The scalp is much more than the surface from which your hair grows. It is a specialised area of skin with its own biological balance, protective barrier and microbiome, all of which play an essential role in maintaining healthy-looking hair. When this delicate balance is disrupted, common scalp concerns such as itchy scalp, dandruff and dry scalp can develop.
Mild itching, a feeling of tightness after shampooing, small flakes or excessive oil production are often early signs that tend to be overlooked. In some cases, these symptoms are temporary, while in others they may indicate an underlying condition that requires assessment by a dermatologist.
To help clarify these common concerns, the Esla Italy team interviewed dermatologist Dr Elisabetta Salvatore, who answered the most frequently asked questions about scalp health. She explains how to recognise the early signs of an imbalanced scalp, the most common mistakes people make in their daily routine, how to choose the right dry scalp shampoo, when it is advisable to consult a specialist, and which everyday habits can help keep your scalp healthy over time.
The answers below are provided by dermatologist Dr Elisabetta Salvatore. Alongside her insights, the Esla Italy team has developed additional content focused on the main scalp concerns, offering practical advice on itchy scalp, dandruff and dry scalp, guidance on daily cleansing routines, choosing the right dry scalp shampoo and suitable products, as well as tips for building an effective scalp care routine that supports and respects the scalp’s natural balance.
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How can you recognise a healthy scalp, and what signs indicate an imbalance?
A healthy scalp is characterised by a pinkish skin tone, a normal number of hair follicles per cm², and the absence of flaking or visible scaling. When itching, seborrhoea or dandruff appear, a medical assessment is recommended.
Esla Italy Insight:
Early signs of an imbalanced scalp are often overlooked because they develop gradually. A feeling of tightness after shampooing, mild itchy scalp, small flakes or increased sebum production can all be early warning signs. Acting early with a gentle routine and targeted formulations helps preserve the scalp’s natural balance and prevents discomfort from worsening over time.
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What are the most common daily mistakes that can damage scalp health?
The improper use of cosmetic products such as mousses, hairsprays, or styling tools like straighteners, which can alter the hair’s keratin structure, is one of the main contributing factors.
Esla Italy Insight:
In addition to excessive use of heat styling tools, small everyday habits can also make a difference:
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Applying styling products directly onto the scalp
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Using very hot water during washing
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Not rinsing shampoo and masks thoroughly
A gentle cleansing routine and correct product application help maintain the scalp in optimal condition.
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Why do itchy scalp and dandruff tend to worsen at certain times, such as during stress or seasonal changes?
Both symptoms are associated with seborrhoeic dermatitis, which can be influenced by these factors. On the one hand, stress may reduce immune system activity, making the skin more susceptible to inflammatory conditions such as this. On the other hand, seasonal changes, particularly in autumn and winter, can create conditions that favour the growth of yeasts involved in the development of this condition.
Esla Italy Insight:
Many people notice a worsening of dandruff and itchy scalp during seasonal transitions. For this reason, it can be helpful to adapt your hair care routine throughout the year, choosing products formulated to cleanse effectively without further disrupting the scalp’s natural barrier.
Even when symptoms improve, it is important to maintain a consistent routine rather than completely stopping scalp care.
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Is there a link between scalp health and hair loss?
Yes. Many inflammatory scalp conditions can lead to either reversible or, in some cases, irreversible hair loss.
Esla Italy Insight:
Hair grows from within the scalp, which is why a healthy scalp provides the ideal environment for normal hair growth. Keeping the scalp clean, balanced and free from inflammation is a key practice that supports the overall health and appearance of the hair.
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How do you choose the most suitable shampoo for dandruff, dry scalp or an itchy scalp?
The recommendation is to consult a dermatologist, as a “trial-and-error” approach may worsen an undiagnosed condition.
Esla Italy Insight:
Each condition requires different needs. For example, a dry scalp shampoo is formulated to gently cleanse a dry scalp, whereas shampoos designed for dandruff may contain different active ingredients.
For this reason, it is important not to choose a shampoo based solely on perceived symptoms, but to understand their underlying cause. Once any medical conditions have been ruled out, using gentle, targeted products can help maintain scalp comfort between treatments.
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How often should you wash your hair if you have dandruff, dry scalp or an oily scalp?
There is no standard number of washes; it depends on the individual condition.
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Is there really a link between stress, seasonal changes, and itchy scalp or dandruff?
In reality, there is no strong direct link. It is more appropriate to refer to nutritional deficiencies such as iron, zinc and copper, which can contribute to hair loss.
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What are the most common myths about scalp and hair care?
So-called natural or organic substances may provide support in certain conditions, but they should be used alongside appropriate medicinal treatments when necessary. On a healthy scalp, they are generally safe. The frequency of washing does not worsen scalp conditions; in fact, frequent washing is recommended when treating certain scalp disorders.
Esla Italy Insight:
In recent years, ingredients such as rosemary oil have become extremely popular on social media. While some ingredients may support a cosmetic routine, no “viral” remedy can replace a proper dermatological diagnosis when persistent symptoms are present. Likewise, frequent hair washing does not necessarily worsen dry scalp or dandruff: what truly matters is using suitable cleansers for the specific condition and following a specialist’s guidance.
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When should you consult a dermatologist for itchy scalp, dandruff or scalp dryness?
As a general rule, always, as these symptoms can be signs of an underlying medical condition.
Esla Italy Insight:
If itchy scalp, dry scalp or dandruff persist for several weeks, worsen over time, or are associated with intense redness, pain or increased hair shedding, it is advisable to consult a specialist. Identifying the cause early allows for the most appropriate treatment to be prescribed and helps avoid approaches that may worsen the condition.
Thank you so much, Dr Elisabetta Salvatore.
Scalp care routine for a healthy scalp
Taking care of the scalp means paying attention not only to the hair, but also to the skin from which it grows. As explained by dermatologist Dr Elisabetta Salvatore, itching, dandruff and dryness should not be ignored, as they may indicate a condition that requires specialist evaluation.
In daily life, a simple routine can help maintain a healthy scalp:
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Cleanse the scalp with a shampoo suited to your individual needs
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Avoid overly harsh products or excessive heat styling
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Monitor any changes in the scalp over time
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Consult a dermatologist when persistent symptoms such as itchy scalp, dandruff or dry scalp occur
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Choose products formulated to respect the skin’s natural balance
Every scalp has different needs. If you're experiencing persistent itchy scalp, dandruff or dry scalp, identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward choosing the right scalp care routine.
Explore our products designed to support scalp comfort and everyday scalp health.