What are Some Common Scalp Concerns?

Genetics, ageing, and stress, as well as medicine, environmental factors, diet, and unique hair care procedures, all contribute to the changes we see in our hair. These changes, on the other hand, may be your body's way of informing you about your health, which would require more than over-the-counter hair care products, protective styling, or self-diagnosis. At The Good Hair Co we want to help you understand the various factors that contribute to your hair profile so you can figure out what works best for you and make informed decisions about your hair care.

Let’s talk about scalp issues!

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SCALP CONCERNS?

The scalp, except the ears, is the skin that covers the head and neck where hair grows. The state of your scalp has a significant impact on the health of your hair, which is often overlooked by most of us when it comes to hair care. This is why it is important to have your hair and scalp examined regularly to ensure that there are no underlying causes for the hair changes you are experiencing. Below we discuss some of the scalp issues many of us experience which can impact the quality, growth and manageability of your hair.

Dandruff 

While dandruff isn't infectious or dangerous, the scratching and flakes it causes can be embarrassing and bothersome. Oily skin, fatigue, obesity, cold, dry weather, and having eczema or psoriasis are all potential causes of dandruff. Dandruff flakes that are greasy and yellow, may be a sign of seborrheic dermatitis which, like normal dandruff, can be treated using an anti-dandruff shampoo to help decrease the buildup of the dead skin cells. However, if the dandruff persists it’s best to seek a professional who can recommend a more effective solution. If the condition is left untreated for a long time, thick layers of scale will form on the scalp's surface, a condition known as pityriasis amiantacea. This can obstruct hair growth and result in temporary hair loss.

Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which patches of dry, itchy, scaly skin develop on different parts of the body. These single or multiple patches can cause your skin to flake, crack, and even bleed in some cases. Scalp Psoriasis is a form of chronic plaque psoriasis that affects both men and women equally. For some, it's just a slight annoyance, but for others, it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. About half of all people with it have it on their scalp but it can also spread to your forehead, the back of your neck, or your ears. Psoriasis of the scalp does not cause hair loss in and of itself, but excessive scratching, picking at the scaly patches, harsh treatments, and the stress that comes with the condition can cause temporary hair loss. As psoriasis tends to flare up from time to time, the condition can only be managed but not cured. Therefore you may need courses of treatment from a professional on and off throughout your life.

Folliculitis

This is a common skin disorder that occurs when the tiny holes where your hair grows out of, known as hair follicles, become irritated, typically as a result of a bacterial or fungal infection. Around the follicles, small red or white-headed bumps appear which can spread and cause crusty sores to form that take a long time to heal. Folliculitis isn’t life-threatening and should clear without any treatment within 7-10 days. However, it can result in hair loss and scarring in extreme cases if left untreated.

Ringworm

Despite its name, this disease is not caused by worms. Ringworm is a fungal infection of the scalp that mostly affects toddlers and school-aged children, causing itching, scaliness, and bald patches. It's a very common and highly infectious infection that's easy to catch from someone else by sharing hair care equipment or coming into touch with a carrier. Some cases of scalp ringworm can cause significant inflammation at the infected area, which can lead to scarring or permanent hair loss. Antifungal shampoo is not effective on its own, but it may be recommended in conjunction with medication given by a hair and scalp professional.

Telogen Effluvium

Surgery, vaccines, childbirth, some drugs, crash diets, excessive stress, thyroid problems, and other factors can cause temporary hair loss. This type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium where a major stress to the body causes hair in the resting phase (telogen phase) of the growth cycle to shed excessively. The shedding can happen 1 - 3 months after the initial shock to the system, making it difficult to relate the sudden shedding to the event that caused it. While this type of hair loss is typically temporary, it is best to seek the advice of a professional who can properly diagnose the problem and prescribe a treatment, especially if it happens on a regular basis.

Alopecia Areata

The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. In alopecia areata, hair loss occurs when the immune system unintentionally attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in patches. Most people will have one or two bald spots, which can be quickly cured with injections, but some people will lose all of their body hair. Alopecia areata isn't dangerous or infectious, but it can be emotionally draining and affect both men and women equally. Hair can regrow on its own, and treatment may accelerate the process, however, some people can develop alopecia areata on a regular basis. Seeking professional help and shielding exposed skin from direct sunlight with caps, scarves, or sunscreen, can help with managing the condition. There are other forms of alopecia areata which result in permanent hair loss.

Female-Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

Thinning hair is not solely a male issue, despite the fact that it is less common in women. Losing one's crowning glory is especially difficult for women, but it happens more often than most people realise. Most people lose a few hairs every day, but this can increase during periods of stress or physical changes. By the age of 50, about 40% of women show signs of hair loss, and only about 45% of women reach the age of 80 with a full head of hair. Hair thinning due to age can occur anywhere on the head, but female-pattern hair loss is most common on the top of the head and occurs in women with androgenetic alopecia, a genetically inherited type of hair loss. Having your hair and scalp examined by a hair and scalp professional can help diagnose the cause of this type of hair loss and provide appropriate solutions.

Traction Alopecia 

Protective styling is often done with good intentions, but when done poorly or over long periods of time, it may result in significant hair loss. Hair can split or fall out due to tight ponytails, long heavy braids, and sleek cornrows amongst other styles which can lead to traction alopecia. This type of hair loss occurs when hair follicles are damaged as a result of prolonged or repetitive tension on the hair on the scalp. Traction alopecia affects people of all races and is more common in men and women who wear heavy hair pieces or have overly long hair. The risk of developing traction alopecia rises with age, most likely as a result of a long history of these hair practises that may result in irreversible hair loss. If diagnosed early enough, a change in hairstyling and hair care practices could help grow your hair back. 

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia is a form of scarring alopecia that affects mainly women of African descent in their 30s and 40s. Permanent hair loss occurs as a result of this form of hair loss, which mostly begins at the top of the scalp and extends outwards. An inflammation forms around the hair follicles, which are weakened and destroyed by the inflammation, resulting in scar tissue around the hair loss area. The cause of CCCA is unknown, but it has been attributed to a number of factors including genetic abnormalities, hair care habits, autoimmune disease, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and type 2 diabetes.

Everyone has a story when it comes to hair issues but no matter what the story, the ultimate goal is healthy, happy, great-looking hair. Our mission here at The Good Hair Co is to help you achieve exactly that!

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Now that you have an idea of some of the potential causes of scalp issues, book your consultation with one of our certified hair experts. Get a personalised regimen consisting of highly effective product recommendations to solve your hair and scalp concerns. Let us help you discover the expert hair care advice you need to get the healthy hair you want.