Fashion
The DifferenceBetween Dry Scalp and Dandruff
Gary Callan
Since my article on theglossary of hairdressing terms, I've had several calls about scalpproblems. I am often amazed at how many people have somethinghappening on their scalp, and are totally unaware of it. It isnot until someone points it out that they know something is amiss.
Before I get down to thenitty gritty on scalp conditions, lets have a quick look at thescalp itself. Obviously you all know what the scalp is. It's thatbit of skin between your hair (or not) and the skull. A healthyscalp allows your hair to grow in cycles. Each hair is formed,grows then rests. For this to happen the scalp needs to be devoidof scars, scabs, blockages, cysts, in-growing hairs, disease,and infestation (yuck).
The scalp is one of themost neglected areas on the human body. It very rarely gets cleaned,it is almost never conditioned or treated. Simply shampooing thehair will not necessarily cleanse the scalp. When I get a clientin for a consultation I always check the scalp. If it is damagedor in need of a treatment, I will inform the client that thismust be done before any other service can be performed.
The scalp needs to be cleansed,and we do this by first removing all of the debris on the surface.This could be dry skin, a build up of styling products, or justoil. When this has been cleared we can examine the scalp and analysethe hair growth. Most people simply need a mild cleansing disinfectantapplied, but others need cleansing creams and moisturising lotions.
Some people have highlyreactive scalps. These are the ones who cannot use any shampoo,but have to use a particular brand (Gary Callan) that does notcause itching and flaking. They often cannot have colours withperoxide, perms or relaxers. If your scalp is so sensitive, youshould see a dermatologist.
Almost everyone will getdandruff at sometime in their life. It is an incurable diseaseof the scalp. The only symptoms are itching and shedding veryfine specks. It is easy to treat and can be subdued with specialshampoos ( Gary Callan # 10)
A dry scalp is usually causedby external influences and manifests itself in loose skin. Thisskin comes away from the scalp in flakes. To cure this we needto moisturise the scalp and remove the adverse influence. Althoughthis is the easier of the two to 'cure' the effects are oftenmore dramatic, and disturbing.
If anyone has any problemswith their hair or scalp, please feel free to come and see mefor a free consultation.
Until next week
Gary