Hair Problems

What is dry scalp?

A dry scalp is a common scalp condition where there isn’t enough moisture on the scalp and is a common problem in black women

Signs & Symptoms

A dry scalp looks dry lacking sheen and suppleness. The scalp may be flaky. The scalp may feel tight not stretching as much as it normally would do.

Causes

The sebaceous glands produces the same amount of an oil called sebum as you would find in other skin colours. However the natural shape and structure of black hair may prevent sebum from travelling down the hair shaft. The unstable British Climate means that Black skin (scalp) can easily become dehydrated especially in the city where there is more pollution. The weather causes our skin to become dry because of the lack of humidity in the air. A Dry scalp often occurs with Psoriasis. Health problems such as an underactive Thyroid (hypothyroidism) and menopause can result in cause a dry scalp. An unhealthy diet can rob the scalp of moisture. Over processing with chemical based products such as relaxers will lead to a dry scalp. Not  washing the hair often enough as commonly seen in weaved and braided hairstyles results in a dry scalp.

Treatment

If a dry scalp is caused by over processing or not washing your hair often enough, it’s important that these factors are addressed quickly to prevent further complications. You should also try to establish if your scalp is naturally dry so that you know if your dealing with a problem that is only controllable or curable.

A dry scalp needs frequent applications of non irritating water based products such as creams and lotions. If you have a good scalp cream or lotion at home you can use this. Natural options include jojoba oil, coconut oil, almond oil but they are not suitable if you have a sensitive scalp. Recommended products from our range include the scalp and hair cream and the scalp and hair grooming butter which can also be used on your hair. To order please click here. 

What is an itchy scalp?

Itching also known as Pruritis is the most common Black scalp problem and happens when the sensory nerves become irritated. The odd scratch every now and again is fine, but when you are continually scratching there might be a much deeper problem.

Signs

Continued scratching results in inflammation which appears mauve or dark brown in black skin. If the scalp becomes infected small pustules can form on the scalp. The quality of skin is often reduced causing it to be more stretchy and rough in texture and some hair follicles may close up.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of itching is of course itching. Continued scratching can cause the scalp to become extremely irritated. If the sensory nerves become damaged, the area being continually scratched can become sensitized resulting in different range of feelings, such as tingling, burning a creepy crawly feeling or sometimes no sensation at all.

Causes of itching

In Black skin (scalp) itching most commonly occurs because the scalp is dry or if the scalp has reacted to a product (Irritant Dermatitis) in particular products containing oils such as Lanolin, Mineral Oil and Petroleum. Itching can also occur if a chemical such as a relaxer has not been applied properly or left on the scalp too long. Not shampooing or moisturising your hair often enough causes itching particularly in a weave because the scalp is dry and is often under traction (pulling).

Psychological problems such as Stress and anxiety can also cause itching particularly at the nape of the scalp where the area seems to be more sensitive. Lichen Planus (Neurodermatitis) is a very itchy scalp condition most commonly occurring in the nape area.

If the itching is all over the scalp, it may indicate an internal problem such as Anaemia or Diabetes. Medications can result in an itchy scalp such as the Antimalarial drug Chloroquine particularly if medications are interacting with each other. Itching may be a sign of Head lice (Pediculosis Capitis).

Treatment

Any of the above possible causes of itching should be ruled out before seeking topical treatment particularly If your itchy scalp is caused by something as simple as not washing or moisturising your scalp often enough.
Doctors can prescribe Benovate which contains corticosteroids designed to reduce inflammation and therefore the other problems that go with it such as itching. If this has not worked for you the Keratol Scalp Treatment, the Anti Itch and Flake Shampoo and the Sensitive scalp conditioner will help to calm your scalp down.

What is it?

Neurodermatitis is an extremely itchy scalp condition which generally occurs at the nape of the scalp. It tends to occur more in women than in men.

Signs & Symptoms

The scalp is usually inflamed having a deep mauve or pink colour and in advanced cases the area of skin is raised and thickened (lichenified) and may be scaly and crusty. The condition has a hard leathery feel to it and when touched almost seems as though there is a flat circular object under the skin. There is usually hair loss in the area and there may be secondary infection brought on from scratching.

Causes

The cause of the condition is unknown but it is thought to be due to extreme emotional stress. Unconscious itching is also a possible cause. Because the scalp is so itchy a vicious cycle of scratching begins.

Treatment

The aim of treatment is to break the habit of itching which can only be done by working out where the stress is coming from. Doctors will usually prescribe steroid based scalp creams. The clinic uses treatments to help relieve the itch and repair your scalp.

What is it?

There are two types of contact dermatitis
Irritant dermatitis and allergic dermatitis. A Contact dermatitis is a reaction to something that is used on the skin and scalp. We will focus on irritant dermatitis

Signs and symptoms

The reaction may take place immediately or a few days after the products was used. The scalp will be inflamed, extremely itchy. There will also be crusting and weeping.

Causes

The most common cause of an irritant dermatitis are Relaxers (sodium hydroxide) because it is very strong and often left on the scalp too long. This causes the scalp to become sensitive to daily grooming products particularly those containing petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oils. Highly perfumed shampoos and conditioners can also sensitise the scalp causing it to feel itchy. Itching often leads to secondary infection of the scalp. Bleaches and para dyes may also cause an irritant dermatitis.

Treatment

You should avoid the product that caused the problem in the first place. Your GP may prescribe you Betnovate ointment. You can try the Keratol scalp treatment 1 to reduce itching and scaling and clean up the scalp as well as the antibacterial shampoo and juniper shampoo.

Is your scalp not the same as it used to be? It could be the natural ageing process or it could be something a bit deeper. I have advised many women suffering from non specific scalp irritation, soreness and tenderness. Here are the causes

Because Relaxers are chemicals based products they will eventually cause the scalp to be a little bit more sensitive and reduce the quality the scalp with continued use. Any form of pulling such as blowdrying, braiding, plaiting and cornrowing can also contribute. Vigorous shampooing, combing and brushing the scalp as well as scratching can irritate the scalp and may damage sensory nerves. Continued abuse of the scalp can lead to a condition called hypersensitive scalp. In this condition the scalp becomes irritated when even the mildest products are used.

Treatment

• If you relax your hair, you should ensure that retouches are carried out by a fully trained and qualified person.
• The relaxing cream should go close to the scalp but not be slapped directly onto it.
• Any situation where the hair needs to be pulled to create a style should be done as gently as possible and with great care.
• Knots and Tangles should be gently removed from your hair before blowdrying.
• Hair should be shampooed with medium pressure but not scrubbed and care should be taken if you wear nail extensions.
• Hair should be combed gently and the scalp scratched gently if itchy. Scratching every now and again is normal but if you are scratching your hair more than normal you should seek medical advice as it could be a sign of an underlying problem.
• It’s important that you look after your scalp properly if you want to avoid future problems.

What is it?

A Flaky scalp is a common condition where the cells of the scalp grow more quickly then they are able to shed.
Signs and symptoms
The scalp will usually feel quite itchy and there will be a build up of small, medium, or large grey, yellow or white flakes on your scalp. Depending on the type of condition you have there may also be inflammation on your scalp which appears as a dark mauve colour on black skin.

Causes

The main cause of a flaky scalp is not washing your hair often enough. Dead skin cells are shed from the body approximately every 30 days. So if your only washing your hair once every couple of months you may get a build up on your scalp.

Hair products particularly holding sprays and gels which are left on the scalp may dry to leave residue which when combined with grease and debris from the scalp creates a dark brown looking flakes.

Conditions such as Pityriasis simplex (dandruff) and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (heavy scalp flaking) are the main causes of a flaky scalp. And are thought to be caused by the Pityrosporum Ovale yeast acting upon the free fatty acids on our scalps.

Treatment

Doctors may prescribe Betnovate products. Descaling treatments are used in the clinic to help control the build up of flakes on your scalp.

For advice on how to care for your scalp and please click here for hair care advice