Bye, Bye Dry

All you ever wanted to know about dandruff, and then some!

Think you've got dandruff or dry scalp?  Let me tell ya two important things to remember.

1.  You are not alone.  (Nearly every person who walks into the salon is dealing with it right now.)

2.  You can manage it.  (Read on…)

Do I have Dandruff or Dry Scalp?

Dandruff scalp

Dandruff is a clinical condition called Pityriasis and is mainly caused by overproduction of sebum (oil) in the sebaceous glands on the scalp.  Genetic disposition, hair type that is very dense and doesn’t allow proper aeration of scalp, and thick balms and gels can trap bacteria which create dandruff.  Dandruff is NOT white and NOT flakey like you see on the Head and Shoulders commercials.  Due to the combo of sebum, sweat and products, it is usually yellow or orange, clings to the scalp and covers wide areas.

Dry Scalp

Dry scalp is what we most commonly see in the salon.  It occurs due to the under secretion of the sebaceous glands.  The glands are dehydrated causing dry skin on the scalp which results in scaly white flakes which can be sloughed off.  You are most likely to have dry scalp if you live or have spent time in a cold, dry climate zone.  This is why dry scalp is more prevalent in the winter.  And this is why we see so much dry scalp in our salon which is located in a cold, dry climate zone! (You may also be susceptible to dry scalp in the summer when the AC is blasting in your office all day.)  Remember, a nutritional deficiency is another cause behind dry scalp.  Lack of fatty acids, dehydration and caffeine can contribute to dry scalp problems.

Diagnosis complete…now what?!

Treament is quite easy and when possible go the home remedy route.  If you think you have dandruff, most of the anti dandruff shampoos on the market will take care of you problem ie: Head and Shoulders, Neutrogena T-Gel etc.  If you have severe dandruff you should see a dermatologist. 

Otherwise, we don’t suggest using anti dandruff shampoos for those who have dry scalp.  In fact, those shampoos can just perpetuate the problem because they contain alcohol which dries out the sebaceous glands even more.   Here are some simple steps to follow:

•         Wash your hair as needed. 
•      Avoid using an abundance of products in your hair until you get the problem under control. 
•      Condition your hair and use the conditioner ON the scalp, massaging it into the skin.  (Yes, I know we don’t normally suggest this because it’s harder to create volume on over-moisturized hair, but in this case your head needs the moisture.)
•      BRUSH your head.  Not just your hair strands.  Brush the scalp to help loosen the flakes, improve circulation and encourage sebum to the surface.  (Remember the old adage? Brush your hair 100 strokes per day.)
•      (Here’s my personal favorite.)  Brush your scalp gently to loosen the flakes and then use olive oil, vitamin E oil, or massage oil and rub it in gently all over the scalp with your fingertips.  You can even heat it up if you’d like.  Let it soak in for 15-20 minutes or even better, overnight.  Just make sure to cover your head with a scarf and use an old pillow case that night.  Then brush your scalp lightly and shampoo.  You may need to shampoo your hair two times.  Follow with conditioner.
•      While you are trying to remedy the dry scalp, use the blow dryer on the low heat setting, avoid over styling with products, don’t scratch or pick at your scalp and opt for lukewarm water in the shower vs. steaming hot water.

Of course eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and veggies helps the appearance of skin (and scalp!) in general, along with supplements like Vitamin E and Fish Oils.  Always consult your doctor if your problem persists.

Ahhhh, normal scalp!

Here’s to a happy, healthy, flake free scalp!