5 Simple Ways to Check Your Scalp Type for Healthy Hair
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Yet, many of us ignore our scalp and only care about our hair. We often pay so much attention to our hair strands that we forget the scalp needs care too. Chances are, you might not even know what type of scalp you have.
How can you care for your scalp if you don’t know the basics? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. After reading this, you will likely understand your scalp type. You will also learn how to check scalp type and how to care for it.
What are the different types of scalps? And what should we do about them?
To care for your scalp well, you first need to know your scalp type. You can figure this out by checking your hair. The scalp makes oil that helps your hair stay healthy. Some people’s scalps make more oil than others. If you wash your hair often because it gets greasy quickly, you probably have an oily scalp. You can also try a blotting test. Press blotting paper on your scalp two days after washing your hair. If you see a small clear spot, your scalp is normal. If the paper looks very oily, you have an oily scalp.
Dry scalp
A dry scalp often causes itching and flaking. If you see white flakes on your shoulders and feel an itchy scalp, you may have a dry scalp. This happens when your scalp’s pH level is too high, leading to less sebum production. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance made by the sebaceous glands. It helps protect your scalp from bacteria and keeps your hair moisturized. When your scalp makes less sebum, it can become dry, and your hair may break more easily.
Oily scalp
An oily scalp is different from a dry scalp. While a dry scalp makes too little oil, an oily scalp creates too much sebum. This extra oil makes hair greasy, heavy, and flat. If you do not wash your scalp well, dirt and dust can stick to it. This buildup can irritate your scalp and lead to dandruff.
Normal scalp
A normal scalp is the best type. It makes just enough oil and has a balanced pH level. This helps your hair stay healthy and look great.
Combination scalp
A combination scalp can be tricky to manage. Some areas feel oily, while others are dry. If your hair looks dull and feels rough, you might have this scalp type. It happens when your oil glands make too much oil, but your scalp is still unhealthy. The dry parts soak up the extra oil, so your hair does not get enough natural moisture. This causes your hair strands to become dry.
The Importance of Properly Maintaining Your Scalp
Each scalp is unique, so you should pick a shampoo that fits your needs. To keep your hair healthy, you need to care for your scalp properly. The kind of skin on your scalp helps decide which products are best for you.
As we said before, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Taking care of your scalp helps you grow strong, beautiful hair. Your scalp can be dry or oily and still be healthy. Using the right hair care products and following tips that fit your scalp type will improve scalp health. Here are some simple ways to care for your scalp type.
How to care for a dry scalp?
A dry scalp needs lots of moisture. Add hydrating and moisturizing products to your hair care routine to make up for the lack of natural oils. Wash your hair and scalp at least twice a week. This helps keep your scalp clean and stops bacteria that can cause irritation. Pick a gentle, chemical-free shampoo and conditioner to clean and soften your scalp. You can also massage your scalp with oils like coconut or tea tree oil. These oils fight germs and reduce redness and irritation. They also help keep your hair soft and moisturized.
How to care for an oily scalp?
If your scalp is oily, try washing your hair every other day or every two days. Too much oil, called sebum, can build up and collect dirt and dust if not cleaned. This may lead to dandruff and make your hair look flat and greasy. Stay away from thick, heavy hair products because they add to the buildup and weigh your hair down. Instead, use light styling products like hair mousse to give your hair more volume. Also, avoid using heavy oils such as coconut oil and olive oil on your hair.
How to care for a normal scalp?
If your scalp is normal, stick with your current hair care routine. Your products likely work well for you. Make sure to wash your hair and scalp regularly, about 2 or 3 times a week based on what your hair needs. Keep your scalp clean and well-moisturized.
How to care for a combination scalp?
To care for a combination scalp, you need to manage both oily scalp and dry hair. Wash your scalp and hair often to clear away extra oil. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to hydrate the dry parts of your scalp and hair. This way, you remove excess oil while keeping your hair and scalp well-moisturized. Treating a combination scalp means solving two problems at once.
The Right Products for Your Hair Type and Scalp Type
For Dry Scalp
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
No products found.
For Oily Scalp
- BRIGHT AND SHINY: This nourishing shampoo gently cleanses and clarifies the scalp while adding high shine to oily, dull hair
- BALANCED CLEANSING: Made with balanced blends of wholesome ingredients, this clarifying shampoo helps soothe your scalp and nourish your hair from root to tip, enhancing your hair's natural beauty
- NATURALLY GOOD: Free from sulfates, parabens and dyes, Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo gently nourishes your scalp. It is not tested on animals and features simple ingredients that won't hurt your...
- WHOLESOME HAIR CARE: Known for bringing the soothing and healing properties of nature to skin care, Aveeno now also offers wholesome hair care products that soothe your scalp and nourish your strands
- CLINICALLY PROVEN: Soothe the scalp and nourish hair with clinically proven formulas from the Aveeno Scalp Soothing Haircare Collection
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Reduces Frizz: The Nourishing Properties Of Olive Oil Give Your Hair A Frizz-Free, Sleek Look & Make It Healthy From Within.
- Reduces Hair Breakage: Enriched With The Benefits Of Sulfur Present In The Onions, This Serum Strengthens Your Hair & Reduces Breakage.
- Makes Hair Soft & Shiny: The Natural Formulation, Free Of Any Toxicity Nurtures Your Hair & Gives It A Natural Shine. Use This For Hair So Soft That You Will Want To Keep Running Your Fingers Through...
- Safe For Chemically Treated Hair: Made From Natural Ingredients, The Serum Does Not Do Any Harm & Is Suitable For All Hair Types. It Is Safe For Colored Or Chemically Treated Hair.
- Natural & Toxin Free: The Serum Is Completely Free Of Sulfates, Parabens, Sls, Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Colors & Synthetic Fragrance.
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For Normal scalp
- SHAMPOO AND BODY WASH: With panthenol and aloe this uniquely versatile formula works beautifully to leave hair thoroughly clean & renewed & works equally as an all-over body wash. Nourishes and...
- Paula's Choice All Over Hair & Body Shampoo is 100% Fragrance-Free and Soap-Free, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin and scent sensitivities. Gentle enough for dry skin and color-treated,...
- Use this All Over Hair & Body Shampoo to gently cleanse hair & scalp, & as a full body wash. The rich, concentrated formula can be used on dry, damaged, or normal hair, cleans hair in one application,...
- Paula's Choice products are made with YOUR SKIN in mind. Whatever your skincare concern, whether dryness, acne, fine lines, or sensitive skin; we've got a treatment line for you. The search for...
- Paula's Choice Skincare makes products that work. No fragrance, no parabens, no fluff. Just effective, science-backed formulas that target any concern from wrinkles to breakouts.
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For Combination Scalp
- Silky Strong Nourishment - Help the water pH get close to human hair level with dry scalp shampoo for oily hair women and men love. Nourish hair twice a week with apple cider shampoo helping silkier...
- Help Reduce Hair Loss - The Saw palmetto in hair growth shampoo for men and women helps fight hair loss by reducing your hair strands falling while showering. Help your hair feel softer and thicker...
- Detox Your Hair and Scalp - An avc hair rinse hair shampoo massages your scalp and stimulates hair follicles leaving hair rejuvenated. Scalp cleanser build up remover will clean dirt, dead scalp cells...
- Plant-Powered Ingredients - WOW vegan shampoo reviving hair products for women & men are a hypoallergenic and cruelty free shampoo. No sulfates no parabens adding volume to your moisturized & hydrated...
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 72-hr frizz control / humidity resistant
- Moisturizes
- Smooths
- Conditions
- Detangles
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How does dehydration affect your hair and scalp?
When you are dehydrated, your hair and scalp lack enough moisture. This dryness can slow down hair growth. It also makes your hair more likely to become dry and develop split ends.
What is a good scalp treatment to help with dehydration?
Using moisturizing and nourishing hair products in your hair care routine helps provide essential moisture to your scalp.
How to choose the right product for the scalp?
First, find out what type of scalp you have. Knowing this helps you choose the right hair care products.
How do you know if your scalp is oily and dry?
You can find out your scalp type by checking your hair. If your hair looks flat, greasy, and heavy, you likely have an oily scalp. If your hair feels dry and breaks easily, you probably have a dry scalp.
What does a healthy scalp look like?
A healthy scalp produces just the right amount of oil. It does not have flakes or cause itching. This leads to hair that looks shiny and full of life.
Takeaway
Understanding your scalp type helps you care for it better. When you look after your scalp, your hair becomes healthier and more beautiful. Scalp care is simple and does not take much time. Using the right hair care products in a basic routine keeps your scalp healthy.