Dry flaky scalp

[GreenFairyHouse]

My scalp is so dry. I always had dandruff and the issue was on and off since I was small. I was able to get it under control for a period some years ago but not any more. I found coal tar shampoo good but that's not working for me any more. I tried nizoral and other over the counter shampoos.

Currently my shampoo of choice is the body shop ginger shampoo. It did look like there was an improvement. Then I got sick (but not with covid) and I didn't feel like washing my hair. I left it about 8 days between washing and that set me back.

My issue is that as soon as I finish the wash, condition and rinsing of the hair, I feel a tightening sensation on my scalp. I can take a mirror and look at these areas on my scalp and it's covered in scales and flakes. I can take my fingers to my head and scalp and just feel lumps of scales in the days after a wash.

I hate it, I hate it, I hate it, I hate.

What do you think I can do to improve this condition?

I bought a hair oil of shea butter and olive oil for hair online. It is yet to be delivered. I don't know if that will help.

My hair type was always
Greasy roots and dry ends. It doesn't tend to get as greasy as quickly any more. I can now go about 4 days between washes.

I bought Philip Kingsley products as I was having same issues. They are v expensive but it has improved my dry itchy scalp

I used to use the body shop ginger shampoo but it stopped working and have also used philip Kingsley stuff but I didn't find that it did much. I recently started using moogoo and it has really improved my scalp.

I've tried so many in my lifetime and only found one that really worked for me.

I suffer very badly and currently use the L'Oréal Phytoclear Soothing shampoo! It's so good, and does soothe.
However, to my disgust they have discontinued it so I'm going to have to go back on search for one.

What's your sugar consumption ? Lots of studies have shown a link sugar consumption and dandruff.

Phillip Kingsley Itchy Flaky Scalp Shampoo 👍

Do you drink any sugar free drinks? I find hormones trigger mine but also diet drinks make me get flakes and my hair needs washing every 2nd day

My husband was using t gel but it just stopped working. He has used clever soap shampoo bar from Amazon and at the moment this seems to work. Like you he has just tried everything.

I'm low on carbs and sugars. I don't drink sugar drinks or diet drinks. I drink 1 to 2 milky coffee a day with no sugar and I drink loads of water.

Thanks for the replies. I will try the Philip kingsley shampoo and hopefully it will help.

Stress has the same effect on my scalp! I usually alternate between Neutrogena t/gel and E45 shampoo and coconut oil hair masks leave it for at least 30mins before washing and it does miracles for me. Also have switched to silicon & parabens & alcohol free hair products.

I get this, the best relief I get is from using Apple cider vinegar (it must have ‘with mother’) as a treatment after shampooing. I dilute about 25% ACV with 75% water in a squeezy/drink bottle and apply to my roots after rinsing off shampoo then leave it on while I wash, shave etc then rinse off. The relief it gives feels so nice!

What tests have you had done to check you don't have an underlying medical problem? No point recommending products until this has been done!

Have you had it checked and its not psoriasis, dermatitis, diabetes, thyroid, or a deficiency?

Google ‘seborrheic dermatitis’.

If you think that might be it then the magic ingredient is selenium. There a head and shoulders that has it (it’s a small bottle, called clinical something I think). There is also a Vichy anti-dandruff shampoo that’s good (that’s what I use).

Once it’s under control you can alternate with ‘normal’ shampoo but you need to clear it up first.

Flakey scalp is caused by yeast.

If you have tried the anti dandruff shampoos for a while and nothing is working then go to the Doctors and speak to them.

I think this article is fairly informative: www.nhs.uk/conditions/dandruff/

I kept getting flakes and using dandruff shampoos treatments ect. Turns out it was a fungal infection. Dandruff is large oily flakes. Mine were very small dry white flakes. I used nizoral recommended from drs which you can buy in boots/Superdrug. Cleared up straight away. I still use it now if I get a flare up and alternate with other shampoo

I used Philip Kingsley ‘dry itchy scalp shampoo’ for years. It’s very good.

But recently I’ve found the Aveeno shampoo for dry scalps is equally excellent for my hair and much cheaper.

I also find Philip Kingsley the best. I use the scalp toner every day and find it very soothing.

It's worth keeping an eye on Marks and Spencer for their 20% of Beauty offer as you can buy Philip Kingsley there.