UNDERSTANDING HAIR AND SCALP TYPE

In this post, I explore how to understand and care for, the typical range of hair and scalp types.
The sebaceous gland plays an important role in determining hair and scalp type. The production of sebum is a natural process that adds strength and luster to the hair strand. However, diet, blood circulation, emotional distress and drugs and the aging process can all influence production. Hair and Scalp types fall into the following broad categories:

1.Oily

HAIR

Over-active sebaceous glands produce an excess quantity of sebum, which can make hair limp and lank. This may be due to hormonal changes, often evident during puberty or menopause. Many people have a naturally oily scalp, which can result in greasy hair. Fair hair is much finer than dark hair, hence is more susceptible to excess oil.
High-quality shampoos cleanse without stripping the hair of essential moisture and nutrients. 

SCALP -Curse Those Overactive Glands

You feel like you could relate to the slippery Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series. Your locks tend to get greasy within a day or two after a wash and you just cannot skip a shampoo EVER or you start noticing waxy flakes. Your strands stick together, your T-zone is prone to oiliness and your roots get limp pretty quickly. A fantastic blow dry or hairstyle is short-lived; greasiness is the bane of your existence!
What You Need: You need to stay clear of shampoos that are hydrating, moisturizing or meant for curly hair, as they can bring more moisture to your already oily locks and scalp. Look out for a clarifying shampoo to help rinse out oil build-up in your head. Shampoos that are "balancing" or "strengthening" are also effective in getting rid of excess grease. Make sure to spend a few minutes to really work the shampoo into your scalp and rinse well. Use a conditioner only on your mid-lengths and ends and never anywhere close to your scalp as they can worsen your oily situation.

2.Dry

HAIR

Dry hair looks dull and lifeless and is also more susceptible to breakage. Dry hair can only be stretched 15% of its overall length before breaking, while healthy hair can be stretched up to twice this amount, more when wet! A common cause of dry hair is dehydration; water retention can measure between 4 and 13% of overall hair volume.

SCALP – Itchiness, and Flakiness Be Damned

You feel like you spend half your time trying to tame your frizzy, rough locks. They’re dry from root to tip, look dull and are so difficult to manage! Brittle hair, excessive split ends and itchiness are all problems you know too well. A dry scalp also tends to flake - and these flakes are powdery and white and are different from dandruff.
What You Need: A gentle hair care routine is essential for your locks. Look for a shampoo that is moisturizing, smoothening or hydrating, and avoid ones that are fortifying, volumizing or contain sulfates as they can zap even more moisture from your dry strands. It’s important to wash your hair regularly even if it is dry. Look out for shampoos that are specifically meant for a dry, itchy scalp; tea tree and menthol are ingredients that can help curb flakiness and moisturize your dry scalp.

3.Normal Hair

HAIR

Normal hair is shiny, supple and good looking and is the result of a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle, combined with good hair care using the right products.

SCALP – You Lucky Thing

You’re blessed and don’t really relate when people complain about an oily scalp or dry hair. Of course, your hair does get oilier in the summer and drier in the winter, but otherwise, it’s somewhere in the middle. Your locks are pretty easy to manage and don’t get too greasy or dry, even if you haven’t washed your hair in two days. Styling products don’t really irritate your scalp and your mane is pretty soft and smooth. Skipping a wash or two doesn’t affect the condition or appearance of your hair either.
What You Need: Your scalp and hair are pretty low-maintenance, and it’s important to keep them that way. So it’s best to use mild shampoos and conditioners. A well-balanced diet is necessary to keep your scalp healthy and make sure to stay clear of chemical-based products and heavy styling that could damage your mane.

4.Mixed Condition

HAIR

Over-active sebaceous glands and poor scalp condition may create a glut of sebum; this can be absorbed back into the scalp, preventing essential oils from traveling the length of the hair strand. The scalp in this condition is a common cause of Pityriasis steroids. Mixed condition hair types have dry, frizzy ends that are prone to breaking, with oily roots. In this scenario, application techniques are very important when applying products to ensure the problem area is targeted.

SCALP – It’s Confusing, Yes

This can commonly occur with long hair when your scalp is oily and gets flaky but your ends are dry. Your roots get greasy and limp easily, while the ends of your hair remain dry and rough.

What You Need: You need to use a combination of products – a shampoo designed for your oily scalp and a nourishing conditioner for those damaged ends. Make sure to work your shampoo into your scalp only and not the rest of your hair and use your conditioner on your ends and not near the top of your head.