This week, I want to share important information for both men and women. We often get misinformed and confused about two common issues many of us face: dry hair and oily hair. That's why I titled this article "The Truth Behind Dry and Oily Hair," because understanding the causes and how to treat them is key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful mane. The root of these problems lies in the scalp, especially with oily hair. So read until the end and apply the solutions I suggest improving the health and appearance of your hair.

Dry Hair

As a salon owner, I see all types of hair, but one of the most common concerns is dry hair, especially since coloring or bleaching can dehydrate it. But don't worry, everything has a solution. Here are the most common causes:

Lack of Hydration: Hair needs both internal and external hydration. Drinking enough water and using the right hydrating products is crucial. Applying a weekly hydrating mask will make a difference.

Excessive Use of Heat Tools: Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can damage the hair cuticle, making it more prone to dryness. Always use a heat protector on both wet and dry hair.

Chemical Products: Frequent use of dyes, perms, and other chemical treatments can weaken and dry out your hair. That's why home care is essential; sulfate-free shampoos followed by hydrating conditioners will help preserve your color and hair health.

Environmental Factors: Sun, wind, and salt or chlorinated water can negatively impact your hair's hydration. Always wear hats or caps when exposed to sun or cold.

Scalp Type for Dry Hair: If your hair is natural and you don't use hot tools but still have dry hair, it's likely because you have a naturally dry scalp. Pay attention to your washing and hair care routine. Often, the water we use to wash our hair, depending on where we live, plays a significant role. Mountainous areas tend to have water with lots of minerals; coastal areas tend to have salt residues; and big cities often treat water with chemicals like chlorine. All these factors affect the scalp and, consequently, the hair.

Symptoms of a Dry Scalp

Tight and Flaky Skin: The lack of natural oils can make the scalp feel tight and, in some cases, flaky or dandruff-like. I recommend massaging your scalp with eucalyptus oil to help hydrate it, eliminate flakes, and provide a refreshing sensation.

Itching: Dryness can cause itching, which can be uncomfortable and lead to scratching, worsening the condition. Similarly, oil massages can help, but don't overdo it; once a week is enough. I recommend jojoba oil.

If you don't treat a dry scalp, the conditions can worsen. Here's a list of potential issues:

Itching: Lack of moisture can cause a constant itchy feeling on the scalp.
Flakes and Dry Dandruff: Dryness can lead to visible flakes that resemble dry dandruff.
Irritation and Redness: Dry skin can easily become irritated, causing redness and discomfort.
Hair Loss: A dry, irritated scalp can weaken hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Sensitivity: Dryness can make the scalp more sensitive to products and treatments, causing adverse reactions.
Loss of Shine: Lack of natural oils can make hair look dull and lifeless.
Fragility and Hair Breakage: Dry hair tends to be more fragile and prone to breakage.
Infections: Dry, cracked skin can be more susceptible to infections, such as folliculitis.
Tightness: Dry scalp skin can feel tight and uncomfortable.
Difficulty Styling: Dry hair can tangle more easily and be harder to style and manage.

These problems can affect not only scalp health but also the overall appearance and health of the hair.

How to Treat Dry Hair

The most important thing is to recognize and observe your hair and scalp to provide solutions. I recommend using sulfate-free shampoos and hydrating conditioners in your daily home care routine. Opt for products that contain natural oils like coconut, argan, jojoba, and olive, among others. A balanced combination of these oils can make a radical change in your scalp and hair.

Once a week, mix a hydrating mask with a few drops of oil or serum that contains natural oils and apply it as follows:

1. Wash your hair with a sulfate-free hydrating shampoo.
2. Towel dry your hair, apply the hydrating mask, and cover with a plastic cap.
3. Leave it on overnight and rinse the next day. Style and dry as usual. I assure you, you'll notice the difference.

It's crucial to be aware of how to treat dry hair and scalp. Avoid excessive heat and limit the use of hot tools, always using a heat protector.

Oily Hair

Oily hair, on the other hand, results from an overproduction of sebum on the scalp. In the salon and my life as a stylist, I constantly hear, "I have oily hair." No, this is a misconception. The hair isn't oily; the scalp is oily, and that's where the problem lies.

Common Causes

Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to produce more sebum.
Overwashing: Washing hair too frequently can strip natural oils, causing the scalp to produce more sebum in compensation.
Inadequate Products: Using products unsuitable for your hair type can contribute to oil buildup.
Improper Product Use: Using products incorrectly can grease the scalp.
Poor Hygiene: Not washing hair thoroughly, even if washed daily, can cause product buildup on the scalp, making it greasy.

Scalp Type for Oily Hair

A scalp that tends to have oily hair is generally oilier and may present the following symptoms:

Shiny and Greasy Appearance: Excess sebum makes the scalp and hair look shiny and greasy.
Enlarged Pores: Like the skin on your face, an oily scalp can have more visible pores prone to grease and dirt buildup.

As with any problem or situation, you need to address it once you determine you have an oily scalp and take certain measures. Otherwise, this can lead to consequences such as:

Greasy, Lifeless Appearance: Excess sebum makes hair look oily, heavy, and lacking volume.
Product Buildup: Sebum can trap hair products, dust, and other impurities, causing buildup and making hair dirty faster.
Clogged Pores: Excess oil can clog scalp pores, leading to issues like pimples and blackheads.
Bad Odor: Sebum and residue buildup can cause a bad odor on the scalp.
Oily Dandruff: Unlike dry dandruff, oily dandruff is stickier and yellowish, tending to adhere to the scalp and hair.
Scalp Infections: Clogged pores and an oily environment can be breeding grounds for bacterial and fungal infections.
Itching and Irritation: An oily scalp can feel irritated and itchy.
Hair Loss: Excess sebum can weaken hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
Thinning Hair: The weight of sebum can make hair look flat and thinner.
Difficulty Styling: Oily hair is harder to style and maintain because styles tend to fall apart quickly.

These issues can affect scalp health and hair appearance, making it important to control sebum production and maintain good hair hygiene.

How to Treat Oily Hair

The most important thing is how to treat your hair once you recognize you have an oily scalp.

Wash in Moderation: Try spacing out washes to avoid stripping natural oils too often. I know it's challenging, but you must try. Start with washing every other day. Then, try going two days in between. On days you don't wash your hair, apply dry shampoo at the roots. Look for one that doesn't wet and leaves no residue. Section your hair and apply directly to the roots about 15 cm away. Then, brush your hair to distribute the product and finally spray all over to refresh the scent.



Clarifying Shampoos: Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product and sebum buildup. These shampoos contain sulfates, which are the "detergents" that deeply clean, so you can't use them daily. Note that clarifying shampoos can remove color more quickly.



Lightweight Products: Opt for lightweight, oil-free products to avoid adding more grease to your hair. The best products for your hair are those that hydrate more than moisturize. Look for products based on natural extracts, like acai, for example.

Learn to Use Products Correctly: From how to use shampoo to finishing products, use them correctly. Remember, if you don't wash well, products accumulate on the scalp, blocking pores and causing more grease production.

Shampoo: Wet hair and apply shampoo from roots to ends, giving a gentle massage all over the scalp and repeat the application. Make sure to rinse thoroughly before applying conditioner.

Conditioner: Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. NEVER apply it at the roots, as it will cause more greasiness. Let it sit and rinse with plenty of cool, not hot, water.

Serum: Can be applied to damp or dry hair, but especially for oily scalps, only apply to the ends, NEVER at the roots.

Styling Cream, Gel, or Any Other Styling Product: Always apply from mid-lengths to ends, slightly touching the flyaways but never the scalp.

Scalp Exfoliation: Twice a month, apply a scalp exfoliator to help remove sebum deposited in the hair follicle, giving a fresh appearance to your scalp and hair. This helps thicken hair as unclogging the follicle promotes freer hair growth.

Understand that your hair is just the "consequence" of your scalp. So, don't treat the hair; start with the scalp. A healthy scalp means healthy hair.