Dandruff, itchy scalp, hair fall: 8 quiet ways your hair is giving out warning signs of bigger health problems

Hair care goes way beyond just shampooing — it’s about scalp health, damage prevention and giving your hair the right nutrients. Though many emphasise the importance of styling or the right products, how often we wash our hair is a big factor when it comes to its overall health. Not washing your hair enough can allow oil, dirt, sweat and environmental pollutants to proliferate on your scalp from one day (or week) to the next — causing a variety of subtle problems that might seem unrelated at first.

Going without washes for extended periods can lead to scalp issues, weakened hair follicles, or even more hair shedding. “These are signs you can understand and change your hair care routine accordingly, improve scalp hygiene to have vibrant looking healthy, nourished hair which is manageable,” Dr Priyal Sen, Delhi-based dermatologist and senior wellness coach at HealingNature, tells Moneycontrol.

While it's not necessary to wash your hair everyday, doing so promotes natural lustre, lessens odour and encourages a healthy scalp.

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• Excessive oiliness:

If you’ve got oily roots and buildup on your scalp, it may mean that oil simply isn’t getting properly cleaned out.

Solution: Wash more often, or try a mild, sulfate-free shampoo.

• Itchy scalp:

A dirty scalp, buildup of oil, dirt and sweat deranges your scalps PH balance which can lead to itching on the scalp.

Solution: Wash your hair frequently and use a mild, medicated shampoo to minimise irritation.

• Dandruff or flaking:

Sticky dead skin cells can often be stuck, and dandruff or excess flakes may develop.

Solution: Shampoo your hair and think about using anti-dandruff treatments as necessary.

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• Unpleasant odour:

A strong smell can be an indication of sweat, sebum, and environmental dust accumulation.

Solution: Shampoo more and keep the scalp clean.

• Hair looking greasy or flat:

Hair typically feels lifeless when oils are built up and weighing the hair down.

Solution: Shampoo and condition to the rescue!

• Scalp acne or breakouts:

If a scalp pore becomes clogged, you can end up with pimples or folliculitis.

Solution: Gentle cleansers (shampoos can be exfoliating, believe it or not) can help to wash away buildup that could potentially cause inflammation.

• Increased hair fall:

Hair fall can also become more severe when the pores get clogged due to excess sebum or dirt.

Solution: Regular washing to decongest pores and strengthen roots.

• Product buildup:

Build up on your scalp can leave residue that contributes to oil buildup, itching flakes and dull hair.

Solution: Every once in a while just add in clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and maintain shine.

Good hair begins at the root. Noticing and addressing these small reminders that your washing routine isn’t quite doing the trick can help save you from irritation, hair loss and damage while keeping everything peachy keen. Develop a washing regime that fits the needs of your hair type and your life to help prioritise good scalp health, as well as healthy hair.

FAQs on How to Keep Hair Healthy and Strong

1. How often should I wash my hair?

It depends on your hair type and lifestyle. Generally, washing your hair every 2-3 days helps remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat, promoting a healthy scalp.

2. How can I prevent oily roots and buildup on my scalp?

Wash your hair more frequently with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to ensure oil is properly cleaned out, reducing buildup on your scalp.

3. What should I do if I have an itchy scalp?

An itchy scalp can be due to oil, dirt, and sweat buildup. Washing your hair frequently with a mild, medicated shampoo can help minimize irritation.

4. How can I manage dandruff or flaking?

Shampoo your hair regularly and consider using anti-dandruff treatments to manage dead skin cells and excess flakes effectively.

5. What should I do if my hair looks greasy or flat?

Greasy or flat hair can be due to oil buildup. Regular shampooing and conditioning can help revive and add volume to your hair.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.