We all have hair and scalp issues from time to time. The problems that you are having are not always “your diet”, but they could be seasonal, the wrong shampoo or conditioners, or over styling using too much product and possibly using it the wrong way. Following are 3 quick fixes that will hopefully help fix these problems in no time.

1. Split ends are usually caused by over processing, over styling, hair accessories, rough treatment and also under conditioning. The only way to really get rid of split ends is to cut them off, despite what you’ve heard or all the products you’ve seen with empty promises at your local supply. Ends should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks, so please ladies, STOP holding on to ends that need to be gone! It just doesn’t look good to have length, but 3 inches of it is thin because of split ends. The perfect products for ends prone to splitting are moisturizing shampoos and conditioners (including leave-in conditioners), hair moisturizers and pomades. Try to minimize the heat and definitely protect your hair at night with a silk bonnet or scarf along with a silk or satin pillowcase.

2. Dry, dull hair can come from chemical over processing, heat damage, salt water, chlorine, sun exposure and even poor circulation and poor diet. Using a moisturizing, sulfate free shampoo will keep from stripping the natural oils from the hair and scalp. Use conditioners such as hair masks, hot oil treatments, deep conditioning treatments and protein treatments depending on hair texture and severity. One solution that is popular right now and is a good investment is a hair steamer. The steaming process will allow the oils and/or conditioner to penetrate up to 5 times more than a conventional hair dryer and will definitely leave your hair feeling soft and moist. To protect against heat damage, make sure you use a heat protectant to guard your hair strands before exposure to heat. Also, look for products that contain UV protectors on the label. To make hair more lustrous, adding a serum to the hair when styling will give hair a polished finish. Consult a professional as to proper treatments and hair maintenance needed.

3. A Flaking scalp can be very irritating as those flakes lift up throughout the hair, especially if it’s combined with itching, tightness and inflammation. It doesn’t matter if it’s dandruff, dry scalp eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, you just want it fixed. Here’s the quick low down on the common “flaky” problems you’re facing:

• First of all you need to know what you’re dealing with: When you comb or brush your hair and you notice tiny, dry, powdery bits on your dark blouse, you have dry scalp. If the flakes are larger and look slightly moist or greasy, they are dandruff. If you have large greasy flakes with a red, irritated scalp, you probably have seborrhea. If the scales stick to the scalp, it may be psoriasis. Dandruff and dry scalp are both forms of dermatitis. Dandruff is often mistaken for dry scalp. It’s said that dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that’s found on even healthy scalps. It is a result of skin cells dividing and multiplying at an accelerated rate that they reach the surface before they die and clump there. These flakes are white and scaly that can easily become infected, resulting in scabbing and inflammation (seborrheic dermatitis), usually linked with a food allergy or poor diet, and is aggravated by stress or excessive intake of dairy products and junk foods.

• Dry, flaky scalp can result from poor circulation, using harsh products causing natural oils to be stripped from the scalp and not sufficiently rinsing products from the scalp properly. Dry scalp can feel tight and accompanied by flakiness. If you have a dry, flaky scalp, use a clarifying shampoo (cider vinegar can be added) to remove dead skin cells and any build up of shampoo or conditioner on the scalp. Then try an oil treatment or scalp cream designed for dry, itchy scalps.

• Dandruff is seasonal, occurring more frequently and more severely from October to March, when your hair is exposed to dry indoor heat. The following rinses can be used every couple of weeks to help combat the flakes. (1) Blend ten drops of thyme essential oil with 100ml of apple juice, massage into the scalp, leave on for five minutes and rinse and follow with a mild shampoo. (2) Boil a few sprigs of Rosemary in 2 cups of water and cool. Rinse through the hair and massage into the scalp. Herbal antiseptics like tea tree oil that fights bacteria and yeast are great alternatives to dandruff shampoos. Also mild shampoos that include rosemary or sage can also help to control dandruff and won’t dry out your hair and scalp. Also take 500mg capsules of evening primrose oil every day until condition clears.

• Itchy red patches are a common sign of eczema or psoriasis. Consult a Trichologist if unsure. If you have either, it is more likely than not that your immune system is under stress. To treat at home, use a mild, sulfate free shampoo, then massage aloe vera juice into the scalp, leave on and style as normal. Aloe contains 18 amino acids as well as numerous vitamins and minerals. Aloe also contains anti-inflammatory properties; anti-bacterial properties, immune stimulating properties and general tissue repair properties. Perfect for eczema or psoriasis inflamed skin.

If your scalp condition does not clear up or is an extreme case, please don’t go at it alone. Consult with a Trichologist or Dermatologist.