Guides
Hair and scalp guides
Every guide lists its sources and the date we last reviewed it. Health guides follow NHS, British Association of Dermatologists and NICE guidance and end with when to see a pharmacist or GP.
Hair types & texture
Curl patterns, porosity and density — and why every typing system is only a rough guide.
- Hair types explained: the 1A–4C curl patterns (and their limits)Where the 1–4, A–C hair typing system comes from, what each number and letter means, why scientists use a different eight-type scale — and why your hair type is a starti…
- Hair porosity, density and thickness: what they really meanPorosity, density and strand thickness shape how your hair behaves as much as curl pattern does. What each term means scientifically, what changes them — and why the gla…
Scalp concerns
Flakes, itch, oil and build-up: what is going on and what usually helps.
- Dandruff: causes, shampoos that help and when to see a GPDandruff is common, harmless and not catching — and it isn't caused by poor hygiene. Here's what the NHS and dermatologists say helps, how to use anti-dandruff shampoo p…
- Dry or itchy scalp: common causes and gentle fixesAn itchy scalp is usually nothing serious, but it has lots of possible causes — from dandruff and product reactions to psoriasis and head lice. How to narrow it down, wh…
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalpRed, flaky, sometimes greasy scaling on the scalp, eyebrows or sides of the nose. It can't be cured, but it can usually be controlled with antifungal shampoo — and a GP…
- Scalp psoriasis: what it is and how it's treatedRaised, scaly, itchy patches on the scalp that can spread past the hairline and behind the ears. It's common, not contagious and can't be cured — but treatments can keep…
- Oily scalp and greasy roots: what to tryA greasy scalp is usually a cosmetic nuisance rather than a medical problem. Washing as often as you need, choosing the right shampoo and keeping conditioner off the roo…
- Product build-up: clarifying your hair and scalpHeavy styling products, oils, silicones, dry shampoo and hard water can leave a film on the hair and scalp. Signs to look for, how to clarify without stripping, and why…
- Head lice and nits: how to check and treat themHead lice are very common in children and have nothing to do with dirty hair. How to check properly with a detection comb, wet combing step by step, which pharmacy treat…
Hair loss & thinning
Pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, shedding and traction — and when to see a GP.
- Hair loss: what's normal, common causes and when to see a GPLosing some hair every day is normal, and most hair loss is either temporary or part of getting older. How to tell the main types apart, what treatment can and can't do…
- Male and female pattern hair lossThe most common type of hair loss in both men and women. It's usually inherited, gradual and permanent without treatment — minoxidil and (for men) finasteride can help s…
- Alopecia areata: patchy hair lossSudden, smooth, round bald patches caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles. It isn't contagious or caused by diet, hair often regrows — and a range of treat…
- Telogen effluvium: sudden shedding after stress or illnessNoticeably more hair in the plughole, on your brush or pillow — often about three months after an illness, childbirth, surgery, crash diet or stressful event. It usually…
- Traction alopecia: hair loss from tight stylesConstant pulling from tight ponytails, buns, braids, weaves and extensions can thin the hairline. Caught early it's reversible — here's how to spot it and style more saf…
Routines
Washing, conditioning, heat, colour, swimming, the gym, sleep and children’s hair.
- How often should you wash your hair?There's no single right answer. Dermatologists say wash according to how oily your scalp gets and your hair type — from daily for an oily scalp to every week or two for…
- Conditioning and detangling without breakageShampoo cleans the scalp; conditioner protects the lengths. How conditioner works, where to put it, rinse-out versus deep conditioning, and how to detangle wet hair with…
- Safe heat styling: dryers, straighteners and curling tongsHeat changes hair, and more heat does more damage. What the research says about dryer distance, straightening wet hair and heat protectants — and the simple habits that…
- Colour-treated and bleached hair: safer dyeing and aftercareHair dye reactions are fairly common, so the NHS advises testing a dye at least 48 hours before you use it. How to dye more safely, why bleached hair behaves differently…
- Swimming and your hair: chlorine, copper and "green hair"Regular swimming can roughen and lighten hair, and copper in pool water can tint blonde or damaged hair green. Simple steps before and after the pool.
- Gym, sweat and hair: washing and styling around exerciseThere's surprisingly little research on sweat and hair. What dermatologists' general advice means if you exercise a lot — washing as often as you need, and keeping worko…
- Sleep and hair: silk pillowcases, satin bonnets and night-time careSilk and satin are hugely popular for protecting hair overnight, especially curly and coily hair. Here's what's known (very little), what's sensible, and how to avoid ni…
- Children's hair and scalp: from cradle cap to school-gate liceGentle care for babies' and children's hair, what to do about cradle cap, head lice and scalp ringworm, which products have age limits — and why loose styles matter.
Not medical advice. This guide is general information from the sources listed, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist. If you are worried, or symptoms are severe or not improving, get advice. Read our health information policy.