Understanding Dandruff 

The skin on your scalp is shed and replaced constantly. When you shower the excess skin is washed away when you shampoo, so you usually don’t notice it.  Our skin is covered in millions of micro-organisms otherwise known as skin flora. Many of them are bacteria of which there are around 1000 species found in the superficial layers of the epidermis and the upper parts of hair follicles. Your skin secretions, sweat and sebum, usually form a protective layer that prevents microbes from multiplying on your scalp. However, factors such as illness, stress, diet, hormonal fluctuations and not washing the scalp enough can disrupt this barrier, allowing microbes to multiply, leading to excessive shedding of skin cells, known as dandruff. If this dandruff persists it can lead to gradual hair loss. Dandruff is also referred to by the name Seborrheic dermatitis and is more to do with excess oils causing an over growth of a yeast. This yeast-like fungus, Malassezia globosa, lives on the scalp, feeding on skin oils and dead skin cells causing the cells to clump, build-up and shed more rapidly.  The fungus uses enzymes called lipases to metabolise the oils, which creates a by-product called oleic acid. The acid penetrates your skin and triggers skin cell shedding. Inevitably, not washing your hair enough can encourage the skin cells and microbes on your scalp to build-up; and dandruff is the body’s reaction. Making sure you shampoo regularly and choosing a product with botanical ingredients that effectively cleanse and help to eliminate microbes will assist in keeping the scalp clean and free of dandruff. The Holistic Hair Sensitive Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar and selected essential oils, is ideal for treating a variety of scalp conditions, including dandruff and thinning hair. To keep the scalp pH balanced, which discourages microbes, try the Herbal Finishing Rinse with Lavender, Apple Cider Vinegar and Chamomile. This rinse is a great way to finish your hair care routine.

Understanding Dry Scalp

A dry scalp is usually due to loss of hydration and oils from the scalp and can be caused by the application of unsuitable shampoos, illness, medication, environmental conditions and varying lifestyle factors. Signs and symptoms are itching, irritation and small white flakes appearing in the scalp. Dry scalp can be treated by using moisturising botanical ingredients that help to nourish and protect the scalp. The Holistic Hair Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner contains nutrient-rich botanical oils, to help moisturise the scalp and hair, effectively combating the dryness. Used in conjunction with the Herbal Finishing Rinse, this will help to maintain the pH of your scalp and assist in restoring the balance of the natural oils, to help normalise your scalp & hair growth.   A weekly moisturising treatment such as the Holistic Hair Scalp Treatment Oil is also highly beneficial.

Read more blogs here