Essential Hair & Scalp Care
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, not expensive oil treatments. Let's cut the myths and get to the science.
Are you shampooing correctly? I explain the difference between single and double shampooing and how to choose the right method based on whether your scalp is oily or your hair is dry and frizzy.
I've noticed many patients have stopped combing their hair regularly. I explain why combing is a crucial part of hair care for improving blood circulation, reducing dandruff, and preventing tangled hair fall.
Those dry flakes on your scalp are almost always dandruff, not a "dry scalp." Stop applying more oil, which makes it worse. The solution is to wash your hair more frequently with the right anti-dandruff shampoo.
The flaky skin on your nose corners, behind your ears, or on your scalp is likely seborrheic dermatitis, a severe form of dandruff. I explain that this is caused by excess oil, not dryness, and how to manage it.
What is a clarifying shampoo and do you need one? I explain how these deep-cleansing shampoos work to remove buildup from hard water, styling products, or an oily scalp, and when to incorporate one into your routine.
Using a blow dryer on soaking wet hair is one of the worst mistakes you can make. I explain how it creates "bubble hair" that leads to breakage and show you the correct way to blow dry without causing damage.
If you experience itching or irritation after using hair dye, you shouldn't ignore it. It could be an allergy to a chemical called PPD, which can lead to long-lasting skin pigmentation if left unaddressed.
For those with a sensitive scalp or a known hair dye allergy, choosing a PPD-free hair dye is essential. Here are four brands that are free from PPD and ammonia, making them safer options to try.
Monsoon weather can lead to an oily scalp and frizzy hair. I recommend three affordable Indian pharmacy products that can help you manage dandruff and frizz during the humid season.
Here are my top three tips for hair care and skin care during the monsoon. I cover everything from switching to a clarifying shampoo to using a water-resistant sunscreen to combat humidity-related issues.
About Essential Hair & Scalp Care
Stop oiling a dandruff-prone scalp. It is counterintuitive, but those flakes are often caused by excess sebum, not dryness. Adding more oil creates a breeding ground for yeast, making the itch and flakes significantly worse. If you are stuck in a cycle of flaking and itching, you likely need to wash more often with the right anti-dandruff shampoo, not less.
Here is the reality, healthy hair is more than just products; it is about how you treat your scalp. Many of my patients in Bangalore deal with hair issues because they are fighting their own biology, not helping it.
The Shampooing Method
How you wash your hair matters more than the fancy shampoo you choose. If you have an oily scalp or use styling products, double shampooing is often necessary. The first wash lifts the dirt and excess oil, while the second one cleanses the scalp properly. However, if your hair is dry or you wash daily, a single wash is usually enough to avoid stripping essential moisture. If you are struggling with frizz, try reverse conditioning, where you apply conditioner before you shampoo.
The Oiling Myth
I see so many patients applying oil to a dry, flaky scalp. Let’s be real, dandruff is usually Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal condition. Applying oil feeds the fungus. If your scalp is itchy and flaky, put the coconut oil away and reach for an anti-dandruff shampoo containing ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione instead.
Dealing with Hard Water
Living in a city like Bangalore, hard water is a massive culprit for hair breakage and buildup. If your hair feels heavy or sticky even after washing, you might have mineral buildup. A clarifying shampoo used once every two weeks can help reset your scalp. Do not forget to follow up with a good conditioner, as these shampoos are strong.
Combing is Crucial
Many people have stopped combing their hair, thinking it causes hair fall. That is incorrect. Combing is an essential scalp massage that improves blood circulation and distributes natural sebum, which actually prevents matting and reduces the chances of trichodynia (scalp pain).
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