ByN. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
September 2, 2020 (IANSlife) Scalp related problems can be difficult to identify and address. These issues can lead to a multitude of problems itchiness, hair fall, rough texture etc. Hair expert Sareena Acharya, Artistic Head, Enrich Salon shares tips on how you can identify your scalp type and what recommended course of action could be taken.
Dry Scalp Is when your skin produces or holds less or no Sebum, Sebum is the natural lubricant/moisturiser of your skin. Dry Scalp can cause itching, flaking, irritation and redness. It might also cause the hair to look dry. These flakes are smaller in size and white in colour.
People with dry skin are more prone to Dry scalp. The condition can also be caused by factors like cold, dry air, older age, excessive washing etc. A dry scalp if not treated in time, may cause Dry Dandruff in some cases.
Treatment:
The scalp, like rest of the skin on your body, sheds dead skin. Dandruff occurs when this process is faster. In most cases, a yeast like a fungus called Malassezia causes irritation, itching and flaking in patches for people with dandruff.
Certain factors can cause Malassezia to multiply and accelerates skin shedding process including age, hormones, stress.
These flakes (oily/dry) are in patches with yellowish and greyish tinged with a peculiar odour.
Treatment:
Excessive production of Sebum causes oily skin and the scalp being an extension of skin turns out to be oily/greasy. A little oil on the scalp protects the scalp and supports healthy hair, but abnormally oily scalp may cause trouble. The oil attracts dirt more easily, produces dandruff, and makes the hair stick together and creates a flat and limp appearance. In the worst cases, the sebum glands clog the hair roots and may cause excessive hair loss and dandruff.
Some more common causes for an oily scalp are – change of season, heredity, unhealthy eating habits, medications, improper hair care, stress etc. One must avoid oiling and massaging the scalp.
Treatment:
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N Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in