Scalp problems

Scalp problems: causes and solutions

Do you have dandruff or a dry or oily scalp? Is your scalp sensitive or irritated? These symptoms can be seriously uncomfortable if left untreated and may even influence the quality of your scalp and your hair. If your scalp is dry or oily, your hair probably is too.

Many people attribute their scalp problems to their hair. They buy products for dry or greasy hair, while the problem is really their scalp. The result: the scalp problems persist and could ultimately lead to hair loss.

Maintaining a healthy scalp is therefore important. Below we briefly explain the most common scalp problems, how to recognize them, and how to treat them.

What is dandruff?

With dandruff you suffer from yellowish, greasy flakes on the scalp. At least half of the people suffer from dandruff at some point. If you have it once, there is a good chance that you will suffer from it more often. Many people confuse dandruff on the scalp with dry scalp. With a dry scalp, the flakes are white in color and a lot finer, they are also not stuck on the scalp as is often the case with dandruff. Dandruff is a harmless, but annoying condition of the scalp that many people suffer from and which unfortunately often returns.

In people who suffer from dandruff, the scalp cells renew too quickly. With a healthy scalp, the skin continuously renews itself, the cells in the skin divide and form a new layer each time. The old cells die and let go. The resulting flakes are not visible to the naked eye. In people with dandruff, the cells of the skin divide twice as fast. These cells stick together and then form flakes that are visible.

Dandruff is easy to treat with our Scalp Treatment Kit Dandruff: a three-step plan that includes a pre-treatment product, a shampoo, and a conditioner. These products penetrate deep into the scalp and target even the most stubborn dandruff.

What is dry scalp?

Does your scalp feel tight, itchy, and dry? Do you see small white flakes? If so, your scalp is probably extremely dry. To determine whether it’s dry scalp or dandruff, have a good look at the flakes. With dry scalp, the flakes are usually small, dry, and white. With dandruff, the flakes are larger, greasier, and whitish-yellow.

Dry scalp can have various causes, with age, hormonal changes, and stress being the most common. Heredity, temperature changes, poor eating habits, and aggressive hair products also influence scalp health. With dry scalp, the skin renewal and shedding process is disrupted, which causes the skin to lose moisture and feel dry.

A dry, itchy scalp is extremely irritating. Fortunately, this problem can be easily treated with our Scalp Treatment Kit Dry Scalp: a three-step plan that includes a pre-treatment product, a hydrating shampoo, and a moisturizing conditioner that nourishes the scalp.

What is an oily scalp?

If your hair is greasy or oily, your first instinct is to wash it, right? But what if it gets greasy again right after you wash it? In this case, the problem isn’t oily hair but an oily scalp, which isn’t something you can fix by washing your hair every day. Doing nothing is also not an option: left untreated, an oily scalp can cause clogged hair follicles and sebum build-up, which increases the risk of hair loss.

An oily scalp can have several causes, ranging from hormonal changes, an unhealthy diet, and stress to heredity and using the wrong haircare products. With an oily scalp, the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, an oily substance that protects against infection and bacteria in normal quantities.

An oily scalp feels uncomfortable and can have serious consequences in the long term. Start treating it right away with our Scalp Treatment Kit Oily Scalp: a three-step plan that includes a pre-treatment product, a shampoo that prevents excessive sebum production, and a nourishing conditioner.

What are other scalp problems?

In addition to dandruff and a dry or oily scalp, other common scalp problems include:

Psoriasis capitis
This condition is common among people who have skin psoriasis. With this form of psoriasis, the scalp becomes scaly and itchy. If left untreated, it can even lead to hair loss. Read more about this scalp problem in our blog about psoriasis.

Scalp sensitivity
If your scalp is painful, red, tingly, or itchy, you may have extremely sensitive skin. Scalp sensitivity is often caused by using the wrong shampoo or by microinflammation and responds well to treatment.

Seborrheic dermatitis
This is a mild form of eczema that causes redness, itchiness, and scaly patches on the scalp. It is caused by an overproduction of yeast on the skin and can be easily treated with the right products.

Treat scalp problems on time

Scalp problems often cause red, itchy, and flaky skin, which can even lead to hair loss in the long term. That’s why it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you address scalp issues, the faster you’ll be symptom-free and the healthier your hair will be.