An unhealthy scalp is characterized by dryness, flaking, itching or excessive build up. The hair may break easily, fall out or the texture of the hair may change. What steps can a client take to ensure a healthy scalp at home? Clients should cleanse their scalp regularly.
In addition to your hair, you can also use the tissue paper test to help determine your scalp type. "If you blot tissue paper on the scalp of a normal hair type two days after washing, it will leave a small translucent area," says Dr. Lombardi.
“A healthy scalp should be clear of flakes and irritation or redness, and it should be free of dryness, or any signs of infection, or disruption of the skin on the scalp.” Any itchiness, irritation or burning sensations might be signs of an unhealthy scalp.
Unfortunately, an unhealthy scalp can be triggered by us simply going about our daily routines. Stress, hormonal changes, stress, sweat, a bad diet, a chemical-laden conditioner, stubborn dead skin and general product buildup can quickly trigger issues.
There are a lot of products out there — conditioners, serums, shampoos — that promise to heal and restore dry, damaged hair. Sadly, there's really no way to heal damaged hair. Hair is not a living tissue with regenerative abilities, so it can't heal. It has no nervous system, blood, or living cells.
Scalp Problems: Dandruff, Lice, Cradle Cap, Psoriasis, Ringworm, & More.
A scalp yeast infection causes an itchy rash on your scalp. The rash may be red or purple and appear in patches of various shapes. The rash may crack and crusts may form. This crusting could cause hair loss.
Signs of the skin inflammation. The condition can lead to flakiness, redness, dandruff and other scalp buildup — and sometimes it's sign of other conditions. Flaky scalp, itchiness and painful patches can all be signs of scalp dermatitis, an inflammation of the scalp that can have as many causes as it does symptoms.
Sebum buildup appears as white or yellowish oily residue on the scalp. It sometimes produces flakes on the scalp and may be mistaken for dandruff, scalp eczema, or psoriasis.
It is never too late to start hair loss treatments as long as you have some healthy hair follicles. However, the sooner you begin treatment, the better results you will get. Think of it like a lawn. A lawn that has lots of grass seeds is going to react well to fertilizer.
“The scalp is incredibly rich in blood supply, nerve endings, and oil glands. Additionally, this yeast (pityrosporum) builds up, leading to dandruff. The combination of these factors can cause inflammation, which translates to sensitivity that can feel like your hair hurting.”
A visible scalp can be attributed to hair type, color, and density, as well as hair loss or thinning due to various factors such as age, genetics, or health conditions. Fine, light-colored hair may make the scalp more noticeable, while thicker, darker hair may hide it more effectively.
Scalp fungus, or tinea capitis, is a type of fungal infection that affects your skin and hair. It won't turn you into a zombie, but it can alter your appearance. Scalp fungus is often referred to as scalp ringworm.
SO WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR SCALP?:
YELLOW: You may have overactive sebum secretion clogging your follicles. It's a sign of scalp oxidization. Must start using the right hair care products and reflect on your lifestyle. PINK: Your scalp is weak and showing decreased micro-circulation throughout the scalp.
If a scalp or hair disorder is accompanied by pain, sensitivity, burning, or itching, consult a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible. This may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.
Although dandruff and hair loss often occur independently, there is sometimes a link. Dry scalp can become a chronic problem that not only causes an itchy scalp and flakes but can also lead to thinning hair and hair loss.
"A healthy scalp is pink in tone, well hydrated, smooth, and free of flakes and any redness," says Abe Ayesh, a hair specialist and CEO of Eternal Hair & Esthetics, a clinic that specializes in hair restoration and aesthetic procedures. "When brushing your hair, there also shouldn't be any pain or flakes."
Going a long time without washing your hair can cause a buildup of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia on your scalp. Over time, this leads to a layer of dead skin cells that shed from your head in the form of oily, yellow-ish dandruff flakes. Dandruff can also make your scalp red, scaly, and itchy.