How Do I Know If My Scalp Is Damaged? [8 Shocking Signs]

Are you wondering, “How do I know if my scalp is damaged?”

A couple of years ago, I struggled with hair loss and dry scalp, so I spent a lot of time researching and talking to professionals.

And today, I’ll share my experience with you and help you get your scalp healthy.

Just keep reading.

CHECK: How to Know if Your Hair is Damaged?

8 Signs You’ve Got a Damaged Scalp

Before I talk about how to tell if you have a damaged scalp, let me explain why having healthy scalp matters so much.

As Dr. Iris Rubin, a dermatologist, explains, “A healthy scalp is important to promote optimal hair health.” A damaged scalp can impair hair growth, damage the hair follicles, and lead to baldness. (1)

How do I know if my scalp is damaged? Here are eight common symptoms to watch out for!

#1 Dandruff

Do you know how common dandruff is? According to studies, as many as 50% of the population has had dandruff. (2)

Usually, dandruff is caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition resulting from excessive oil production and yeast overgrowth that trigger the immune response. (3)

In severe cases, thick-crusted patches appear on the scalp, yellow and greasy. It’s possible to develop a secondary bacterial infection, so it’s not something to ignore.

#2 Dry Scalp

When scalp skin loses too much moisture or the sebaceous glands fail to produce enough oil, you may notice that your scalp is dry.

Something clogging the hair follicles, such as sweat, can also prevent the natural secretion of sebum oil and cause itchiness and flaking skin.

However, dry scalp can also result from eczema (redness, itchiness, and cracked skin) or psoriasis (excess buildup of dead skin cells, creating scaly patches).

So, if your scalp is too dry out of a sudden, it’s worth checking it out with your dermatologist or hairstylist. And watch his video to see the difference between dry scalp and dandruff.

#3 Oily scalp

I struggled with oily hair and oily scalp for most of my adolescence due to overwashing, hormonal problems, and the wrong hair products.

While sebum oil protects your locks and provides the necessary moisture to prevent dry hair, too much can indicate a problem.

Excess oil leads to scalp buildup (dirt, bacteria, and dandruff), which can clog pores, impair growth, and cause hair loss.

Check this video to see the difference between dry, oily, and normal scalp.

#4 Scalp Redness and Itching

Itchy scalp and redness are clear signs that your scalp is in trouble. And many scalp conditions can cause these symptoms:

• Allergic reactions to new hair care products
• Sunburn
• Scalp parasites, such as lice
• Scabies
• Fungal infections, such as ringworm (tinea capitis)
• Atopic dermatitis
• Psoriasis

READ MORE: How to Straighten Hair Without Straightener?

#5 Bumps

Usually, folliculitis appears due to damaged hair follicles (from scratching, tugging, etc.), which allow bacteria or fungi to infect the follicles.

Don’t confuse folliculitis with razor bumps. These bumps are due to ingrown hair, not scalp infections (bacterial or fungal infections).

#6 Unusual Patches of Skin

Red, scaly, or bald patches aren’t the signs of a healthy scalp. Usually, psoriasis or ringworm are the main culprits for their appearance.

Other inflammatory skin conditions can also cause unusual patches on your scalp. You should consult your dermatologist to find the cause.

#7 Sensitive Scalp

It’s not normal for your scalp to be overly sensitive. Sudden tenderness or scalp skin damage indicates something is going on – from common skin conditions to lice infestations to heat damage.

#8 Excessive Shedding

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, “It’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day.” (4)

Excess shedding shows that something is wrong not only with your scalp but also with your body. It can be stress, fever, recovering from an illness, or medication.

Shedding is different from hair loss.

And now, let’s talk about how I prevent my scalp from getting damaged.

7 Tips on How to Prevent Scalp Damage

Preventing scalp damage is easy as long as you follow some simple care tips to keep your hair follicles healthy and take care of underlying medical conditions on time.

#1 Avoid Overwashing

Washing your hair often strips the scalp of natural oils and can make your locks dry and brittle. Also, hot water is bad for the scalp because it opens the pores and can weaken the hair roots.

So, it’s better to wash your hair once or twice a week and rinse it with cold water to seal the hair cuticle layer to keep it hydrated.

#2 Switch Shampoos

Shampoos with harsh chemicals and sulfates can irritate the scalp and cause itchiness.

#3 Scalp Massage

Exfoliating your scalp when washing removes the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. It reduces the chances of clogged pores and scalp irritation/dryness.

#4 Don’t Use Harsh Hair Products

Avoid products with harsh chemicals, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. And be careful if you use keratin straighteners because the heat can damage your scalp or dry your hair.

#5 Moisturize Your Scalp

#6 Use Sunscreen

In the past, when I had thin hair on the scalp, I used to get scalp sunburns, and then my skin would redden and blister.

To avoid sun damage, always apply sunscreen because it creates a protective layer against intense sun rays.

#7 Go to a Dermatologist

Whenever you notice strange bumps, patches, or itchiness that doesn’t go away, it’s best to talk to a dermatologist. Left untreated, scalp infections can wreak havoc on your looks.

FAQs

Conclusion

How do I know if my scalp is damaged? Itchiness, dryness, oily skin, and dandruff are the most common signs of an unhealthy scalp.

It’s essential to discover the root of the problem, so you can reverse the damage and protect your beautiful locks from breakage.

What do you think about this topic? How do you know your scalp is damaged? Share your experience in the comment section.

Resources:

• 1. Healthy Hair Vs Unhealthy Hair | Finding reliable health information. www.medusafe.org. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.medusafe.org/?healthy-hair-vs-unhealthy-hair/
• 2. Nowicki R. [Modern management of dandruff]. Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski: Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego. 2006;20(115):121-124. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16617752/
• 3. Seborrheic Dermatitis: On Scalp, Treatment, Crib Cap, and More. Healthline. Published May 31, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin/seborrheic-dermatitis#on-the-scalp
• 4. Do you have hair loss or hair shedding? www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/shedding