Dear Dajiah, my scalp always feels tight and itchy even after I wash it. How do I know if it’s dry, inflamed, or something deeper going on?

That tight, itchy feeling isn’t just dryness — it’s your scalp trying to tell you something. When your scalp feels tense or itchy even after you wash, it’s often a sign of imbalance or inflammation, not just “needing oil.” Sometimes your products are stripping away too much, and other times your scalp microbiome is out of sync.

Start by simplifying. Use a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo and a lightweight leave-on tonic. Avoid piling on oils that clog follicles. And girl, if it still feels tight after two weeks, get a scalp analysis. You might be dealing with inflammation, not dryness. Remember — your scalp is skin, not soil. Treat it with care, not cover-ups.