair on your head for 10 to 20 minutes.

3. Fluff the Roots of Your Hair
Roots remain wet longer than the ends and leaving them half-dry can be dangerous, especially in cold weather. This is why so many women prefer to be safe than sorry and blow dry on high heat, running the risk of fried hair.

To dry your roots fast without causing damage, make sure they get as much airflow as possible. Shake your head from side to side, turn it upside down, or run your fingers through hair strands, thus opening up the roots. Needless to say, do this outside the humid bathroom where you have just showered.

4. Comb Your Hair
Note that brushing hair when it’s wet is one of the damaging hair habits stylists recommend to avoid. Still, using a wide-tooth comb to separate some hair strands will promote airflow and make your hair dry faster.

Another option is to use a microfiber brush with soft bristles that soak water. The brush does not damage the cuticles but allows getting down to hair styling faster.

5. Use Protective Blow-Drying Techniques
Now, when your hair is rough-dried, blow dry it to get the necessary volume and styling. To blow-dry hair without damage, follow these simple rules:
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• Stick to cooler temperatures;
• Use an ionic hair dryer that dries hair faster even on cooler settings;
• Hold the blow dryer 6 inches away from your hair;
• Move the blow dryer around letting separate strands cool down a bit before a new round of heat;
• Apply heat protectant products.
  

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You may finish styling with cold hair blowing; this will help close the cuticles and make hair smooth and shiny.

A Bonus Speed-Drying Hack
A tricky way to save time drying your hair is not washing it at all. In fact, there are many good reasons to stop washing hair daily, and escaping the chance to stress your hair with the drying routine is just one of them.

Wash less frequently or use dry shampoos every other day, and your hair will be more than grateful.

Bottom Line
​Drying your hair fast does not need to harm your tresses. Blot the moisture and rough-dry your mane, then blow dry it with warm air, holding the hairdryer at a distance and moving it around. Finish with some cold air blowing to fix your hairstyle, and here you are, ready to go out sporting your gorgeous, healthy and shiny hair.

1 Classic Bob

While a bob is a great option year-round, it’s especially choice come winter. There’s no need to worry about your ends getting caught on the collar of your coat or wrapped up in a scarf, not to mention that a bob is quick and easy to style anytime, anywhere, says Gina Rivera, hairstylist and owner of Phenix Salons and By Gina. While there’s no shortage of ways to wear a bob (versatility for the win), this cut is best for those with fine to medium hair. With thicker hair, your risk ending up with an unflattering, triangular or helmet-like shape, notes Austin-based stylist Michelle Pasterski. The other important part? “Don’t wimp out on the length,” says Pasterski. “A ‘lob’ doesn’t have all of these same benefits." A classic bob should hit about mid-neck.

2 French Girl Bob

Already rocking a bob and want to change it up? Consider going even shorter with this trendy new take on the classic cut, suggests Gia Wendt, a stylist at SPACE by Alex Brown in Chicago. Surprisingly low maintenance, it too can be styled a number of ways, and works well with bangs, as seen here, or without. Plus, it looks super chic skimming a turtleneck or peeking out from under a wool beret, says Wendt.

3 Textured Curls

Embrace your natural curls for not only an on-trend winter hairstyle, but also one that will be less damaging. Dry indoor heat coupled with the cold, dry weather outside can take a toll on your hair, zapping it of moisture and shine. The less you can shampoo and heat style, the better, which is why this look is so good; it doesn’t require daily shampooing and blow-drying, points out Rivera. Just refresh your curls in between washes with a hydrating, curl-reviving product. The other upshot? “This is also a great look if you’ll be wearing a hat, scarf, or earmuffs, since you don’t have to worry about them messing up your style,” she says.

4 Curtain Bangs

If you’ve been pondering fringe for a while, now’s the time to make the cut. “Bangs are a great winter addition. With the lack of humidity, it’s easier to keep them smooth and flat, and you don’t have to worry about them getting greasy from a sweaty forehead,” says Dani Hauflaire, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. Curtain bangs—a choppy bang that softly splits in the center—allow for a good amount of styling versatility, and are nice way to help frame your eyes when you’re wearing a mask, adds Wendt. The other nice option? If you don’t love them, they’ll naturally grow out into soft, face-framing layers that you’ll be able to pull back, adds Hauflaire.

5 Clavicut

One of the best winter hairstyles for those who prefer to sport longer length is the clavicut. “Dry winter air can leave old dry ends extra staticky and nasty, so consider taking off at least a few inches so your hair ends right below the collarbone,” Pasterski says. “Plus, you’ll have less hair to blow dry, which is always nice given that you probably don’t want to run out of the house with wet hair in the middle of winter." This length is also ultra-versatile; it’s pretty worn down, either straight or with texture, but also long enough to pull up. Top tip: If you’re sporting a winter hat, run a little bit of a styling cream or oil through the visible lengths to add polish and smooth out errant hairs, says Pasterski.

6 Pixie

Pixies are a good pick for those with fine hair, as they can create the illusion of texture and thickness, Rivera says. The caveat: There are all kinds of nuanced difference among pixie cuts, so “make sure to bring photos of ones you like and don’t like,” she advises. Stock up on some cute accessories, think fun clips or bobby pins too, as they’re a great way to tamp down unruly winter hair and add a festive touch.

7 Lots of Length

​If you’ve been growing out your hair and want to keep doing so, but are craving a little refresh or subtle change, ask for lots of face-framing layers and movement, suggests Wendt. Hauflaire agrees, pointing out that a cut like this works well for the season because it’s all about the length, rather than creating volume at the root that will just get crushed under a winter hat. That being said, “the key to any long style is hydration, especially during the winter,” she notes. (It’s the secret to warding off errant frizzies and static), so make sure to load up on moisturizing stylers.

​8 Shag

The shag remains a popular winter hairstyle season after season. “Adding shorter layers helps eliminate some of the dry ends that come with winter, while still maintaining length,” explains Hauflaire, who adds that this is another good haircut that works well with or without bangs. As an added benefit, it’s also a great low-maintenance option, a nice plus if you’re trying to minimize salon visits these days. You’ll be able to get through the whole winter without having to come in for a trim, says Wendt.