Scalp Issues: 4 Ways To Solve “Snowfall” Flakes + How To Choose A Scalp-Focused Shampoo

Scalp issues can range far and wide: dandruff, dryness, itching, excess oil, pimples, odor, allergic reactions, redness, and more. If you ignore these problems, they can escalate into hair loss, thinning, and sparse hair—which can seriously impact your appearance. Imagine being young with a receding hairline or balding patches—you’ll regret it later! This article starts with the most common issue—dandruff—and walks you through managing scalp health step by step.

1

Why Do I Get Dandruff? What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is the most talked-about scalp issue. When things go wrong—whether dryness, oiliness, or inflammation—dandruff can suddenly worsen. Flakes fall like snow, covering your shoulders and back, and dark clothes feel off-limits!

In reality, ordinary dandruff is just dead skin cells from normal skin turnover—nothing alarming. Your scalp is like the skin on your face: as new cells are born in the basal layer, they migrate upward, fill with keratin, and die, then shed in tiny flakes: that’s dandruff. So everyone with a healthy scalp sheds flakes—but if flakes suddenly increase, clump together, or come with itching or redness, that could be a warning sign of a deeper scalp issue.

2

Is Dandruff Caused by Fungus on the Scalp?

When flakes increase in size or amount, it signals an ecological imbalance on your scalp. Excess dandruff is often caused by overgrowth of Malassezia (a type of yeast). This fungus breaks down proteins in your epidermis, damaging the natural oil barrier and creating microscopic lesions. As a result, moisture is lost, oil levels plummet, and scaly flaking accelerates. To control this, you often need an anti-dandruff shampoo that suppresses fungal growth.

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Why Does Shampooing More Make Dandruff Worse? Oil Control Isn’t Enough

Normal dandruff is transparent and tiny—you only see it under bright lights or on dark clothes. Those with sensitive scalps, however, may develop larger, chunkier flakes due to disrupted cell turnover. Using heavy-duty cleansing, oil-control, or antibacterial shampoos can actually worsen the condition.

Many believe dandruff is caused by dirt or excess oil—but the real issue is a disruption in your scalp’s microbial ecosystem. The scalp holds two key bacterial strains in balance: Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus. When Staph overgrows, dandruff and itching worsen; it thrives on scalp oil. In contrast, a well-hydrated scalp fosters Cutibacterium, which keeps Staph in check.

So, to treat dandruff effectively, you need to balance antibacterial, oil-control, and hydration—only this trio can restore scalp health.

4

Self-Test for Sensitive Scalp: Dry vs Oily Dandruff

• Dry Dandruff: Hair feels coarse or dull. No strong odor. Flakes are small, white, and barely noticeable.
• Oily Dandruff: Hair looks greasy and sticky (especially bangs). Yellow-white flakes, larger in size. Tends to smell unpleasant.

5

Self-Check: Signs of Scalp Sensitivity

Do any of these apply to you?

1. Soon after washing, your scalp feels tight and itchy.
2. During seasonal changes or fatigue, your scalp tightens, itches, or feels oily quickly.
3. Using low-moisture shampoo leads to dandruff quickly.
4. Frequent itching—your scalp is too dry, producing too little oil.

*The more you check “yes,” the more you need to rethink your shampoo and washing routine.

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4 Key Indicators of Scalp Health

1. Hair density
2. Hair thickness
3. Receding hairline
4. Scalp oiliness

These help you assess scalp health. Beyond dandruff, your hair quality and hair loss matter too—because healthy follicles depend on a healthy scalp to nourish a full, lustrous mane.

1. Hair Density

You’re born with around 1 million follicles, and they don’t regenerate—once lost or miniaturized, they’re gone. Each follicle can grow 1–3 hairs. Normal shedding is around 70–100 hairs daily, more during washing or brushing. Losing over 100 hairs isn’t automatically pathological—compare to your usual shedding. A sudden increase should prompt concern and action.

2. Hair Thickness

Thin hair signals weak follicles—perhaps due to poor blood circulation, autoimmune issues, or infection. Hair becomes fine or prematurely sheds, causing thinning and potential baldness over time.

3. Receding Hairline

More common in men (due to androgenic alopecia), but lifestyle, diet, or immune imbalance can worsen it in women, too. Early intervention when noticing a receding hairline is crucial to stop further loss.

4. Scalp Oiliness

Too much or too little oil is problematic. Oil overload feeds fungal and bacterial growth, leading to inflammation and dandruff, while extreme dryness causes itching and flaking. To assess:

• Normal scalps feel oily ~2 days post-wash.
• Dry scalps feel tight and may only get oily in bangs.
• Oily scalps may need daily washing.

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Why Is My Scalp So Itchy? Common Causes Behind Scalp Problems

1. Seasonal Changes

Scalp issues often flare up during seasonal transitions. While Hong Kong basically has two seasons—an extended summer and a brief autumn-winter—you shouldn’t underestimate the impact of shifting weather. Sudden changes like moving frequently between air-conditioned rooms in summer or the sharp drop in humidity during winter can trigger scalp imbalances. More oil production in the heat and excessive dryness in the cold disrupt the natural turnover of scalp cells, leading to flaky buildup or larger patches of dead skin. The fix? Switch to season-appropriate shampoos and consider wearing a hat during colder months to lock in moisture.

2. Frequent Bleaching and Dyeing

If you color or bleach your hair often, chances are your scalp is reacting to leftover chemicals. The scalp is a living organ that renews itself through skin cell turnover, which helps eliminate toxins. But constant exposure to hair dye and bleach doesn't give it time to recover. This can lead to contact dermatitis, with symptoms like redness, itching, and inflammation that may return again and again, potentially resulting in chronic sensitivity or inflammation.

3. Over- or Under-Washing

Both insufficient cleansing and over-washing can lead to scalp issues. It all depends on your shampoo, how often you wash your hair, and your technique. Don't fall into the trap of thinking oily scalp equals dandruff. Overusing oil-control shampoos might actually dry out your scalp, making it itchier and more irritated. If you're currently using one, try switching to a more hydrating formula to see if your symptoms improve. Once your shampoo is sorted, adjust your washing frequency. And no matter what—always use your fingertips, not your nails, to cleanse your scalp gently.

4. Sharing Personal Items

Yes, scalp issues can be contagious. The fungus responsible for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and oily dandruff can spread through contact, especially via shared items like towels, combs, or hair clips. Avoid sharing anything that touches the scalp, and regularly clean your own grooming tools. Combs, in particular, can build up oils, dirt, and bacteria over time, so keeping them clean is a small but important step in maintaining scalp health.

5. Hot Water When Washing Hair

Hot and humid weather can increase scalp oiliness, and washing your hair with overly hot water only makes it worse. Aim to wash your body with comfortably warm water (around 38–40°C), but keep your hair wash temperature slightly lower (36–38°C). Using water that's too hot can strip your scalp of essential oils, leading to dryness or imbalances. Before washing your hair, make sure to lower the water temperature to avoid aggravating your scalp.

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How to Soothe an Itchy Scalp: Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Options

As mentioned, dandruff is often a natural part of skin renewal. But if you're suddenly seeing a snowstorm on your shoulders, it may be due to a fungus called Malassezia. This microorganism thrives on scalp oil and breaks it down into fatty acids, which irritate the skin and trigger dandruff, itchiness, and even redness.

Shampoos with antifungal ingredients can help control this. Here are some common active ingredients to look out for:

• Selenium Sulfide

A registered medicinal ingredient that helps control oil, reduce fatty acids in sebum, and make the scalp less hospitable to fungi. It’s great for more comprehensive scalp care.

• Ketoconazole

Another registered medicinal ingredient that effectively inhibits fungal growth. However, it doesn’t change the underlying scalp environment and can sometimes cause contact dermatitis.

• ZPT (Zinc Pyrithione)

Found in many over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos, it's milder but still helps suppress both bacterial and fungal activity.

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Targeted Solutions for 5 Common Scalp Concerns

1. Odorous Scalp

• Use shampoo suited to your hair type and adjust it with the seasons—don’t share one bottle with the whole family.
• Rinse thoroughly after shampooing, avoid getting conditioner on your scalp, and try a caffeine-infused shampoo.
• Wash your hair at night, change pillowcases frequently, and wash your towel daily to prevent bacteria buildup.
• If oily scalp comes with acne or oily skin, adjust your diet—cut back on fried foods, meats, processed items, and sugar. Load up on antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Mental stress also contributes to scalp odor. Stress triggers the production of fatty acids on the scalp, so regular exercise and adequate rest are essential.

2. Dandruff & Seborrheic Dermatitis

• If dandruff is still manageable, try an anti-dandruff shampoo. But if it becomes excessive, see a dermatologist—you could be dealing with a scalp condition like seborrheic dermatitis.
• Overdoing oil control, cleansing, or hydration won’t help. The goal is a healthy scalp environment with balanced oil and normal skin turnover.
• If your scalp feels tight or itchy shortly after washing, it’s time to change your shampoo.
• Fungi love moist environments. Blow-dry your scalp thoroughly within 10–15 minutes after washing—don’t let it air dry repeatedly.

3. Itchy Scalp

• If itchiness and tightness come quickly after washing, your shampoo may be too harsh.
• You might need scalp-care products that exfoliate (with ingredients like salicylic acid) or deeply hydrate.
• Skip all styling products for now, including dry shampoos and powders.
• Washing more often isn’t the solution—it can strip your scalp's natural oils and disrupt its pH, making things worse.
• Wash with lukewarm water, and massage your scalp gently with your fingertips while shampooing to boost circulation.
• If changing shampoos or routines doesn’t help, consult a dermatologist. You might be dealing with ringworm, dermatitis, lice, scabies, or even eczema.
• Wash pillowcases and personal items like combs or hair clips frequently.
• Avoid keeping your scalp damp—don’t let it go from wet to dry repeatedly.

4. Oily Scalp & Scalp Acne

• Choose silicone-free, mild shampoos that cleanse without over-hydrating. If your scalp is very oily, skip conditioner and use hair oil only on the ends before blow-drying.
• Don’t use overly hot air when blow-drying. Use a large nozzle to shorten drying time, keep the dryer about 15cm from your scalp, and don’t overheat any one spot.
• Diet also matters—reduce intake of fast food, sugary or greasy items, dairy, and inflammatory foods like coffee during warmer months.
• Load up on fresh fruits and veggies for B vitamins, zinc, and iron to help regulate oil production.

5. Hair Loss

If you suspect hair loss, monitor the amount falling out each day. If you’re shedding more than 100 strands daily for several days, it could be early-stage hair loss. Early intervention is key.

• If you haven’t changed your shampoo recently, it’s likely not the cause. Still, you can try anti-hair loss shampoos or hair tonics—effectiveness will vary depending on your scalp type and hair loss triggers.
• Genetics plays a role, but so do lifestyle and diet. Many hair loss cases are linked to stress, poor sleep, or nutritional deficiencies—especially during dieting.
• Your scalp needs downtime, too. Hair growth hormones peak two hours after you fall asleep, so if you constantly stay up late, hair repair and growth are compromised. Lack of rest means even healthy follicles can weaken over time.

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F8 Hair Regrowth Treatment: When Flakes and Oil Are Out of Control

Don’t ignore persistent scalp issues like flakes, oiliness, itchiness, odor, or pimples. If left untreated, they can lead to inflammation and progress into visible thinning or hair loss at the crown or part line.

Tried adjusting your diet, switching shampoos, and eating “hair-friendly” foods but nothing works? It might be time to consider laser scalp therapy.

The F8 Hair Regrowth Treatment uses 650nm LLLT (low-level laser therapy)—a non-invasive method that targets the deeper layers of the scalp without causing any wounds. It boosts blood circulation, supports new capillary growth, and restores the scalp’s oil-moisture balance. The result? Less sensitivity, reduced itchiness, and healthier hair follicles that can produce stronger, thicker strands.

In addition to the laser, the F8 treatment also includes scalp detox with intensive nutrients that remove chemical buildup and excess sebum, hydrate the scalp, and restore its natural balance—essentially “resetting” the environment where your hair grows.

An itchy or oily scalp may be the first step toward hair loss. Don’t wait—restore scalp health now before it’s too late.