Scalp care: oiliness, dandruff and itch

The short answer: the scalp is skin, and it behaves like it. When it gets oily fast, frequent hot-water washing only makes it worse; when it flakes, the cause is usually dryness or a sensitive scalp, not dirt. Below is what to do for each, and when the problem belongs to a doctor.

Roots that get oily fast

If your hair looks fresh in the morning and weighed down by evening, your scalp produces a lot of oil, or you trigger it without meaning to. What helps:

• Wash with lukewarm water, not hot; hot water pushes the scalp to make more oil.
• Shampoo only at the root, conditioner only on the ends; conditioner at the root weighs the hair down.
• Do not touch or over-brush; every touch spreads the oil.
• Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product buildup.

Washing daily is not necessarily a problem if it is gentle, but if your hair gets oily faster and faster, try spacing washes one more day and let the scalp rebalance.

Dandruff: dry or oily

Dandruff has two faces, and each one wants something different.

Type	How it looks	What helps
Dry dandruff	Small white flakes; tight skin	Hydration, lukewarm water, less heat
Oily dandruff	Larger yellow flakes; oily skin	A dedicated anti-dandruff shampoo, left to work

Dandruff often increases in winter, when dry air and indoor heating deplete the scalp. If it keeps returning despite care, it may be seborrheic dermatitis, treated by a dermatologist, not the salon.

Itch and a sensitive scalp

A scalp that itches, burns or reddens is usually dry or irritated by harsh products, color without proper care, or over-washing. Try a sulfate-free, fragrance-free shampoo and lower the dryer heat. If the itch comes with blisters, sores or hair loss, it is a sign to see a doctor.

Where the salon helps and when the doctor

In the salon we assess the scalp before every service and adjust washing, color and products to it; a sensitive scalp needs different care from an oily one. But the salon is not a clinic: if after proper care the dandruff, itch or hair loss continue, Besire tells you openly to see a dermatologist. For advice or a tailored wash and blow-dry, write to us and describe your scalp.