Clients come into the salon all the time asking me if their scalp is healthy? Let’s go over a couple common scalp conditions and talk about what you can do at home to treat them, and when it’s time to turn to the professionals. I am not a scalp expert but I do see a lot of them daily behind the chair and I have heard enough of the pleading for information. So, I have been doing some digging for all of us and in this post I plan to go over the 3 most common scalp conditions and the things you can do to prevent them and/or treat them if you’ve already got them. I will also touch on some more serious conditions and point you in the direction of who to turn to next for advice. As a stylist, I’ve seen firsthand how the winter months can cause havoc on our scalps. The cold weather combined with indoor heating can lead to dry, itchy, and flaky scalps.
Alrighty, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of scalp conditions!
“I told my scalp it needed to get its act together, but it just brushed me off!”
-ChatGPT
Dry Scalp…
First up, let’s talk about dry scalp. Now, contrary to popular belief, it’s not caused by wearing a beanie all winter long (although that certainly doesn’t help). No, dry scalp is often caused by a lack of moisture in the air, which can lead to our skin and scalp drying out faster than a raisin in the sun. The good news is that we can combat this by using ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera, which are known for their hydrating and soothing properties.
The way to determine if your scalp issues are dry scalp, is to put some type of moisturizer on it, like lotion. Put some lotion on your scalp the night before you are going to wash in the morning and if your flakiness has gone away or subsided slightly, you likely have dry scalp and not anything more serious. The flakes that are coming off of your scalp can be confused with dandruff and many other conditions that have similar flakiness. You want to observe that your flakes are white in color and the piece may appear smaller than its stunt double buddy dandruff. If your dryness keeps coming back, it may be time to visit your hairstylist for something a bit more aggressive, like a scalp exfoliating treatment.
While it’s true that San Francisco is often foggy and humid, there are still a few reasons why your scalp might be dry. One possible explanation is that the air conditioning or heating inside your home or workplace could be affecting the moisture levels in the air, leading to a dry scalp.
A common question I get from my clients is, why is my hair dry, I only wash it once a week? Even if you’re only washing your hair once a week, there are still several factors that could be contributing to a dry scalp. For example, certain hair products can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Another possible factor is that your scalp may not be producing enough natural oils to keep it properly moisturized. This can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, age, and hormonal changes. In some cases, medical conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can also cause dryness and itching on the scalp.
Dandruff…
Moving on to dandruff, the pesky flakes that can make us feel like a walking snow globe. Dandruff is caused by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells on the scalp, which can create the perfect breeding ground for yeast (eww). These flakes tend to be more intense than those of a dry scalp. In density and in quantity. Dandruff flakes can be a bit yellowish in color compared to the paler dry scalp flakes and can be greasy and oily. To combat dandruff, we need ingredients that will help to exfoliate the scalp and balance its pH levels. Enter salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione, which are both commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos and used during scalp exfoliation treatments.
While it’s true that fungi and other microorganisms can thrive in warm, moist environments, simply not showering regularly is not enough to give your scalp a fungus. In fact, regular showering and hair washing can help to remove excess oils, dead skin cells, and other debris that can contribute to fungal growth.
That being said, certain fungal infections of the scalp, such as ringworm, can be spread through direct contact with infected individuals or objects. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors such as a weakened immune system or prolonged use of antibiotics can increase the risk of fungal infections
Putting your hair in a bun while it’s wet is not likely to give you a fungus in your scalp. However, it’s important to note that excess moisture and warmth can create an environment that is conducive to fungal growth. If you frequently put your hair in a bun while it’s wet and leave it there for an extended period of time, you may be trapping moisture against your scalp, which could increase your risk of developing a fungal infection.
To help prevent fungal infections on the scalp, it’s important to practice good hygiene habits such as washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo, avoiding sharing combs, brushes, or hats with others, and avoiding prolonged exposure to warm and moist environments.
A more Serious type of Dandruff….
Now, let’s not forget about that lovely combination of oily and itchy scalp, also known as seborrheic dermatitis that can be found on other parts of the body that grow hair as well as the scalp. This condition is caused by an overproduction of oil on the scalp or skin, which can create inflammation and irritation. This condition causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff and can affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest. To tackle this, we need ingredients like coal tar and ketoconazole, which can help to reduce oil production and fight off any pesky yeast or bacteria hanging out on the scalp. If after implementing an at home regime including these ingredients, if this issue persists, it is time to reach out to your health care provider or a dermatologist to further assist you with this problem.
It should be said that an in salon exfoliating treatment might not be the best option for you if you have these symptoms. Please be honest about the symptoms you have when consulting with your hairstylist before you get an exfoliation treatment done to your scalp as it could make a condition worse.
Some things to start doing to prevent these conditions…
If you’re experiencing dry scalp despite the wet weather recently in San Francisco, there are a few things you can do to help soothe and moisturize your scalp. First, try using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo that is free of harsh sulfates and other drying ingredients. You can also try using a leave-in conditioner or scalp treatment to help hydrate your scalp and lock in moisture.
A scalp exfoliation treatment can also help with this condition by removing the dead skin cells and buildup of oil and dirt, we can help to rebalance the scalp and reduce the likelihood of dandruff.
Many of us are familiar with exfoliating our skin to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. Well, the same concept applies to your scalp! By exfoliating your scalp, we can remove any buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and product residue that may be clogging your hair follicles and causing irritation.
Some common scalp conditions that can be treated with an in-salon scalp exfoliation treatment include:
- Dry, flaky scalp: As mentioned before, the cold winter months can lead to dry scalps. By exfoliating, we can remove any dry, flaky skin and hydrate the scalp, leaving it feeling soft and nourished.
- Dandruff: Dandruff is a common scalp condition that is caused by the overgrowth of yeast on the scalp. This can lead to itchiness and flakes. By exfoliating the scalp, we can remove any excess yeast and reduce the appearance of dandruff.
- Product buildup: If you’re someone who uses a lot of styling products, you may notice that your hair feels heavy and weighed down. This is because product
After a scalp exfoliation treatment, your scalp may feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and invigorated.
Here’s a more detailed description of how your scalp may feel:
- Clean: The exfoliation treatment will remove any buildup of dead skin cells, excess oil, and product buildup, leaving your scalp feeling clean and refreshed.
- Smooth: The removal of dead skin cells and buildup can also leave your scalp feeling smoother and softer to the touch.
- Tingly: The massage action of the exfoliation treatment can stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which may create a tingling or invigorating sensation.
- Hydrated: Depending on the products used in the treatment, your scalp may feel more hydrated and moisturized, which can alleviate dryness and flakiness.
- Sensitive: It’s normal for your scalp to feel a bit more sensitive or tender immediately after the treatment, especially if it was your first time receiving a scalp exfoliation.
Overall, your scalp should feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a scalp exfoliation treatment. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, it’s important to communicate with your stylist or salon immediately, as they can assess whether it’s normal or if there may be an issue that needs to be addressed
While scalp exfoliation treatments are generally safe and well-tolerated, there are some possible side effects that you should be aware of before receiving a treatment.
Here are some of the most common side effects that you may experience:
- Redness or irritation: It’s possible for your scalp to become slightly red or irritated after a scalp exfoliation treatment. This is usually temporary and should subside within a few hours.
- Sensitivity: Your scalp may feel more sensitive or tender immediately after the treatment, especially if it was your first time receiving a scalp exfoliation.
- Dryness: Depending on the products used in the treatment, your scalp may feel slightly dry after the treatment. This is usually temporary and can be addressed by applying a moisturizing scalp treatment or oil.
- Flakiness: If your scalp was particularly dry or had a lot of buildup, you may experience some flakiness or shedding in the days following the treatment. This is usually temporary and can be addressed by using a gentle, hydrating scalp treatment or shampoo.
Here are the general steps for a proper and effective scalp exfoliation treatment in a salon:
- Consultation: The stylist will consult with you to assess your scalp condition and determine the appropriate treatment method and products for your specific needs.
- Pre-treatment: The stylist may apply a pre-treatment product or oil to your scalp to help soften and prepare it for exfoliation.
- Exfoliation: The stylist will use a gentle exfoliating product or tool, such as a scalp scrub or brush, to massage the scalp and remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and product buildup. They may focus on specific areas of the scalp that need extra attention.
- Cleansing: After exfoliation, the stylist will shampoo and cleanse your hair and scalp to remove any remaining product and debris.
- Conditioning: The stylist may apply a conditioning treatment to your hair and scalp to soothe and moisturize it after exfoliation.
- Drying and styling: Finally, the stylist will dry and style your hair as desired, using products that are appropriate for your scalp and hair type.
It’s important to note that the specific steps and products used in a scalp exfoliation treatment may vary depending on your individual needs and the salon’s protocol. It’s best to consult with a stylist or salon before scheduling a scalp exfoliation treatment to ensure that it’s appropriate for your scalp condition and that you understand what to expect from the treatment
In conclusion, if you’re experiencing dry, itchy, or flaky scalp, or dandruff, then an in-salon scalp exfoliation treatment could be just what you need to get your scalp back to a healthy state. Don’t let the winter weather get the best of your hair and scalp.
Another Question I get a lot is, about if these scalp conditions are causing them to lose hair?
As we age our bodies and hair change. Dry scalp, dandruff, and other scalp conditions may contribute to hair loss in some cases, although the relationship between scalp health and hair loss is complex and not fully understood. For example, excessive itching and scratching of the scalp due to dandruff or other conditions can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss over time. Similarly, conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis can cause inflammation and scarring on the scalp, which may also contribute to hair loss.
Additionally, some scalp conditions may be caused by an underlying medical condition or nutrient deficiency, which can also impact hair health and contribute to hair loss. For example, conditions such as alopecia areata, lupus, or thyroid disorders may cause hair loss in addition to scalp symptoms
Not washing your hair often does not directly cause hair loss. However, if you go too long without washing your hair, excess oil, sweat, and dead skin cells can accumulate on your scalp, which may lead to inflammation, itching, and flaking. This can damage your hair follicles and contribute to hair loss over time.
Additionally, if you’re not washing your hair often enough, you may be missing an opportunity to remove hair care products, environmental pollutants, and other debris that can build up on your scalp and cause irritation or inflammation. This can also contribute to hair loss.
On the other hand, washing your hair too frequently or using harsh hair care products can also damage your hair and lead to breakage or hair loss. It’s important to find a balance and determine a hair washing frequency that works best for your hair type and scalp health.
If you’re experiencing persistent hair loss, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or other interventions to help promote healthy hair growth.
There is some evidence to suggest that an anti-candida diet may be helpful for treating itchy scalp caused by candida overgrowth. Candida is a type of yeast that is naturally present on our skin and scalp, but can sometimes overgrow and lead to itching, inflammation, and other symptoms.
An anti-candida diet typically involves eliminating foods that are high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and other simple carbohydrates that can feed candida. Instead, the diet emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
While there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that an anti-candida diet may be helpful for treating itchy scalp, it’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. Additionally, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure that you are following a healthy and balanced diet that meets your individual needs.
Additionally, some scalp conditions may be caused by an underlying medical condition or nutrient deficiency, which can also impact hair health and contribute to hair loss. For example, conditions such as alopecia areata, lupus, or thyroid disorders may cause hair loss in addition to scalp symptoms.
There are several more serious scalp conditions that can cause significant discomfort and require medical attention.
Here are some examples:
- Scalp psoriasis: This autoimmune disorder causes red, scaly patches on the scalp that may be itchy or painful.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition causes oily, yellowish, and scaly patches on the scalp that can be itchy and uncomfortable.
- Folliculitis: This infection of the hair follicles can cause redness, inflammation, and tenderness on the scalp, as well as small bumps or pustules.
- Alopecia areata: This autoimmune condition causes hair loss in patches on the scalp, as well as other areas of the body.
- Scalp ringworm: This fungal infection can cause circular, scaly patches on the scalp that may be itchy or painful.
- Scalp folliculitis decalvans: This rare condition causes inflammation and scarring of hair follicles on the scalp, which can lead to permanent hair loss.
Any scalp treatment offered in a salon is contingent upon the scalp being in an appropriate condition for the service. If a stylist or salon notices any signs of a serious scalp condition, they may decline to offer the treatment and refer you to a medical professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Scalp exfoliation can be a beneficial treatment for several scalp conditions, including:
- Dandruff: Scalp exfoliation can help to remove excess oil, dead skin cells, and product buildup that can contribute to dandruff.
- Scalp acne: Exfoliation can help to unclog hair follicles and remove excess oil, which can reduce the occurrence of scalp acne.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: Mild exfoliation can help to remove flakes and reduce inflammation on the scalp associated with this condition.
- Scalp dryness: Exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy circulation, which can help to alleviate dryness and flakiness on the scalp.
- Hair loss: Although scalp exfoliation cannot directly treat hair loss, it can help to remove buildup and promote healthy circulation on the scalp, which may improve the overall health of the hair and scalp.
It’s important to note that scalp exfoliation should be done in moderation and with care, as excessive or harsh exfoliation can cause further irritation and damage to the scalp. If you’re considering a scalp exfoliation treatment, it’s best to consult with a stylist or dermatologist to determine the appropriate method and frequency for your specific scalp needs
It’s always best to communicate any concerns you have about your scalp with your stylist or salon prior to receiving any treatment, so they can assess whether the treatment is appropriate for you or whether you need to seek medical advice.
So, there you have it, folks! A little insight into what causes our scalp woes and how we can combat them with some key ingredients. And remember, if all else fails, just tell your scalp to chill out and take a vacation. It’s been working hard all winter long, and it deserves a little break!
