Common Scalp Conditions
Listed below are the more common scalp disorders or diseases with which you may come in contact
as a professional cosmetologist. Be advised that all conditions listed on this chart are contagious and
require appropriate disinfection guidelines.
Hair Loss
As a salon professional, you are often the first person asked to
respond to questions about hair loss. So knowing how to adequately
address client concerns will greatly affect your client's well-being.
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TRICHOLOGY
Disorder or Disease
Dandruff
Disorder
Dry Dandruff
Disorder
Greasy or waxy
dandruff
Disorder
Ringworm
Disease
Ringworm of the
Scalp
Disease
Honeycomb
Ringworm
Disease
Itch Mite
Disorder
Head Lice
Disorder
Treatment
Cleanse with a
medicated shampoo
and/or use indirect high-
frequency treatments
with manipulations
Cleanse and massage the
scalp often with mild
shampoo and use antisep-
tic lotion
Medical treatment is
advisable
Refer client to a physician
Refer client to a physician
Refer client to a physician
Refer client to a physician
Refer client to a physician
Medical Term
Pityriasis
(pit-i-REYE-ah-sis)
Pityriasis capitis
simplex
(kah-PEYE-tis
SIM-pleks)
Pityriasis steatoides
(ste-a-TOY-dez)
Tinea (TIN-ee-ah)
Tinea capitis
Tinea favosa (fa-
VO-sah) or Favus
(FAY-vus)
Scabies
Pediculosis capitis
(pe-dik-u-LOH-sis)
Description
Overabundance of epithelial cells
(small, white scales) that have
accumulated on the scalp or
fallen to the shoulders
Dry epithelial cells attached to
the scalp or on the hair; itchy;
caused by poor circulation, poor
diet, uncleanliness or emotional
disturbance
Epithelial cells combine with
sebum (oil) and stick to the scalp
in clusters; itchy
Red, circular patch of small
blisters; caused by a vegetable
parasite
Enlarged open hair follicles that
are surrounded by clusters of red
spots (papules); hair is likely to
break in area infected
Dry, yellow, encrusted areas on the
scalp called scutula (SKUT-u-la);
may have a peculiar odor; shiny
pink or white scars may result
Red and watery vesicles or pus-
filled areas caused by an animal
parasite (itch mite) burrowing
under the skin.
Infestation of head lice on the
scalp causing itching and
eventual infection
Number of Hairs on Head
Red = 90,000
Black = 108,000
Brown = 110,000
Blonde = 140,000
There is an average of 1,000
hairs to a square inch on the
average head.
