Have you ever wondered what your scalp might be trying to tell you?

Whether you know it or not, your scalp holds so much information about your overall health and lifestyle. After years of studying scalps up close, I can say with confidence: your scalp is a powerful messenger, and I’m here to translate that message. It quietly reflects what’s happening inside your body and mind. And when we tune in, we can begin to understand how lifestyle, stress, hormones, and even gut health are playing out on this tiny but mighty piece of real estate.

Sometimes it shows up as oiliness or flakes. Sometimes it’s a feeling of tightness, redness and irritation, or an itchy patch that will not turn off. These symptoms are not random, they’re cues. Your body is asking for something: nourishment, rest, a reset, or even a new story about beauty and care.

Here are just a few of the things I see regularly in the head spa, and what they might be pointing to:

Flaky, dry scalp? Could be a sign of internal dehydration or a disrupted skin barrier—sometimes linked to gut microbiome imbalance, a lack of essential fatty acids, or stress.

Greasy scalp that gets oily fast? This often reflects overactive sebaceous glands, typically influenced by hormonal shifts (think puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause) or chronic cortisol-driven stress.

Redness or itching? This could be inflammation tied to diet (dairy and sugar are big culprits), autoimmunity, or nervous system overactivity.

Hair thinning or shedding? This is often multifactorial—stress, vitamin deficiency, hormone changes, gut health, and even emotional trauma can contribute.

I know, it’s tough to know where to start when there is a lot of information out there regarding hair and scalp health and the supposed “miracle” products that will cure everything in one use. I can help you navigate this confusing terrain during your head spa treatments. But in the meantime, here are some common scalp and hair misconceptions I hear all the time.

Misconception: "A dry scalp is the same as dandruff."

Truth: While both may involve flaking, dry scalp is due to lack of moisture, while dandruff is typically the result of excess oil and a yeast overgrowth (Malassezia). Treating dandruff with only moisturizing agents can worsen the issue by feeding the yeast.

Misconception: "Washing your hair less helps with hair loss."

Truth: Not cleansing the scalp regularly can actually contribute to buildup of sebum and debris, which may clog follicles and lead to inflammation or shedding. A clean scalp is essential for follicular health and optimal growth cycles.

Misconception: "Only people with scalp conditions need scalp treatments."

Truth: Scalp facials aren’t just corrective, they’re preventative and deeply therapeutic. Regular treatments support circulation, lymphatic drainage, overall well-being, and are beneficial even when no visible issues are present. Spend a minute under my scope, and we can discover together what your scalp is trying to tell you.

So no matter what signs your hair and scalp may be showing, consider this as an invitation to pause, to listen, and to begin your journey of healing, from the root.

This work is tender, scientific, intuitive, and deeply restorative. Your scalp and your whole being deserve this kind of care.

With reverence for your roots,
Nic
Head Spa Specialist, Mark Ryan Salon

The Scalp Speaks | How to read scalp symptoms