My bathroom cabinet is a disaster. It’s filled with haircare products—brushes, combs, serums, oils, and styling products. Despite my best efforts, my hair is still a mess. It’s dry, brittle, untamable, and greasy all at once. What am I doing wrong?
After consulting with hair specialist Helena Rodero and diving into her book “All About Your Hair and Skin,” I finally understand what’s causing my hair woes—and how to fix them. It turns out that simply layering on products won’t solve the root of the problem. Bad habits are to blame. Here are the top five signs that your hair might be in need of some TLC, along with expert advice on how to address them.
Sign 1: Flakey scalp
According to Rodero, a flakey scalp is a common complaint among her clients. Many mistakenly believe that it’s due to dryness, leading them to wash their hair less frequently. However, the real culprit is a fungus called Malassezia furfur that resides on the scalp. When this fungus proliferates, it disrupts the scalp’s microbiota, resulting in dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair less can exacerbate the issue by allowing the fungus to thrive. Rodero recommends washing your hair daily or every other day to combat flaking. Opt for shampoos designed to treat seborrheic dermatitis, as they contain ingredients that regulate sebum production and cleanse the scalp effectively. Look for products with active ingredients like piroctone olamine, ciclopirox olamine, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid, with piroctone olamine being the most effective based on clinical studies.
Sign 2: Greasy scalp
Dealing with oily hair can be frustrating, especially when hormonal factors come into play. Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair less frequently won’t regulate oil production. In fact, it can lead to seborrheic dermatitis, a more oily form of dandruff that causes yellow plaques to form on the scalp.
Rodero advises washing your hair frequently, alternating between shampoos for oily scalp and gentler options. This approach helps maintain a healthy balance of sebum without exacerbating the issue. By understanding the underlying causes of common hair problems and adopting the right haircare routine, you can achieve healthy, lustrous locks.
