What are the white flakes that stick to my scalp?

Author: Jaren Collins  |  Last update: Sunday, June 1, 2025

Dandruff is a common condition that causes flaking of the skin on the scalp producing small, loose, gray or white flakes. These flakes are typically larger than what is seen with dry scalp. Scalp associated with dandruff is typically itchy, oily and scaly but not inflamed.

Why is there white stuff stuck to my scalp?

Scalp 101

Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells. It's hard for shampoo alone to wash away your oily scalp issues. And issues like stress and weather can increase the scalp's sebum production, making you even oilier.

How do I get rid of white flakes on my scalp?

6 Tips to Fight Flakes
  1. Wash your hair often. ...
  2. If lots of washes with a regular shampoo aren't working, try dandruff shampoo. ...
  3. When using dandruff shampoo, lather twice and let the lather sit for 5 minutes. ...
  4. Use a conditioner after a dandruff shampoo. ...
  5. Try not to scratch if flakes itch.

Is it bad to scratch sebum off the scalp?

Scratching can disrupt the oil layer and add fungus to the scalp. Both of these are factors in dandruff and can trigger flaking. The skin sheds to get rid of the irritant or foreign object, and scratching just adds more of that.

How do you get rid of sticky flakes on your scalp?

For mild dandruff, first try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.

Is It Dandruff Or A Dry Scalp? Here's What You Need To Know

How to get rid of sebum buildup on scalp?

A person can often treat their scalp buildup at home by using a shampoo and conditioner most suitable for their hair. Avoiding certain products, keeping the hair clean and groomed, and moisturizing the scalp can also help. A person should talk to their doctor if they cannot get rid of the scalp buildup on their own.

When I scratch my scalp, white stuff comes off.?

What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis? Itchy white flakes of skin on your scalp (dandruff). When scratched, the flakes come loose, mix in with your hair, or fall onto your neck and shoulders.

Is it bad to pick out sebum?

You should avoid squeezing your sebaceous filaments. Sebaceous filaments are natural, and if you manage to squeeze out sebum, your pores will fill up again within 30 days. Your skin is sensitive, and your nails are much stronger than your skin.

Does excess sebum on scalp cause hair loss?

The effect of excess sebum on hair is quite stark, as blocked pores can lead to thinning of your hair, and in extreme cases even hair loss. The flipside of excess sebum is inadequate sebum production. This can lead to drying out of your scalp and hair, which leads to a flaky scalp that is prone to damage and itching.

What are the white crusty bits on my scalp?

Dandruff causes white or grey flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair. The flakes are often more noticeable in darker hair and if they fall from your scalp onto your shoulders. Your scalp may also feel dry and itchy.

How do I permanently get rid of flakes on my scalp?

Combine equal amounts of coconut oil and lemon juice and massage the mixture on your scalp. Keep it for about 10-15 minutes and rinse your hair thoroughly. This will not only help you get rid of dandruff but also boost hair growth and nourishment.

Why do I still have flakes after washing my hair?

An overgrowth of Malassezia is the most common cause of persistent dandruff. Malassezia feeds on sebum and dead skin cells, leading to an accelerated skin cell turnover. Factors like humidity, temperature, and personal hygiene can influence the growth of Malassezia, contributing to dandruff.

What are the small hard white flakes on my scalp?

Seborrheic dermatitis signs and symptoms may include: Flaking skin (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache. Patches of greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales or crust on the scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, chest, armpits, groin area or under the breasts.

What happens if too much sebum is produced?

An overproduction of sebum can lead to oily skin. People with oily skin may notice that their pores look larger, and their skin appears greasy or shiny. Excess sebum combined with dead skin cells can form a plug inside the pore, resulting in blackheads and pimples.

What can be mistaken for seborrheic dermatitis?

Psoriasis and dermatitis – especially seborrheic dermatitis – can look similar. Both look like patches of red skin with flakes of skin on top of and around the redness. However, in psoriasis, the scales are often thicker and the edges of those scales are well-defined.

When I squeeze my nose pores, white stuff comes out.?

If a person squeezes or 'extracts' a sebaceous filament, a white or yellow worm-like structure may ooze out. Or, the filament may not produce anything. Trying to extract sebaceous filaments can injure the skin and cause scarring. It can also damage and stretch the pore, making it appear bigger.

What are the sand like grains on my scalp?

Sometimes when we touch our scalp with fingertips, especially in case of oily skin and if we are particularly careful, we might feel some very small sand grains. These are nothing but sebum leftovers, dandruff or “pollution” which lie on the scalp and prevent it from breathing properly.

How to deep clean scalp build up?

Use a Clarifying Shampoo

Both Rubin and Shirazi recommend using a clarifying shampoo to tackle buildup. There are many kinds of formulations, with certain ingredients being better for curly or damaged hair. No matter which one you select, Shirazi says to use clarifying shampoo on wet hair focusing on the scalp.

When I scratch my head, my nails are filled with white stuff.?

While it may not be visible at first glance, a simple scratch on your scalp could reveal tiny flakes around the part in your hair or even a white, oily substance under your nails. That substance is a high concentration of scalp sebum, along with some product buildup, sweat, and dead skin cells.

What is the best scalp exfoliator?

  • Best Overall. Christophe Robin Purifying Scalp Scrub with Sea Salt. ...
  • Best for Dry Scalps. Goop G. ...
  • Best Shampoo. Briogeo Scalp Revival Micro-Exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo. ...
  • Best Multitasker. Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub. ...
  • Best for Thick Hair. Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub. ...
  • Best for Oily Hair. Philip B. ...
  • Best Budget. ...
  • Best Drugstore.

What dissolves sebum?

Regular use of a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliant for sebaceous filaments can really help, because BHA is oil-soluble and can dissolve sebum and other substances crowding the pore lining. Use of a well-formulated clay face mask for sebaceous filaments might also help due to the clay's oil-absorbing properties.

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