Dry scalp, flaking, itching, dandruff... What are all the different scalp problems?
Itching and flaking on the scalp
If you have an itchy scalp, flakes can quickly appear, but what do these flakes on the scalp actually mean?
Do you have dandruff?
Dandruff is one of the most common and well-known scalp conditions, characterized by visible flakes in the hair. This occurs because scalp cells are constantly renewing themselves, and old cells shed from the skin. If you have dandruff, this process happens twice as fast as normal. This means there are twice as many old cells shedding. These cells look like small flakes and are called dandruff. Dandruff can have various causes, but the main causes are:
- Stress
- Types of food or drink
- Soap
- Cold, dry air
We understand that dandruff can be really annoying, and you definitely want to get rid of it. The good news is that dandruff isn’t harmful and isn’t contagious. It also doesn’t affect your hair growth or hair loss. Dandruff can go away on its own, but it can also come back. So don’t panic right away—just give it some time. A simple first step is to switch up your shampoo. TheKérastase Specifique Bain Anti-Pelliculaireisan anti-dandruff shampoo that gently cleanses the hair and combats dandruff and flakes.
What to Do If You Have a Fungal Infection on Your Scalp?
A fungal infection on the scalp can also manifest as flakes or patches. The color of the flakes can range from white to yellow to green. The patches may gradually grow larger and may itch. Everyone has skin flakes on their body, and this is usually not a problem. That’s because there’s a thin layer of oil on your skin that protects you and prevents any symptoms from developing. However, sometimes this protective layer may not work as well as it should. As a result, the fungus can penetrate your skin and grow there. If you have a fungal infection on your scalp, it’s advisable to contact your doctor.
Your hair reacts negatively to skin care products
Of course, it’s also possible that you’re having an adverse reaction to your skincare products. This can manifest as an itchy scalp with some redness and not too much flaking. One of the most common causes of irritation is SLS (sodium laureth sulfate), an ingredient found in many shampoos. So if you think your scalp is reacting to hair care products, you might want to check out oursulfate-free shampoos.
See everything here for sensitive scalps

Help, I have a dry scalp!
You can recognize a dry scalp by its rough, flaky appearance. The scalp may itch and look irritated. This is very unpleasant, but it’s easy to treat with the right products.
What can you do about a dry scalp? Read our tips
Tip 1: Use a serum or oil for the scalp
Sometimes we forget that the scalp is skin, too—skin that ages and needs special care. If your face or body feels dry, you moisturize it with lotion or oil. You should take the same approach with your scalp. Of course, it’s less exposed to direct sunlight (thanks to your hair), but this skin can still become dry and age over the years. So it’s important to take good care of your scalp, especially if it feels dry and irritated.
That’s why, for a dry scalp, werecommendtheKerastase Specifique Serum Potentialiste. This serum strengthens the scalp’s barrier and protects the scalp from external influences. You may have already noticed that the temperature is dropping significantly—these are factors that can cause your scalp to feel dry. This serum helps protect your scalp against these effects. It strengthens and refreshes the scalp. If you suffer from a dry scalp, I definitely recommend this product.
Tip 2: Try washing your hair a little less often
If you have a dry scalp, it’s not a good idea to wash your hair every day. It’s important to give your scalp a break every now and then. By waiting a little longer between washes, you’ll strengthen your scalp’s natural protective barrier. Postpone washing it for one more day—for example, by wearing your hair up. That way, you’ll be less tempted to touch it. Also… try leaving the dry shampoo in the cabinet for a while. Dry shampoo actually dries out your hair and hair, making it look less oily, but if you already have a dry scalp, this isn’t a good combination, of course.
Tip 3: Don't use too much conditioner
Conditioner is really meant for your hair, not your scalp. So keep this in mind when applying conditioner. Focus on the ends and lengths of your hair, and avoid getting conditioner on your scalp.
Itchy scalp?
An itchy scalp is a problem that, unfortunately, occurs quite often. Scratching can lead to sores on the scalp, red bumps, scabs, flakes, or hair loss. An itchy scalp can also be caused by changes in temperature and the seasons. In addition, stress can also cause an itchy scalp. An itchy scalp is mainly caused by an imbalance in the scalp’s moisture levels. To relieve the itching, this moisture balance must be restored.
What to Do If You Have an Itchy Scalp? [TIPS]
Tip 1: Use mild hair care products
You may be using hair care products that are too harsh or aggressive without even realizing it. If you have an irritated and itchy scalp, use mild hair care products. The shampoo I recommend is theWaterclouds Relieve Mild Climbazole Shampoo. This is a mild cleansing shampoo for all hair types with scalp issues. It hydrates and soothes the irritated scalp, and the shampoo also has a cooling effect that helps restore balance to the scalp. The shampoo helps restore the moisture balance of the hair and scalp.
Tip 2: Gently exfoliate and massage your scalp
Build-up in the hair can make itching worse. Build-up includes, for example, shampoo residue. By gently massaging your scalp while showering, you can loosen excess shampoo residue. Don’t do this under a shower that’s too hot—keep the temperature below 38 degrees. This can help reduce the itching.
TheNeofollics Shampoo Massage Brushisthe perfect product to help with this. It’s a massage brush that stimulates blood flow and promotes overall scalp health. It also removes product residue, dandruff, dirt, and sebum. If you suffer from scalp problems, this might just be the magic solution. By gently massaging your scalp regularly, you increase blood flow to the scalp, allowing your hair follicles to receive more oxygen and nutrients.
Which products help with scalp problems, such as a dry, itchy, and/or flaky scalp?
There are many different types of scalp problems, and that’s just really annoying. The good news is that there are products with active ingredients that help combat this. We’ve put together a list of our favorites.
Nioxin Scalp Relief Kit–for sensitive, dry, and irritated scalps
The Nioxin Scalp Relief kit is a gentle care regimen with aloe vera that has been dermatologically tested for sensitive, dry, and irritated scalps. It soothes and moisturizes the scalp and promotes thicker, fuller-looking hair starting with the very first use. The kit includes a cleansing shampoo, conditioner, and a leave-in treatment to soothe the scalp. The products feature a gentle, sulfate- and dye-free formula and are proven to be suitable for sensitive, dry, and itchy scalps. For optimal results, it’s important to always use all three steps together. For best results, use the products at least 4 times a week.
Juhldal PSO Shampoo No. 4–for itchy, irritated, and dry scalps
This shampoo from Juhldal is a cleansing and soothing shampoo specially formulated to restore the natural balance of an itchy, irritated, and dry scalp. The shampoo contains bromelain, which is effective for a flaky and dry scalp. The shampoo has a soothing and restorative effect, which is incredibly helpful if you suffer from a troubled scalp.
TIP! Do you have curly hair and an itchy scalp? This shampoo helps restore your scalp and is also curly girl-friendly!
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Kérastase Specifique Argile Equilibrante Detox Clay–for sensitive scalps
A detox clay that you use once a week instead of your shampoo. It’s ideal for sensitive scalps. This product strengthens the scalp and removes impurities and dirt. In addition to deep cleansing, the detox clay provides as much as 74% more volume, especially at the roots. After using this detox clay, you’ll notice visibly more shine and volume.

I-N Beauty Sooth Sayer Bi-Phase Scalp Treatment–soothing scalp treatment
This product from I-N Beauty is a soothing scalp and hair treatment designed to address all kinds of issues with proven, powerful plant-based active ingredients. It deeply hydrates and soothes the scalp. Take a moment to relax and massage this product into your scalp. The scent is wonderful, and you’ll notice that the itchy, dry feeling goes away.
Moroccanoil Dry Scalp Treatment–for irritated scalps
This Moroccanoil treatment is suitable for dry, itchy, and sensitive scalps. It’s a light yet concentrated formula that contains natural ingredients, such as lavender oil, to soothe the scalp. It’s truly a wonderful product for combating a dry and sensitive scalp.
Products for Scalp Problems at JohnBeerens.com
AtJohnBeerens.com, wehaveeverything you need to tackle various scalp issues. Do you suffer from flaking, dandruff, itching, or a dry scalp? By reading this blog, you’ll find out what you can do about it. Are you looking for other products to treat an irritated scalp? You’ll find them all in the“Scalp” category. Have other questions or comments? Leave them in the comments section, and one of our beauty specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.
