How To Identify, Know And Care For Your Scalp

Just as we all have different hair types, our scalps also differ. Fortunately, research has identified five main scalp types, making it easier to identify and manage yours.

You might be wondering, “How can I care for my scalp if I don’t know its type?” Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

This blog post will help you determine your scalp type, understand its needs, and provide the right care. By the end, you’ll know how to care for your scalp and achieve healthier, more beautiful hair.

Let’s start by determining your scalp type with a simple Do-It-Yourself (DIY) test.

DIY Test For Your Scalp Type

Here’s a simple DIY test you can do at home to test for the type of scalp you have.

The Blotting Paper Test

For this test, you’ll need either blotting paper or tissue paper. If you are using tissue paper, gently separate the layers until you only have one.

Once you have your materials ready, follow these easy steps:

1. Firstly, wash your hair and let it air-dry completely.
2. Next, wait 24 hours without applying any products to your hair or scalp. This ensures an accurate result.
3. Then, press a clean piece of blotting paper or tissue firmly against different areas of your scalp for a few seconds.
4. After that, examine the paper.

• If there’s no oil visible, you likely have a dry scalp.
• If there’s a light oil stain, you probably have a normal scalp.
• If there’s a lot of oil on the paper, you likely have an oily scalp.

For more accurate results, repeat this in several areas of your scalp, as oil production can vary. Also note that if some areas of your scalp are oily while others are dry, you likely have a combination scalp.

Keep in mind that scalp conditions can change due to factors like weather, stress, and diet. Therefore, it is better to perform this test regularly and adjust your hair care routine as needed.

Once you’ve determined your scalp type, the next step is to understand its meaning, the causes, and the best ways to care for it.

What are the different scalp types?

There are five types of scalp: dry, oily, normal, combination, and sensitive. We will start with the dry scalp type and go over it in detail.

1. Dry Scalp

If your blotting paper test showed no oil and you experience itchiness and flakiness, you likely have a dry scalp. This condition occurs when the skin on your head loses excessive moisture, leading to irritation and discomfort.

What are the causes of Dry Scalp

Your scalp may become dry for several reasons, including:

• Dry weather, like in fall and winter.
• Hair products dry out on your skin and irritate it.
• Other serious causes include scalp ringworm (a fungal infection), solar keratosis (caused by excessive sun exposure without protection), and psoriasis (characterised by rapid skin cell growth).

The last few causes may require medical attention.

However, you should also know that there is a difference between dandruff and a dry scalp. 

While both conditions can cause itchiness and flakiness, dandruff is mainly caused by excess oil production, leading to a buildup of skin cells and larger flakes compared to a dry scalp. Dandruff can also be caused by yeast, stress, and certain medical conditions.

Care Tips For Dry Scalp

After finding the cause of your dry scalp, the next step is to treat it and take steps to prevent it from coming back.

To treat your dry scalp, consider the following:

• Thoroughly rinse out the shampoo on your hair to ensure that there is no residue left on your scalp
• If your current hair care product causes irritation, switch to a gentler, non-medicated option for dry scalps.
• Consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist for professional advice and treatment if you experience persistent issues like constant itching, rashes, swelling, or pain. 
• Explore natural remedies, such as applying and massaging your scalp with coconut oil, tea tree oil, or aloe vera. These natural ingredients are known for their soothing properties.

Remember, the right treatment depends on the exact cause of your dry scalp. Start with simple solutions and progress to professional help if necessary. 

‘Prevention is just as crucial as treatment.’

To keep your scalp healthy and moisturised, try adding these habits to your routine:

• Staying hydrated.
• Managing your stress levels.
• Using a gentle, moisturising shampoo.
• Also, consider washing your hair less frequently.
• Quitting smoking. According to DermaClinix (2018), nicotine can also cause dandruff and dermatitis on the scalp.

2. Oily Scalp

This is caused by an overproduction of sebum (oil) by the skin on your scalp, which can result in dandruff, itching, and hair follicle inflammation. When you have an oily scalp, your hair tends to have a shiny and greasy appearance.

Causes of Oily Scalp

The following factors can contribute to the cause of this scalp type:

1. A diet containing too many carbohydrates, sugars, and fats can contribute to increased oil production.
2. Stress can also boost your cortisol and lead to more sebum production.
3. The use of harsh hair products may strip away natural oils and cause the skin to overproduce oil.
4. Overwashing your hair may trigger oil production to compensate.
5. Poor hygiene habits, such as constantly touching your scalp or using dirty hair accessories.
6. A humid environment can slow the evaporation of your sweat, moving oil along your hair strands and causing the growth of fungi and bacteria.

It is important to note that oily scalps can also be caused by medication side effects or genetics. But if you are unsure of the cause, it is best to seek professional help, because finding the right treatment can be difficult without knowing the exact cause.

Care Tips for Oily Scalp

Once you have determined the cause of your hair’s excess sebum production, you can tailor the treatment to your needs. We can help you do this with these simple care hacks below:

• Apply shampoo to the scalp and roots, and conditioner to the length and ends of the hair.
• Maintain a balanced diet and avoid foods high in sugar and fat (e.g., limit sodas and fried foods).
• Minimise heat styling and use heat protectants when styling.
• Adjust your hair washing frequency to once every three to four days instead of daily.
• Use dry shampoo on non-washing days to remove excess oil from your hair.
• Clean your hairbrushes weekly to prevent oil and bacteria buildup.

For a more personalised air scalp treatment, you can consult a dermatologist, who will guide you through the exact treatment and procedures to follow for a healthy scalp.

Read more: 5 Quality Dry Shampoos That Will Make Your Hair Beautiful Quickly

3. Normal Scalp

A normal, healthy scalp is the ideal state of scalp health. Imagine running your fingers through your hair and feeling a clean, well-moisturised scalp with a perfect balance of natural oils. It’s free from itching, flaking, inflammation, unpleasant odours, and excess dead skin. Best of all, this scalp is the foundation for strong, vibrant hair growth.

While a normal scalp is the goal, regular care is still needed to stay healthy.

Care Tips for Normal Scalp

Here are some essential tips to keep your scalp in top condition:

• Avoid hair products with harsh chemicals like sulfate, paraben, ethanol, and artificial colours or dyes.
• Brush your hair regularly to spread your scalp’s natural oil to your hair ends.
• Use less heat on your hair and consider blow-drying instead. Always use the lowest heat and heat protectants when using heat-styling tools.
• Protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat or using sunscreen when outside for a long time.
• Drink 4 to 6 cups of water daily for a healthy scalp.
• Wash your hair regularly based on your hair type.
• Make efforts to research and understand your hair type, texture, and scalp condition.

There are various ways to care for your scalp and enhance hair growth. The key is figuring out what works best for you. Be cautious of products or routines that might harm your hair. Observe how your scalp and hair respond to different treatments, and be prepared to adjust as needed.

4. Combination Scalp

Having a combination scalp is like having a combination skin type but on your head. This means that some areas are oily while others are dry.

You might have a combination scalp if:

• One part of your head gets oily quickly, while other areas remain dry.
• Your hair roots often look greasy.
• The ends of your hair are dry and prone to frizziness. 

All of these occur because the excess oil your scalp produces remains in one spot, preventing natural oils from reaching the rest of your hair.

Care Tips for Combination Scalp

While it may seem logical to combine oily and dry scalp routines, this approach is often too complicated. Instead, focus on developing a single, tailored routine that works well for your combination scalp.

Here are some care tips to consider:

• Try using two different shampoos: a clarifying one for oily areas and a moisturising one for dry areas.
• Include a weekly scalp scrub to exfoliate and remove excess oil and dead skin cells gently.
• Choose a lightweight conditioner and apply it only to your hair’s ends to avoid weighing down your roots.
• Finish your hair-washing routine with a cool water rinse to seal pores and reduce oiliness.
• Avoid touching your hair too often to prevent scalp oils from spreading.
• Use dry shampoo sparingly between washes to absorb extra oil at the roots.
• Brush your hair regularly to help natural oils travel from the scalp to the ends.

Managing a combination scalp requires a balanced approach. But what if your scalp is not just oily and dry, but also prone to irritation? Well, this brings us to the next scalp type, which may overlap with others: the sensitive scalp.

5. Sensitive Scalp

Just like how your skin can be sensitive, your scalp (an extension of your skin) can be sensitive too. Interestingly, Head and Shoulders (2021) claims that people with sensitive skin are more likely to have sensitive scalps. So you might fall into this category if you frequently experience scalp discomfort such as itchiness, pain, or tingling sensations.

Causes of Sensitivity on Scalp 

A sensitive scalp can be caused by various factors such as

1. High stress levels.
2. Excessive sunlight exposure.
3. The use of harsh chemicals, such as hair dyes.
4. Use of hair products containing harsh chemical ingredients.
5. Tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp, such as overly tight braids.
6. Frequent heat styling without taking the necessary precautions, such as applying heat protectant.
7. Rare and medical causes can be certain skin issues such as shingles and measles.

Care Tips for Sensitive Scalp

After you have identified the source of your scalp sensitivity, you can check out the following remedies to help treat your scalp:

• Gently massage your scalp with your fingers in a circular motion to improve blood circulation.
• Apply cold or heat packs for 10 minutes to soothe discomfort.
• Try to wear your hair down after sporting a tight hairstyle.
• If home remedies aren’t helping, consider over-the-counter treatments like medicated ointments or antiseptic solutions.

If your scalp sensitivity persists or becomes very bothersome, you should consult a doctor for professional advice.

However, a sensitive scalp can also heal with simple care. For example, I once had an itchy and irritated scalp that was resolved by removing my braids, washing my hair thoroughly, and leaving it loose.

This simple approach solved the irritation, showing that solutions don’t always have to be complex. Giving your scalp a break and a good cleanse can often restore comfort and health.

Why You Should Know Your Scalp Type?

Beyond simply preventing that annoying scalp itch, understanding and caring for your scalp type offers numerous benefits:

• Knowing your scalp type helps you choose the most effective shampoos and treatments, reducing guesswork and wasted products.
• Understanding what affects your scalp type lets you avoid irritation, dandruff, and other common issues before they start.
• A healthy scalp promotes hair growth, leading to stronger, shinier, and easier-to-style hair.
• Your scalp type helps you decide how often to wash your hair and which styling methods to use for the best results.
• Identifying your scalp type enables you to effectively address issues such as excess oil, dryness, and sensitivity.

Conclusion

Your scalp is the foundation of healthy and beautiful hair. Without proper scalp care, achieving the well-nourished hair you want is difficult. Therefore, take the time to develop a personalised scalp care routine and understand your hair type. This insight will set you on the path to more vibrant and luscious hair.

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REFERENCES

Cleveland Clinic (2022). Dry Scalp: Causes, Treatment & Prevention. (online) Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23326-dry-scalp (Accessed July 17, 2024).

DermaClinix (2018). What Is the Relation between Smoking and Hair Loss – DermaClinix. (online) DermaClinix. Available at: https://www.dermaclinix.in/blog/relation-smoking-hair-loss/ (Accessed July 21, 2024).

Gordon, S. (2023). How to Take Care of Your Scalp and Why It Matters. (online) Health. Available at: https://www.health.com/how-to-care-for-your-scalp-7482921#:~:text=A%20healthy%20scalp%20is%20characterized (Accessed July 18, 2024).

HeadandShoulders (2021). What Are the Different Scalp Types and How to Treat These Scalp Conditions? (online) Headandshoulders.com.au. Available at: https://www.headandshoulders.com.au/en-au/healthy-hair-and-scalp/itchy-dry-sensitive-scalp/what-is-your-scalp-type-and-how-to-treat-scalp-conditions (Accessed July 19, 2024).

Huizen, J. (2018). Scalp tenderness: Symptoms, causes, and Treatments. (online) www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313791#treatment (Accessed July 19, 2024).

Jewell, T. (2019). Oily Scalp Causes, Treatment, and Prevention: What You Need to Know. (online) Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/oily-scalp (Accessed July 17, 2024).

Living Proof Review Team (n.d.). What Is Oily Scalp? 9 Common Causes & How to Treat It. (online) www.livingproof.com. Available at: https://www.livingproof.com/hair-101/oily-scalp.html (Accessed July 18, 2024).

Living proof review team (n.d.). How to Get a Healthy Scalp: 10 Tips from Haircare Experts. (online) www.livingproof.com. Available at: https://www.livingproof.com/hair-101/healthy-scalp-tips.html (Accessed July 19, 2024).

Rivas, G. (2022). Is Your Scalp Oily, Dry, or Balanced? Here’s How to Know—and the Best Way to Take Care of Your Scalp Type. (online) Real Simple. Available at: https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/hair-care/scalp-types#:~:text=%22If%20you%20blot%20tissue%20paper (Accessed July 17, 2024).