Assess First
To begin, take an assessment of your scalp. Analyze the color, sensitivity, and comfort level of your scalp by letting down your hair and massaging the scalp for discomfort or woes. Next, snap a close-up photo of your scalp. Simply part the hair in an area where you’re feeling discomfort, hold the camera a few inches away, and take a picture with the flash on. Based on these two steps alone, you should able to treat the following symptoms from the comfort of your home.
Irritation
If you have irritation, look to your hair care routine first. Have you introduced any new products or ingredients that you may be causing a reaction? Try eliminating any suspected culprit(s) and assess a week or two later to see how the hair is reacting.
Scalp Buildup
If you scratch your scalp and have product buildup, you may want to increase the frequency of washing. You may also want to introduce a product to get rid of the excess buildup, which can lead to inflammation, irritation, and compromise both the rate and caliber of the hairs. NIOXIN Scalp Relief Cleanser or Purifying Exfoliator will be your best bet. Also, reconsider the rest of your routine. If you’re using products that buildup on the scalp, like dry shampoo or silicone-containing products, you’ll want to have a physical scrub to help remove debris. NIOXIN’s Purifying Exfoliator is perfect for removing buildup.
Dry Scalp and Flakes
Worried your scalp dryness might be linked to a condition like dandruff or psoriasis? If you have dryness, flakes, and you’re itchy, you may be looking at dandruff. If your scalp is itchy and tender, it may indicate dermatitis or chemical reactions to styling. But fear not! There are plenty of products that can address flakes right at home. If you think that you have dandruff, look for products that will soothe and reduce inflammation, like zinc. NIOXIN’s Scalp Recovery Kit has 1 percent pyrithione zinc to relieve and prevent scalp issues. Also, as contrary as it might seem to exfoliate an irritated scalp, gentle scrubs can greatly benefit dandruff and other scalp conditions. If your scalp issues persist, it’s worth it to check in with a medical expert.
Be (and Don’t Be) Aggressive
Exfoliators are a scalp-saving product, but with great power comes great responsibility. It’s possible to err on either side of caution with exfoliants. Some users believe it will harm their hair and underuse them or don’t use them at all. Meanwhile, others utilize exfoliants too often, like clients with ultra-fine hair who hope to increase volume and lift. When used appropriately, the benefits are certainly worthwhile. The NIOXIN Purifying Exfoliator is an ideal option, as it is gentle enough for sensitive scalps, but effective enough that it’s only meant for once-a-month treatments.
References:
https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/what-is-stress#1
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321590#symptoms