Sun, salt, chlorine and hot days take their toll on the scalp. The effect is rarely noticeable in July – it arrives in September, as itching, flaking or dandruff that wasn't there before. Your scalp is skin, and just like the skin on your face, it needs to recover after summer.
Summer's traces, in plain terms
- Your scalp feels tight right after washing
- Small dry flakes in the parting and at the temples
- Itching at the nape in the evening
- Oily at the roots but dry in the lengths – a sign of imbalance
- Redness or tenderness in the parting after hours in the sun
Dry scalp or dandruff? They're not the same thing
A dry scalp produces small, white, dry flakes and a tight feeling. It's caused by dehydration and is solved with moisture and gentler washing.
Dandruff produces larger, yellowish and slightly oily flakes, often together with itching, and is caused by an imbalance in the scalp's microflora. Moisture alone isn't enough there – you need a product that actually addresses the cause, such as the KeraScalp kit for dandruff and scalp problems.
Change how you wash first
- Switch to lukewarm water. Hot water rinses away the skin's protective oil layer.
- Massage with your fingertips, never your nails – scratches make the itching worse.
- If your scalp is irritated, you can swap your shampoo for Royal Scalp Cleanditioner, which cleanses and conditions in one step.
- Rinse for longer than you think. Product residue at the roots is a common cause of an itchy scalp.
Give your skin a treatment
KIS KeraScalp Revitalizer is massaged into a clean, damp scalp and left in. It nourishes and supports hair growth without leaving an oily residue, which makes it easy to use even when you wear hair extensions or a hairpiece.
If you'd like to add an oil, Fair Hair growth oil can be worked into the scalp the evening before washing.
If you wear hair extensions
An irritated scalp tolerates less tension than a healthy one. Wear your hair up loosely rather than tightly, work in sections when massaging in product so you can reach the skin between the bonds, and don't postpone your move-up – grown-out bonds increase the tension exactly where the skin is already sensitive.
Frequently asked questions
Can my scalp get dry from washing my hair too rarely?
Yes. Sebum, sweat and product residue left on too long can irritate the skin and cause both itching and flaking – exactly the symptoms people associate with dryness. If your scalp itches more the longer you wait between washes, it's a sign that the interval is too long, not too short.
Can I have hair extensions if I have a sensitive scalp?
Usually yes, but the method and the amount of hair matter more than usual. A method that spreads the weight over a larger area puts less strain on the skin than a few heavy bonds. Tell us about your scalp during the consultation, and we'll adapt both the method and the amount to it.
How long does it take for my scalp to feel better?
With simple dryness, two to three weeks of gentler washing and regular treatment is usually enough. Dandruff takes longer, often four to six weeks, and you need to keep using the product even after the flakes have gone so they don't come back.
If the problems persist or get worse, it's worth having a doctor look at your scalp. Not every itch has the same cause.