Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp vs. Tight Extensions (ouch)
Dandruff is the term for the tiny flakes of skin, dried oil, and dirt build-up that develop on your scalp. Meanwhile, a dry scalp is one that has very little oil on it. Sometimes the two conditions are connected, but not always. Pair that with extensions that were installed “too tight” (yes that’s a thing) and you could be spinning your wheels trying find a solution. That’s why you’re here.
first, identify the issue
second, treat the issue
third, follow up with your stylist
Dry scalp:
More prevalent in winter and is often marked by small white flakes caused by cold weather, excessive dry heat or diet. One may also experience some itch and tightness with a dry scalp (but not excessive itching which is often caused by dandruff or eczema). Sometimes, you will find some flakes of dead skin, like dandruff. However, dry scalp is not dandruff. Your hair can also look lifeless, frizzy, dull, and easily break and fall out. Dry scalp can even lead to hair loss, if this condition is left untreated. If you have dry scalp, wash with a gentle shampoo and then use a moisturizing conditioner.
One way to tell whether you have dry scalp or dandruff is to apply a light moisturizer to your scalp before you go to bed. If the cause is dry scalp, the flakes should disappear once you shower the next morning. Some hair stylists can perform a scalp treatment that uses steam to deliver more moisture to your scalp.
Dandruff:
Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake. It isn't contagious or serious. But it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. Mild dandruff can be treated with a gentle daily shampoo. If that doesn't work, a medicated shampoo may help. Symptoms may return later. How to choose (and use) the best dandruff shampoo
Scan for active ingredients: Pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and coal tar can all work to reduce dandruff, but you may need to experiment a bit to find the one your scalp reacts to the best.
Note your hair type: The ingredients listed above are effective at banishing dandruff, but can sometimes feel a bit stripping if your locks need extra moisture. Especially for those with dry, coarse, curly, kinky, or coiled hair types, look for ingredients that will also hydrate the scalp and strands, like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.
Wash effectively: For best results, rub your dandruff shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips, letting it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing, Dr. Zeichner says. Make sure you pick up an anti-dandruff conditioner, too. Once you rinse, some of the dandruff-fighting ingredients are left behind to continue working, so using a regular conditioner might actually buff those active ingredients away, he notes.
Mind your frequency: Start by washing at least twice a week. Take note of how your scalp and hair looks and feels. If you don’t see results, work up to three or four days if needed. You might even find that you get the best results by washing daily—it all depends on how your scalp reacts to the product.
Now, ready to banish those pesky flakes for good? One of these expert-approved anti-dandruff shampoos should do the trick.
Tight extensions:
When having your extensions installed, sometimes the stylist may clamp the beads to close to the scalp causing unwanted tension leading to itchyness. (Siri play “tap your weave” by Beyoncé) this is common and can easily be fixed by a shampoo, conditioner + mask. We love Iles Formula Haute Performance Hair Mask. This should loosen up whatever is cause the tightness. If you are still concerned, contact your stylist immediately for a “loosening”.
If none of these sound familiar than the answer could be as simple as:
Product Buildup
Everyone should have three different shampoos in their rotation: a regular shampoo, a dry shampoo, and, last but not least, a clarifying shampoo. Yes, really. Three shampoos. It might sound ~extra~, but a clarifying shampoo is formulated to deep-clean your hair and scalp and dissolve product build-up (the gunk that weighs down your roots from things like dry shampoo, hairspray, and smoothing creams) more efficiently than your average shampoo can.
