Scalp Conditions That Could Be Causing Your Hair Loss
- Marcia Howard
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
When hair starts to thin or fall out, we often look at hormones, stress, or nutrition. But have you considered your scalp health?
The scalp is home to over 100,000 hair follicles—and when it’s out of balance, hair growth suffers. Inflammation, infection, or even excess oil or dryness can disrupt the environment needed for healthy hair to thrive.
In this post, we’ll explore common scalp conditions that can contribute to hair loss, including some often-overlooked common causes of dandruff like dry (sicca) and oily (oleosa) scalp. These conditions can cause the scalp to itch, which can loosed the follicles and cause the hair to fall or shed excessively.
Clients often turn to over-the-counter dandruff shampoos for relief, but they can often make the scalp and drier and cause hair breakage, compounding one problem with another. Identifying the scalp condition is important for treatment. Not only will this help the scalp to heal but you may be able to identify what caused it in the first placed.
1. Seborrheic Dermatitis
A common inflammatory scalp condition caused by excess oil and an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. Symptoms include:
Greasy, yellowish dandruff
Itchy or red scalp
Sensitivity or burning sensation
Chronic inflammation can weaken follicles and lead to increased shedding.
2. Psoriasis
An autoimmune condition that speeds up skin cell turnover, leading to:
Thick, silvery-white scales
Red, inflamed patches
Soreness or cracking
Scalp psoriasis can damage the skin barrier and disrupt hair growth, sometimes permanently.
Psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and asthma are all immune-mediated conditions with overlapping genetic and inflammatory pathways—especially in individuals with a predisposition to what's known as the atopic or immune dysregulation spectrum. I will address this in another blog post.
3. Folliculitis
Inflamed or infected hair follicles often appear as:
Red or white-tipped bumps
Itching or soreness
Potential scarring in severe cases
If not treated early, folliculitis can lead to follicle damage and hair loss in affected areas. I have noticed reducing sugar intake and improving gut health, can improve the scalp.
4. Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)
A fungal infection that causes:
Round bald patches
Flaking or scaling
Black dots from broken hair shafts
Highly contagious and more common in children, but adults can be affected too. Prompt treatment is crucial to avoid scarring.
5. Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)
A rare but serious inflammatory scalp disorder resulting in:
Patchy, permanent hair loss
Redness, scaling, or follicular plugging
Burning or itching
This autoimmune condition damages the follicle itself and often requires dermatological management.
6. Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune response where the immune system attacks the hair follicles. It causes:
Sudden patchy hair loss
Smooth, bald spots
Possible regrowth—but it can be unpredictable
Though it doesn't originate from a scalp condition, inflammation at the follicular level makes it important to mention.
7. Pityriasis Sicca (Dry Scalp / Sicca)
This non-inflammatory condition is marked by:
Fine, white, dry flakes
Tightness or itchiness
Dull, brittle hair
Dry scalp can result from over-washing, harsh shampoos, or underactive oil glands. It compromises the scalp’s protective barrier, leaving follicles undernourished and prone to shedding.
Supportive Care:
Use moisturising shampoos and hydrating scalp serums
Avoid hot water and over-shampooing
Try oils like jojoba, aloe, or calendula for natural moisture
Essential oils, such as, Lavender and Tea Tree can help with calming the scalp.
8. Pityriasis Oleosa (Oily Scalp / Oleosa)
This condition presents as:
Yellowish, greasy flakes
Oily or shiny scalp
Itching and clogged follicles
Excess sebum can trap dirt, dead skin, and product residue, potentially leading to inflammation and follicle blockage—both of which can hinder healthy hair growth.
Supportive Care:
Use balancing or clarifying shampoos (e.g. tea tree, salicylic acid)
Avoid heavy styling products
Use a scalp brush to help lift build-up gently
9. Scalp Build-up and Poor Hygiene
Even without a defined condition, failure to cleanse the scalp properly can lead to:
Dull, slow-growing hair
Scalp odour or flaking
Clogged follicles
Regular gentle cleansing and exfoliation helps remove excess oil, dead skin, and product build-up, keeping follicles clear and functional.
A Holistic Approach to Scalp Health
Whether your scalp is inflamed, dry, oily, or irritated—restoring balance is key. Here are some universal tips:
Switch to sulphate-free, pH-balanced shampoos
Exfoliate weekly with a scalp scrub or gentle acid-based toner
Eat anti-inflammatory foods and stay hydrated
Include omega-3s, zinc, and protein in your diet
Seek professional support if symptoms persist or worsen
In Summary
Hair loss isn’t always about hormones or genetics—it can start at the roots with the health of your scalp. Conditions like sicca, oleosa, dermatitis, and folliculitis can all silently impact the hair growth cycle.
By recognising the signs early and taking steps to support your scalp naturally, you give your hair the best chance to grow stronger, thicker, and healthier.
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