Dry Or Oily Scalp? How Do I Know?

hair loss

Having healthy and luxurious hair is every woman’s dream.  When you wake up in the morning and take a look in the mirror, the first thing you notice is your hair. Is it too dry or too oily? These are common questions you ask yourself. Remember, hair grows from your scalp so, the condition of your scalp ultimately determines the health of your hair.

Knowing which hair type you have will equip you to care for your scalp properly and maintain optimum hair health. Sometimes it’s hard to determine whether you have a dry or oily scalp but, these common symptoms will help you pinpoint which type best describes your hair.

Dry Scalp

 People often mistake dry scalp for dandruff and vice versa. It’s easy to mix up the two because they pretty much share the same symptoms which are falling flakes and an itchy scalp. Although falling flakes are common in both of these conditions, dandruff flakes tend to be bigger than those of dry scalp and may give the scalp a more red appearance. However, the main difference between the two is the cause of these symptoms.

Dry scalp stems from a lack of moisture which causes the skin to become irritated and flake away. The lack of moisture may be caused by inactive oil glands or the use of harsh shampoos and chemical treatments. Some other signs that may point to dry scalp are split ends and excessive hair breakage or hair loss.

The best way to care for a dry scalp is to incorporate deep conditioning treatments and Hair Growth Oils that restore and replenish your scalp’s natural moisture. Hair oils are especially helpful to dry scalp because they provide hair follicles with essential nutrients that are needed to strengthen weak roots. Also, avoid frequent use of flat irons and daily shampooing because these can further dry out your hair. 

hair loss

Oily Scalp

Oily scalp is caused by an excess secretion of hair oils. These excess oils tend to create dandruff because the skin cells on your scalp are overstimulated and shed more quickly than usual. Unfortunately, an oily scalp leads to oily hair which changes the look and feel of your hair. This hair type is recognized as having a greasy or dull appearance.

If you’re still not sure, there are a few hair tests you can perform that can help you determine whether you have an oily scalp. When waking up in the morning, try running your hand across your pillow and see if it feels slightly greasy. You can also take a day or two off from washing your hair and see if your hair feels dryer or greasier afterwards. If none of these produce results, you can always try the most common test which is the tissue yet. Simply run a tissue across your hair and examine it in the light to check for grease.

It may seem difficult to care for an oily scalp but there are ways to balance moisture and reduce oil secretion. For one, shampoo your hair more often to prevent oil buildup. Consider using our Scalp Exfoliating Brush to release built up dirt and oil and further enhance the cleansing process. Wash hair with cool or room temperature water and avoid using conditioner on your roots. When you’re finished with your hair care routine, try not to touch your hair to prevent a transfer of oil from your skin to your hair. 
scalp exfoliating brush

hair scalp brush

To Maintain Overall Health of Hair

  • Avoid too many chemical or heat treatments

  • Use gentle products on your hair and scalp

  • Choose to air dry instead of using heat

  • Don’t brush your hair when its wet