Advice for scalp problems please?

[Covet]

Hello :) any advice would be greatly appreciated!

One issue I have with my scalp is that it's pretty flaky. I co wash but I don't think it's that because I've been co washing for years and I've only really noticed the scalp problems in the last 6 months. So it seems to be a recent issue (as far as I can remember). I really don't want to use specialised dandruff shampoos (or any shampoo at all!) so does anyone have any ideas as to what I can do? I only comb my hair when I'm detangling in the shower and I sometimes stretch my washes for a few days. However, I use a TT and I have thick hair. Maybe I should find a comb with longer bristles so they can help move the dandruff?

I also have dry patches along my hairline, one patch right in the middle of the hairline (in line with my nose and it is about an inch wide) and one patch either side of my hairline, kind of near my temples. I've applied moisturiser to each patch to soften the skin and try to get rid of the problem but it just loosens the flakes and they get all caught in my hair, making them difficult to remove. It's so annoying and frustrating because every morning when I wake up, the dry patches have returned and sometimes they can easily be peeled off. Sorry if this is TMI.

This has only been going on for the past few months, it's really confusing.

[Sillage]

I don't know weather this would be helpful or not, but they do make dandruff conditioners. Biolage makes a really nice one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E0ZY2C/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/188-4908824-0693519?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0N0Q3Y04N3ZJNG64TGQ1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B003AVNO5O) as does Neutrogena for their T-gel line (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000052Y2K/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3/188-4908824-0693519?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0N0Q3Y04N3ZJNG64TGQ1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B003AVNO5O).

[jacqueline101]

Have you seen a doctor about it?

[Covet]

I don't know weather this would be helpful or not, but they do make dandruff conditioners. Biolage makes a really nice one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E0ZY2C/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/188-4908824-0693519?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0N0Q3Y04N3ZJNG64TGQ1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B003AVNO5O) as does Neutrogena for their T-gel line (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000052Y2K/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3/188-4908824-0693519?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0N0Q3Y04N3ZJNG64TGQ1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B003AVNO5O).

Thank you! I didn't even think about anti-dandruff conditioners.

I was just reading about ACV and it seems to help some people with dandruff but I've always thought that it would be harsh on the hair :/

[Covet]

Have you seen a doctor about it?

I actually haven't gone to a doctor because I don't think it's bad enough for medical treatment, but I suppose their opinion wouldn't cause any harm! I know my mum also suffers from dandruff from time to time and went to the doctor, they only prescribed her Polytar, and I'm not really sure about putting that on my hair :(

[bna_rapunzel]

It sounds like adult cradle cap, or sebhorric dermatitis as its called. It's really common. Try a search on it. :)
I have it. I enjoy head and shoulders shampoo because it makes mine go away. And my hair nd scalp absolutely love it. My hair is tb length and fine, and in great condition. Lots of people say its bad to use but for some, it's our saving grace :) I also rub coconut oil on the affected areas, that makes them go away fairly quickly while moisturizing the scalp :) and don't pick. It irritates the area. Try "scritching" with your TT. That's all my advice. :)

[Covet]

It sounds like adult cradle cap, or sebhorric dermatitis as its called. It's really common. Try a search on it. :)
I have it. I enjoy head and shoulders shampoo because it makes mine go away. And my hair nd scalp absolutely love it. My hair is tb length and fine, and in great condition. Lots of people say its bad to use but for some, it's our saving grace :) I also rub coconut oil on the affected areas, that makes them go away fairly quickly while moisturizing the scalp :) and don't pick. It irritates the area. Try "scritching" with your TT. That's all my advice. :)

Ahh I just went on google images and my scalp definitely doesn't look like cradle cap :confused: it's just that when I make a parting in my hair, I can see dandruff. If I flip head over and shake my hair a little, flakes will fall out. It definitely doesn't look extreme and I can't actually see any differences in colour on my scalp or any obvious dry patches, just white flakes floating around :/

I'll definitely try some oil though. When I think about it, this is so odd because I would consider my scalp as oily, not dry. Yet I have dandruff :confused:

I promise I'll stop picking! It's a terrible habit I need to kick! And what's scritching? :p Thanks for your input :D

[Alvrodul]

Have any of the products you use become "new and better" :rolleyes: recently?
You could perhaps also try some kind of light oil with an EO like tea tree oil (don't use pure EOs directly on your skin!!)
The only kind of scalp trouble I have, is usually itchiness and dryness after hennaing, and a very light bit of oiling helps me with that.

[Amber_Maiden]

Have you tried undiluted vinegar on the scalp? That worked for both my husband and I, and we both have thick hair.

[Covet]

Have any of the products you use become "new and better" :rolleyes: recently?
You could perhaps also try some kind of light oil with an EO like tea tree oil (don't use pure EOs directly on your skin!!)
The only kind of scalp trouble I have, is usually itchiness and dryness after hennaing, and a very light bit of oiling helps me with that.

:o YES! My conditioner has "new and improved!" printed in tiny letters on the bottom of the bottle, I didn't see it until just checking now! It could be that :( I'll change to a different one and see if anything improves.

[Covet]

Have you tried undiluted vinegar on the scalp? That worked for both my husband and I, and we both have thick hair.

I haven't tried it but I've read that ACV is good for dandruff! Is it drying at all though? I know it's quite acidic.

[bumblebums]

I haven't tried it but I've read that ACV is good for dandruff! Is it drying at all though? I know it's quite acidic.

Some people use a 50/50 white vinegar/water solution as a rinse for flakes...

I'll second the essential oils recommendation. I use a mix of lavender, rosemary and tea tree oil in a base of jojoba to massage my scalp before washing, and it takes care of the itching, at any rate. (Also, absolutely take a break from that new and improved conditioner...)

[13bodies]

Are the flakes silvery? My brother has had dandruff problems for years and it turned out to be a mild case of psoriasis. Since the flakes were silvery instead of white gave it away.

[Covet]

Some people use a 50/50 white vinegar/water solution as a rinse for flakes...

I'll second the essential oils recommendation. I use a mix of lavender, rosemary and tea tree oil in a base of jojoba to massage my scalp before washing, and it takes care of the itching, at any rate. (Also, absolutely take a break from that new and improved conditioner...)

I'm definitely going to take a break from it! Are essential oils drying on the hair at all? I'd love to add some to my oil to give it a scent.


Are the flakes silvery? My brother has had dandruff problems for years and it turned out to be a mild case of psoriasis. Since the flakes were silvery instead of white gave it away.

The flakes aren't silvery, they're pure white :(

[Ocelan]

Nettle rinses also might help. I don't have a dandruff problem (have had though) and I use nettle + ACV rinses after I've rinsed off my CO. It hasn't seemed to be drying to me but I use it very diluted, only 8 teaspoons of ACV to 2 liters of water (+ nettle). It may be that some (of the new and improved) conditioner is left in your scalp no matter how well you think you rinse and may irritate the scalp and cause dandruff. The ACV is used to get all the rest of the product out and to balance the pH. However if you're afraid of the vinegar, you could try just a nettle rinse (make it like tea and let cool).
Other herbs and such that may help dandruff are for example burdock, chamomile, horsetail, aloe, oregano (even though that would be too scented for me and I would end up smelling like pizza and my DBF would eat my head).

[bumblebums]

I'm definitely going to take a break from it! Are essential oils drying on the hair at all? I'd love to add some to my oil to give it a scent.

Not that I've noticed--I put them on the scalp mostly (diluted in a carrier oil). Rosemary is supposed to darken hair, but I have not noticed any darkening effect apart from what any oil usually does.

Btw, coconut oil is supposed to be "cooling" in Ayurveda, too, so you could try using it as a carrier oil for better results... Scalp oiling is a tried and true technique in Indian hair care, from what I've heard (though I haven't tried it myself).

[Annibelle]

Vinegar is good for the hair and scalp. :) Some people even use vinegar in place of conditioner!

[XcaliburGirl]

Make sure you are really scrubbing your scalp with the pads of your fingers.

See if you can find the old and new ingredients of your conditioner online. Maybe you can figure out what the difference is and avoid the new ingredients.

This might not apply to you because you say you've been COing for a long time. My flakes are usually caused by build up of 'cones or conditioner or actual dandruff. I can control the former with sulfate-free shampoo and 'cone-free conditioner, and the latter with the occasional use of Nizoral shampoo.

You could try just doing one shampoo (dandruff or not) and see if that improves it. I find that affects of shampoos and conditioners are cumulative. Just shampooing once won't cause your hair to be in the condition of someone who always uses sulfate shampoo.

[Kelikea]

I got the new Suave dandruff conditioner, diluted it with some water in an applicator bottle, added 3 drops tea tree oil and shook it all up. I applied it to my scalp, rubbed it in, and left it for a few minutes before getting in the shower. Then I co-washed with the rest of what I had in the applicator. My scalp felt really good, and kinda tingly. My other favorite is Desert Essence Organics Lemon Tea Tree Oil shampoo. It says it is for oily hair, but I don't find it drying. there is a conditioner, too, but I haven't tried it. You might like it because it has the same main ingredients as the shampoo, that are good for flakes ( aloe, lemon peel, jojoba, tea tree oil).

[Covet]

Nettle rinses also might help. I don't have a dandruff problem (have had though) and I use nettle + ACV rinses after I've rinsed off my CO. It hasn't seemed to be drying to me but I use it very diluted, only 8 teaspoons of ACV to 2 liters of water (+ nettle). It may be that some (of the new and improved) conditioner is left in your scalp no matter how well you think you rinse and may irritate the scalp and cause dandruff. The ACV is used to get all the rest of the product out and to balance the pH. However if you're afraid of the vinegar, you could try just a nettle rinse (make it like tea and let cool).
Other herbs and such that may help dandruff are for example burdock, chamomile, horsetail, aloe, oregano (even though that would be too scented for me and I would end up smelling like pizza and my DBF would eat my head).

Thanks! How do I make a nettle rinse? Do I just get nettle leaves and pour hot water on them to let them brew?

'my DBF would eat my head' LOL :)

[Covet]

I'll definitely go and get some vinegar and coconut oil and try them too. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!

[Seeshami]

it could be any number of skin disorders and a dermatologist should probably be the person you go see. When Middle sister and I figure out what her "dry scalp" problem as she calls it is I will try to remember to check and see if you've found a solution.

When I suddenly stared to have a scalp problem I started using tea tree oil products. Problem solved. Silly middle sister, I don't think she'll try it. Every time I bring it up she sings "melaleuca, melaleuca, make me want to puka." And I didn't even GIVE her melaleuca.

[marioma]

I had the same problem but i figured out that using shampoo isn't that bad , since you apply it only on your scalp , but not treating dandruff is the bad thing thus it may cause inflamation, itching and hair loss.

[torrilin]

Just off the top of my head, it could be anything from you're not exfoliating your scalp enough to exczema to psoriasis to a fungal infection. I'd start by checking with a doctor to try and rule out a medical condition.

In this household, 99% of the time flakes are my partner's severe psoriasis. It covers about 30% of all his skin when he's minimally treated, down to maybe 15% when he's got everything working, and takes fairly rigorously sticking to his treatment routine to keep him comfortable. His condition is not at all fun honestly. It doesn't take a lot of drugs to keep him comfy, but he does need a lot of other stuff like light treatments and regular exercise.