Scalp care is easy when you know how
Beautiful hair starts at the scalp and, as the hairdresser, you are perfectly placed to check that your client's scalp is in tip-top condition.
These are the scalp problems that you should be looking out for.
Dandruff
Dandruff is not a disease; nor is it contagious. It is mostly an inflammatory increase of dead skin cells associated with bacteria.
It is the single most common scalp complaint, which everyone will be affected by at one time or another. However, some people are more susceptible than others.
Most people think of it as a dry, flaky condition but the scalp cells are mostly oily.
The excess cells are white-grey in colour and vary in size from small fine particles to much larger flakes.
Sometimes they can be seen by instantly examining the scalp or gently scratching the surface. Flakes can also be seen on the hair or shoulders.
Psoriasis
This is a chronic inflammatory scaly condition of the skin, which also affects the body.
The scalp cells are generally silvery fine and are difficult to dislodge.
Redness often surrounds the patches of scales which, when lifted, can reveal bleeding points - a classic sign of psoriasis.
While the exact cause is unknown, it can be inherited, but is influenced by emotional stress.
Eczema
This is another inflammatory condition that can also affect the scalp.
The skin cells are larger than psoriasis, often yellowish in colour and are prone to weep. The deeper layers of the skin are disrupted, causing cracks.
Eczema on the scalp more commonly affects two areas: the frontal hairline (seborrhoeic eczema), and in the lowest region of the scalp near the nape (neuro excema). This type is nearly always stress related.
Pityriasis amiantacea
This is different to other scalp conditions as the skin cells build up on the scalp like tiles on a roof, forming a crust formation along the hair, causing it to lay flat like cradle cap seen in infants.
It is the only scaly condition that causes hair loss, but new growth returns when the condition is treated
