Skin inflammation combined with excess sebum starts with dandruff, followed by red patches that may turn oily and yellow. In the presence of sebum, a naturally occurring fungus on the scalp could contribute to spread the symptoms together with itching and a burning sensation.

In cancer treatments, chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy reduce or stop cellular activity at the follicular level and in sebaceous glands. Hair will fall within days of starting the treatment. The scalp may become sensitive, irritated and dry during treatments.

Aggressive environmental conditions and some beauty treatments may cause dry hair or a dry scalp. Perms, dyes, chlorine or seawater may be to blame, as well as a lack of hydration. Under such circumstances the sebaceous glands are unable to adequately lubricate the hair to preserve their natural softness and bounce.

Like other parts of our skin, the scalp may become the cause of itching sensations. At times dry, oily, or sensitive, the scalp may also develop red patches, scabs, dandruff or scales. The itching is a sign your scalp needs care.

Hair and skin cells continuously renew just like other cells in any part of the body. New hair replaces old hair at a pace of several dozen strands a day. Spring and especially fall, are the times of year when this shedding is the heaviest. Natural hair loss may accelerate under some specific circumstances. When not looked after properly hair may accumulate residues and hold back hair strands that have already come loose at the root.

During pregnancy hair may often become denser, thicker and sometimes less oily. Hormonal changes have a major influence on hair growth and sebum production. During the final months of pregnancy the fetus will develop its own hair by absorbing the mother’s amino-acids. Between 3 to 6 months after the birth the mother may suffer considerable hair loss because of hormonal changes.

Scalp cells renew on a regular basis. However, some forms of yeast or parasites that damage the scalp may accelerate this renewal process to the point of causing dandruff. Dry dandruff forms mainly on a dry scalp. Flakes come off easily and hang onto hair and your clothing. Oily dandruff leaves larger sticky and yellow scales that are held in place on the scalp by a layer of sebum.

A variety of causes and conditions may trigger oily scalp issues, such as excess sebum which is hereditary. The origin is usually to be found in the scalp. Sebaceous glands release too much sebum, an oily substance that protects hair. Hormonal changes, a diet that is too rich in fat, lack of vitamins, toxicity or stress all may cause this hair disorder.

Environment, diet, stress, chemical processes or general health may all affect the health of hair and scalp. There are several types of hair loss in women, temporary or permanent. The origin may be hereditary, hormonal or directly linked to a health issue, a medication or even surgery.

In 95% of all cases, men’s hair loss is androgenetic, hence hereditary. A specific enzyme transforms testosterone into DHT which will permanently stimulate the sebaceous glands. The excess oil obstructs the follicle in which the hair grows, and will ultimately suffocate the bulb.

Round, smooth and soft bald patches that appear very suddenly are the symptoms of localized hair loss. This kind of hair loss is not always permanent. Often associated with an emotional trauma, medication, an infection or even stress, it is an auto-immune reaction where the body attacks the hair follicle cells. 

The scalp keeps renewing at the cellular level. In the case of psoriasis, this cycle is 10 times faster than usual. The new cells pile up in thick flakes covered in white and dry scales. Constant itching and red patches around the face are both physically and mentally challenging which only exacerbates the symptoms.