Dandruff vs Dry Scalp

How to spot it, what causes it, how to treat it and why what you are doing may be hurting you.

Do you have dandruff?

How can I tell? Dandruff flakes will stick to the scalp and to your hair brush more readily than the powdery white flakes associated with dry scalp. Dandruff flakes are larger and look oily. Dandruff also causes your scalp to become oily, red, scaly and itchy. 

What causes it?

Dandruff is caused by an inflammatory response to an overabundance of yeast production on the scalp, a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, or by a fungus called malassezia.  

How do I treat dandruff?

- You will need a medicated shampoo to help dissolve the protein cells that collect on the scalp. 

 -Shampoo more frequently and never go to bed with a wet head which can lead to excess fungus production.

-Use a shampoo with natural or natural origin ingredients containing active salicylic acid and willow bark.

RAW Antidandruff shampoo and conditioner are formulated to treat dandruff with natural origen ingredients while protecting color and hair condition. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phalates they leave your scalp clean and balanced giving oxygen to pores and promoting healthy hair growth.  Best part?  No medicinal smell or dry crunchy hair, it smells and feels like any luxury hair cleanser.  

Do you have dry scalp?

How can I tell?  If you have dry white flakes similar to sand that are not oily and not sticky your scalp is just plan dry. Dry scalps feel dry, tight and itchy. 

What causes it?  

- Dry weather and forced indoor heat

- Internal dehydration from your diet or lifestyle

- A build-up of styling products.

- Stress including hormone changes like pregnancy

- Medication

- Excessive wearing of hats that stifle oxygen to the scalp - common for men

It is possible to have a dry, tight scalp and have oily hair. If you scalp feels dry and itchy but your hair feels greasy at the roots you most likely have a buildup of chemicals on your scalp caused by parabens, sulfates, and phalates found in drugstore hair products. These chemicals clog your pores and your body overproduces oil to compensate.  Since healthy hair starts at the scalp, this condition can lead to thinning, and growth of brittle, damaged hair.    

Scalp Oil 

De-stress your scalp with Biolage R.A.W. Scalp Oil.  Formulated with peppermint, fennel, and lemongrass essential oils, this scalp oil is an ideal pre-shampoo treatment for those with a scalp moisture imbalance. Cedarwood and lemongrass are known antioxidants while peppermint is known to provide a soothing and cooling experience to the scalp.

Coconut Oil Warning 

You may have heard coconut oil is a natural home remedy for dandruff and dry scalp. Virgin, unrefined coconut oil does have antifungal properties to kill bacteria causing dandruff but can clog pores and cause irritation. It is recommended coconut oil only be applied to the hair, not the scalp and only for those with the right hair type.

While organic coconut oil may help some with fine to medium shiny hair, it can hurt coarse or dry hair causing brittle hair and hair loss. The amount you use also matters and there is truly too much of a good thing. Too much residue clogs pores and oxygen needed for healthy scalp. Healthy hair starts at the scalp so it is better to avoid applying coconut oil directly and better to use professional hair products containing proper amounts of coconut oil.

In Salon Scalp Detox

Biolage RAW Fresh Recipes is offered at The Pretty Swan Salon Suites as an add on to any hair service for just $18.

Your stylist will evaluate your scalp condition and hand mix a treatment recipe with aromatherapy oils applied under a hot towel.    

The detoxifying scalp scrub treatment cleanser will exfoliate build up with kaolin crumble and corn dust mixed in to a cleansing juice.  

The scalp exfoliating liquid treatment cleanser will exfoliate and add moisture with kaolin crumble and jojoba essence mixed into a cleansing juice.  

The scalp moisture treatment adds moisture and volume with glycerin spread, aloe jelly, coconut syrup mixed in to a treatment milk.  

Healthy hair growth starts at the scalp. That is why we only choose to use natural origen botanical ingredients. All products are vegan, cruelty free, and made from recycled packaging. Free from sulfates, parabens, and silicones our products are healthy for the scalp, hair and body.

We live R.A.W - Real . Authentic . Wholesome