Dear Dajiah, my stylist says I have buildup even though I shampoo weekly. How can I tell the difference between buildup and dandruff?

Buildup is sneaky — it looks like flakes, but it’s actually a film of product, oil, and dead skin sitting on your scalp. Dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast or a moisture imbalance, and it often comes with itching and inflammation.

Here’s the trick: rub your fingers across your scalp. If it feels waxy or tacky, it’s buildup. If it’s dry and shedding, it’s dandruff. Clarify weekly with a gentle exfoliating shampoo, but balance it with a hydrating scalp mist after. Over-cleansing can cause just as much chaos as buildup. Balance is the name of the game — clean, not stripped.