Hair Care

The Surprising Reasons You're Having a Bad Hair Day

Alright, we're going to give you the goods up front: Your hair problems are most likely caused by issues with your scalp. Here's the info -- and quick fixes -- you need

by Dawn Davis

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You're Using the Wrong Shampoo and Conditioner Your scalp is more delicate than you might think. "If you have a really expensive silk blouse, you're not going to just throw it in the washing machine with Tide," says Fusco. She recommends looking for shampoos and conditioners with botanical ingredients, like sunflower oil, aloe vera, and vitamin B5, which are gentle and very nourishing.

If you've been having hair problems and you think your scalp is to blame, look for a shampoo and conditioner that are formulated for both your hair and your scalp -- it should say so on the bottle. Fusco likes Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Nourishing Shampoo, $5.99, and Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Nourishing Conditioner, $5.99. "I encourage people to stick with one brand," she says. "The shampoo and conditioner are designed to work together. "

SEE NEXT PAGE: You're Not Conditioning Your Scalp

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Older comments

Excellent information; all of these factors play a role in how your hair looks and feels!

by GigiSD Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 11:40AM Report as inappropriate

more info please

by sdavi60 Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 03:32PM Report as inappropriate

Helpful information

by Candice11 Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 01:43AM Report as inappropriate

great info!

by butterfly11 Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 10:24PM Report as inappropriate

I like the conditioner trick!

by ReannaLynn Friday, March 8, 2013 at 10:42AM Report as inappropriate

Nice information

by EricaC123 Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 12:11PM Report as inappropriate

this helps a lot

by aishak55 Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 02:58PM Report as inappropriate

I use a good scalp massage with co-washing for my curly hair to maintain shine and moisture. I deep cleanse with a tea tree shampoo as needed.

by ReflxnsOfGrace Monday, November 26, 2012 at 05:44PM Report as inappropriate

I try to only straighten and curl my hair once a month and blow once a week. It is really hard but my hair doesn't break nearly as much as it used to when I used to straighten it alot.

by Lamexicana1 Monday, November 19, 2012 at 08:34PM Report as inappropriate

If you have a very itchy and flaking scalp, it could be sebhorreic dermatitis, not dandruff. This means your scalp is oily, not dry. Try a shampoo like Neutrogena TSal and see if it helps. Leave it on your scalp for 3-5 minutes before rinsing for belt results.

by Leti10 Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 01:55PM Report as inappropriate