Applying conditioner on the roots is the most common mistake. “Since the scalp produces natural sebum to nourish the roots, applying conditioner on the scalp will further make the roots too greasy and flat,” says Motwani. Silicones are also commonly found in conditioners and they will cause build-up on the scalp.
Applying conditioner at your roots can weigh down your hair and cause your roots to appear greasy, even right after you've washed your hair. To avoid both, it's best to only apply conditioner on your lengths and ends.
The dandruff causing fungus grows exponentially and leads to a breakout. You'll notice this scenario when you have dry hair but an extremely oil scalp. So, if you employ hair conditioners in this situation, it can open your hair strands and allow the scalp oil to flow freely down to the tips of your hair.
Slathering it on the roots
"When you shampoo your hair, the objective is to cleanse the scalp of any oils or product buildup—and when you apply conditioner to the scalp area after washing it, you are putting those same oils back to the area you just cleaned," says celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland.
Application of the conditioner on the scalp can make the roots oilier and cause the hair to flatten. Over conditioning or improper rinsing can make the hair dull, lifeless, and prone to breakage.
When conditioner is placed onto the scalp, and then not properly rinsed out, it can lead to the production of excess oil. Most conditioners have some form of oil in them. So, if you already have a problem with oily hair or oily scalp, adding the conditioner onto the scalp can only contribute more to this issue.
Just like regular conditioner, deep conditioners are also meant for your hair strands and not the scalp. Your scalp generates sebum to keep your hair roots moisturised and can make your hair a bit greasy. Adding a moisturising conditioner to the roots will only make your scalp and hair greasy.
Applying conditioner on the roots is the most common mistake. “Since the scalp produces natural sebum to nourish the roots, applying conditioner on the scalp will further make the roots too greasy and flat,” says Motwani. Silicones are also commonly found in conditioners and they will cause build-up on the scalp.
Your hair feels limp when you put too much conditioner on your hair. As over-conditioning adds too much moisture to the locks, your hair becomes very soft, looks sticky, and loses its natural volume. Also, it will look thin and feel heavy due to a lack of volume.
Conditioner adds vitamins and nutrients back to the hair and scalp, and prevents over-drying. It's like a moisturizer for your scalp and hair, so stock up.
Apply a Hair Oil or Serum
If dandruff isn't your main issue, "there are scalp serums, lotions, and oils that can moisturize the scalp just like you would moisturize other skin areas," says Rubin. Replenish the scalp's moisture directly with an oil or a serum specifically intended for the scalp and hair.
The answer to this is that you should condition your hair every time you wash it, without a doubt. When we wash our hair, we're cleansing it of dirt and impurities. Shampoo opens the hair's cuticle as it cleanses, while conditioner seals the hair's cuticle to lock in nutrients.
"Leaving conditioner on for too long can weigh hair down or make it feel oily," says Arrojo. Experts agree that 2 to 3 minutes will generally do the trick.
If the skin on your head is itchy and flaking, you may have dry scalp. The condition occurs when your scalp loses too much moisture. Hair care products, the weather, age and various skin conditions can cause dry scalp.
When you don't drink enough water, the scalp can become dry and damaged, causing flaking, itching, scratching…even broken skin. This weakened skin is less effective as a barrier between you and your environment. If you're prone to dandruff, the irritants on your scalp trigger dandruff more easily than normal.
Avoid putting conditioner on your roots and scalp.
Conditioner is formulated to moisturize hair, not skin. If you apply it to your scalp, it can clog your pores and lead to buildup and itchiness. Only condition your hair from the mid-lengths to the ends.
While your hair does need both, they don't need to be used at the same time. Unlike shampoo, conditioner can be used everyday, as it re-hydrates hair and replenishes nutrients. You might also want to consider conditioning on the days you don't shampoo (remember, keep that to two or three days a week).
Shampoo and conditioner aren't intended for the whole head. "Shampoo is made to clean the scalp, so that should always be your focus in the shower — not shampooing from top to ends.
Hair products: Hair gels, mousses, oils, ointments, and heavy conditioners can trap sebum on the scalp, causing a rapid buildup—particularly if you don't wash your hair regularly.
The flakes are dead skin cells that visibly accumulate on the scalp or even shoulders. This is why a dandruff shampoo and conditioner can be so useful in treating dandruff.