What is my Scalp Type?
Similar to our skin, not all scalps are made the same. All scalp types differ from person to person and knowing your scalp type could just provide better insight on ways to manage your hair!
When it comes to scalp types, there are three major categories: Dry Scalp, Oily Scalp and Normal Scalp. Though occasionally, there are those with Combination Scalp too.
There are two things that determine one's scalp health and scalp type - first, the pH balance of your scalp and second, the amount of oil your scalp produces, this is also known as sebum.
Hair sebum is a natural oil and protectant for your scalp. How fast or slow and how much sebum is produced determines how oily or dry your scalp will be.
Here is what to know about these different scalp types and how you can identify which scalp type you have!
Dry Scalp
People with dry scalp often experience itchiness and flakes falling off when they scratch or subtly shake their heads. If you're experiencing this, you most likely have a dry scalp.
Dry scalp occurs when your pH levels are high and your scalp produces lesser sebum. This is not to be confused with dandruff, dandruff is the cause of having too much oil on the scalp. Dandruff is an actual medical condition, while dry scalp is simply a hydration issue.
When your scalp is attempting to stay moisturised, it absorbs excess oil causing the scalp to dry. You may find yourself washing your hair frequently just to get rid of the debris and flakes. You may also find that your scalp is dry 1-2 days after washing.
A lower pH level scalp with less sebum cannot keep the bacteria away which eventually causes hair fall and other skin conditions. Dry hair is prone to breakage as it can only stretch to 15% of its overall length, and anything further than that leads to breakage.
Oily Scalp
If your hair clumps together and feels greasy as the day passes, then you have an oily scalp. This occurs when your hair produces excessive sebum, you may find yourself washing your hair more frequently.
The excessive sebum coats your hair strands causing them to be greasy and attracting dirt and impurities. The dirt and impurities can cause your scalp to turn flaky which then triggers dandruff.
People with oily scalp will most likely need to wash their hair 1-2 days after their hair wash.
Balanced / Normal Scalp
A normal scalp typically produces the right amount of sebum - not an excessive amount of sebum causing the scalp to be oily or an underwhelming amount causing the scalp to be dry.
This type of scalp has the right amount of hair sebum and an ideal pH level. It's well-hydrated and can normally let your hair go about three days between washes (and even longer with dry shampoo).
Combination Scalp
Just like how one has a combination skin type, there is also a combination scalp. This type of scalp has oily and dry areas spread across the scalp.
This occurs when there is an overactive hair gland and poor scalp condition. The scalp creates a gut of sebum, which is absorbed back into the scalp and prevents essential oils from being absorbed into the length of the hair.
This leads to dry and frizzy ends with extremely oily roots.
Identifying your scalp type is very important for a healthier scalp and hair! When searching for the right products, ensure that the product is scalp-related and make sure to really focus on massaging your scalp when washing!
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