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This very common problem
is often confused with dandruff and other conditions. It must
firstly be correctly identified by checking out the two descriptions
below or looking at our list of more
definitions:
- Dry flakiness If you have
flakiness that is dry and often confined to the top of the head,
hairline or nape with tiny dust like flakes that are white in
colour you may simply have a dry flaky scalp. The patches which
may or may not be itchy can often be worse at certain times
of the year e.g. the change of seasons. Also ask yourself if
this dry area is the same spot that you always apply your shampoo
to or the point where the hot water from the shower hits?
- Dandruff is more often
associated with an oily scalp than dry, flakes are often 1mm
plus in diameter, rather than the fine dust type, and whitish
in colour. The scalp may be itchy but if you examine it closely
should not be red or inflamed. You should also not have any
dry patched around the nose, ears, chest, elbows or knees.
(If you feel your condition more
closely resembles dandruff
click on the
link to go straight to it).
Possible causes and cures for a dry
flaky scalp:
- Dry weather can affect your scalp,
so try a shampoo and conditioner specifically for dry scalps
at the onset of winter. When the flakes disappear go back to
products designed for your hair type and switch between the
products if the condition returns.
- Hot showers are also a common
culprit. If you like your shower really hot the effects on your
scalp are really obvious. Try working your conditioner into
the scalp, as it will act as a moisturiser: Take it easy on
the heat!
- Always rinse hair thoroughly
after shampooing before conditioning. Conditioner seals
down the outside of the hair making it smooth and easy to comb
but it will also seal in any remaining 'soap' from your shampoo
which will later come off as 'flakes'. Look up
good
shampoo and conditioning habits
for more tips.
It is important to deal with dry
scalp immediately as the flakes can build up which could lead
to scalp
breakouts.
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