5 signs that your scalp is out of balance (and how to fix it)

Introduction: Listen to the warning signs from your scalp

The scalp is a sensitive area that is often neglected in hair care routines. However, it plays a fundamental role in hair growth and overall health. When it is out of balance, it sends clear signals: tightness, excess sebum, dandruff, irritation, etc. Learning to recognize these signals is the first step toward healthy hair. As a trichologist, I can help you identify the symptoms of a troubled scalp and take the right steps to restore its natural balance.

1. Excessively dry scalp: tightness, itching, fine dandruff

A dry scalp manifests itself through feelings of tightness, itching, and sometimes the appearance of fine white flakes. This means that the skin's natural lipid barrier has been compromised. The lack of lipids weakens the cells and makes the scalp more vulnerable to external aggressions.

Natural solutions:

• Apply rich oils such as avocado or coconut oil in an oil bath.

• Avoid harsh shampoos (opt for sulfate-free formulas instead).

• Drink enough water and enrich your diet with omega-3

2. Oily scalp: excess sebum quickly after washing

A scalp that becomes oily again the day after shampooing is often a sign of excess sebum production. This phenomenon may be due to overly frequent or aggressive cleansing, which causes the scalp to defend itself by producing more sebum.

Natural solutions:

• Use sebum-regulating oils such as jojoba or hazelnut oil.

• Space out shampooing (2 to 3 times a week maximum)

• Use a mild shampoo with a neutral or slightly acidic pH.

3. Presence of dandruff and irritation: unbalanced scalp

Dandruff can be dry or oily. In both cases, it is a sign of an imbalance in the skin's flora or excessively rapid cell renewal. Itching, redness, or burning sensations may accompany these symptoms.

Natural solutions:

• Apply treatments based on rice bran oil or black cumin oil.

• Use a gentle purifying shampoo containing tea tree or lavender.

• Avoid occlusive products (silicones, synthetic waxes)

4. Excessive hair loss: deficient or inflamed scalp

Hair loss can be seasonal, hormonal, or reactive. When it intensifies or persists over time, it may be the result of an undernourished, inflamed, or poorly oxygenated scalp. The condition of the scalp directly affects the hair cycle and the quality of the hair's anchorage.

Natural solutions:

• Perform regular massages to stimulate microcirculation.

• Apply fortifying oil baths (castor oil, black cumin oil, mustard oil)

• Take dietary supplements rich in zinc, iron, and biotin.

5. Sensitivity and redness: signs of chronic inflammation

A sensitive scalp can react to changes in temperature, hair dye, or certain cosmetic products. Redness and a burning sensation indicate inflammation, often linked to a compromised skin barrier or hypersensitivity of the microbiome.

Natural solutions:

• Focus on soothing oils such as calendula or chamomile.

• Use rose or lavender hydrosols in a daily spray.

• Limit sources of irritation (heat, harsh shampoos, pollution)