Common scalp conditions like dandruff, scalp folliculitis and seborrheic dermatitis don’t appear overnight. They happen gradually over time due to scalp buildup. They occur when dead skin cells, oils, and product residue accumulate on your scalp, causing irritation and inflammation – to the point where you might even need scalp exfoliating and dandruff treatments.
The buildup can happen due to infrequent hair washing and harsh chemical hair products. So, keeping your hair healthy is necessary, but how can you do it properly? We share the answer below. Before we get to that, though, let’s learn about what constitutes healthy hair and the different stages of scalp buildup.
A healthy scalp
A healthy scalp means your scalp is clean and free of buildup, dirt, and excess oil. When your scalp is clean, it can “breathe” properly, and hair follicles can thrive. A healthy scalp is also well-hydrated and moisturised, making it more resistant to dandruff.
The stages of scalp buildup
Here are the different stages of scalp buildup and their main characteristics.
1. Mild scalp buildup
- Visible flakiness on the scalp
- Dandruff or while scalp particles seen around hairline and back of head
- Flakes seen on hair, clothing and shoulder
- Scalp may feel itchy and irritated, leading to scratching and further flaking
2. Moderate scalp buildup
- Flakes and scaling become more visible and prominent
- Scalp itch and irritation accompanied by noticeable redness and inflammation
- Burning or tingling sensation on scalp
- Hair becomes challenging to manage because of product buildup
3. Severe scalp buildup
- Thick, scaly patches on scalp
- Patches can be itchy, painful and difficult to remove
- Hair fall from scalp buildup
- Unpleasant odour from scalp buildup
- Scalp may become infected and cause further complications
Scalp conditions
Scalp buildup is associated with various conditions, some of which are more severe than others. Below, we rank these conditions from least severe to most severe.
1. Dandruff
Dandruff causes white or yellow flakes of dead skin to appear on your scalp and hair. While this is not a life-threatening disease, it can impact your self-image and how others perceive you.
2. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that affects the scalp and, sometimes, other areas of the body. It causes redness, itching, and flaking of the skin. The condition is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, which leads to inflammation and irritation.
This condition is more common in people with oily skin and with a family history of the condition. Certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and HIV/AIDS, may also increase your risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis.
3. Scalp folliculitis
Notice any small red bumps or pimples on your scalp that make you itch and scratch your head? This might indicate scalp folliculitis, also called “scalp acne.” Bacterial and fungal infections cause this condition. So practising good scalp hygiene is key.
4. Alopecia areata
This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles, leading to hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other parts of your body. While the exact cause is currently unknown, it is believed that genetics and environmental factors, like stress, are contributing factors.
5. Scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause itchy, red, and scaly patches to appear on your scalp. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to grow too quickly. This leads to the buildup of dead skin cells, which can form thick, scaly patches on your scalp.
How to maintain a healthy scalp
Keeping your scalp healthy is essential to minimising the probability of scalp issues occurring. How can you do it right? Here are six simple tips.
1. Keep your scalp clean
Regularly washing your hair and scalp is the first step in maintaining a healthy scalp. Choose a gentle shampoo that suits your hair type. Afterwards, massage your scalp with your fingertips in the shower. Doing so will remove any dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that clog your hair follicles.
2. Don’t overwash
While keeping your scalp clean is important, overwashing can lead to dryness and irritation. Avoid washing your hair every day to prevent your scalp from becoming too dry.
3. Protect your scalp from the sun
Just like your skin, your scalp is vulnerable to sun damage. To protect your scalp from the sun’s harmful rays, wear a hat or scarf when you’re outside for extended periods, or use a sunscreen specifically designed for your scalp.
4. Maintain a healthy diet
A healthy diet is essential for healthy hair and scalp. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for scalp health. Read this article so that you have an idea of what kind of foods you should have for your next meal.
5. Manage your stress
Stress can significantly impact your scalp health and can even trigger or exacerbate certain scalp conditions, such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Try to manage your stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises.
6. Visiting a doctor
Consider visiting a specialist if the condition persists or worsens despite self-care measures. A scalp specialist can assess your situation and offer a wide range of scalp treatments.
The available treatments at TrichoLab
1. Dandruff and scalp buildup
For those with mild dandruff who wish to maintain a healthy scalp and prevent further formation, this dandruff treatment contains papaya enzymes that exfoliate your scalp. The centella asiatica and green tea extracts regulate oil levels, while the oat protein extracts soothe scalp inflammation.
This anti-dandruff treatment uses medical-grade salicylic acid to clear dandruff and buildup on your scalp, making it easier for the scalp to absorb the hydrating nutrients in the nano mist essence. Afterwards, you can expect to have a fresher, calmer, and cleaner head of hair.
This treatment is designed to hydrate and exfoliate your scalp simultaneously. It uses a unique peel of hyaluronic acid, gluconolactone, and plant enzymes to remove dead skin cells and product buildup from your scalp. This treatment helps balance moisture levels.
This 14-step treatment is tailored to your specific scalp and hair needs. It involves deep cleansing to remove scalp buildup and nourishment to promote optimal scalp and hair health.
This treatment combines multiple technologies, including nano-atomisation, galvanic current, iontophoresis, and radiofrequency, to target every scalp concern effectively.
2. Seborrheic dermatitis
Before the treatment, we will perform a thorough scalp scan to evaluate its current state and tailor the treatment to your needs. The treatment will commence with a stimulating head massage, followed by a customised mask that uses blue light therapy to thoroughly cleanse and soothe your scalp.
Once the treatment is finished, we will blow-dry your hair and conduct a post-treatment analysis to assess the outcomes. Additionally, we may apply a multi-vitamin serum or employ LED light therapy to enhance the results.
TrichoLab’s seborrheic dermatitis treatment includes a customised calming mask and antifungal ampoule. These products work together to reduce inflammation and balance oil production on the scalp, which can help alleviate the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
The calming mask soothes and hydrates your scalp, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin. Meanwhile, the antifungal ampoule is a potent treatment that helps to eliminate fungal overgrowth, which can contribute to seborrheic dermatitis.
3. Scalp folliculitis
TrichoLab’s folliculitis remedy treatment is a comprehensive and natural approach to treating scalp folliculitis. This treatment uses all-natural ingredients like coal tar and salicylic acid, which are scientifically proven to inhibit bacterial growth and remove dirt and scales, promoting a healthier scalp and relieves the discomfort of folliculitis.
4. Alopecia areata
At TrichoLab, we offer microneedling, which has proven successful in treating hair loss conditions like alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.
The microneedling procedure involves applying our patented hair growth and anti-hair loss formula to your hair follicles. Before the procedure takes place, we will apply topical anaesthetic to ensure maximum comfort.
Our comprehensive hair loss treatment typically lasts around 90 minutes, including pre-and post-treatment analysis. During the procedure, the microneedling system creates tiny microchannels in your scalp, allowing the hair growth formula to penetrate deep into your hair follicles and promote hair growth.
5. Scalp psoriasis
TrichoLab offers a thorough and personalised approach to treating scalp psoriasis. The first step is a detailed scalp analysis to determine the severity of the psoriasis. Afterward, you will be treated to a relaxing head massage before your scalp is thoroughly cleansed and conditioned. The treatment then progresses to exfoliation, where dead skin cells and buildup are gently removed to help clear your scalp.
After exfoliation, a calming or anti-inflammatory mask is applied with steam to help soothe and reduce inflammation in your scalp. Following the mask, a nourishing scalp fluid is applied, specifically formulated to calm and heal your scalp. In addition, LED light therapy is used to reduce inflammation further and encourage healing. Finally, a post-treatment scalp scan is used to assess the treatment’s effectiveness and identify any ongoing scalp care needs.
TrichoLab – your trusted source for hair and scalp treatments in Singapore
While scalp health is often overlooked, maintaining it is essential because it is the foundation of healthy and luscious locks. However, there are many factors, like genetics, medical conditions, pollution and stress, to take note of and it can be hard to know which is the cause of your scalp problem.
While embracing the do-it-yourself route may work for mild scalp issues, it may not be effective once moderate and severe conditions set in. This is where a scalp specialist like TrichoLab can help.
We have treated men and women of various ages, and prioritise providing customised treatments for scalp problems. Contact us today!
