Diagnose the problem, fix the causes, run a 7-day Pit-Stop Reset

An itchy, flaky scalp can turn any day into a DNS (Did Not Start). Let’s get you back on the grid fast.

Race Briefing

  • Most flakes come from either oil and yeast (Malassezia) or a dried-out skin barrier.
  • Fix your wash cadence, keep stylers off scalp skin, protect with a daily leave-in.
  • Run the 7-day Pit-Stop Reset using 2 to 4 pumps of Podium Dynamic Scalp Serum after each wash.

1) What is actually causing the itch and flakes

  • Barrier dryness: Over-washing, hot water, harsh surfactants, or alcohol-heavy stylers strip lipids. Result: tight feel and fine flaking.

  • Oil and yeast reactivity: Oily roots plus sweat can trigger micro-inflammation. Result: larger, waxy flakes and itch by Day 2 without washing.

  • Product buildup: Silicones, waxes, or heavy application onto the skin leave residue that clings.

  • Hard water minerals: Calcium and magnesium can settle on the scalp and hair, which adds roughness and makes residue harder to rinse.

  • Sensitivity or allergens: Some scalps react to fragrance or dyes.

Podium angle: Dynamic Scalp Serum (niacinamide, aloe leaf extract, castor oil, rosemary, saw palmetto) is a leave-in that supports scalp comfort after washing and helps reduce the look of dryness and visible flaking from routine stressors.


2) Quick self-check

  • Tiny, dry flakes and tight feel right after washing → Barrier dryness.

  • Bigger, waxy flakes and itch ramps up by Day 2 without washing → Oil and yeast reactivity.

  • Hair feels coated and flakes seem stuck on → Product or mineral buildup.

  • Redness, burning, thick plaques, or sudden shedding → See a professional.


3) The 7-day Pit-Stop Reset (AM and PM)

Rules:

  • Use lukewarm water.
  • Shampoo the scalp only, condition the lengths.
  • Put stylers on hair, not skin.
  • Apply 2 to 4 pumps Dynamic Scalp Serum to damp scalp after washes and leave it in.

Day 1
PM: Gentle cleanse for 60 to 90 seconds, rinse well, condition mid-lengths to ends, towel to damp, apply 2 to 4 pumps serum section by section. Air-dry or use a cool blow-dry at roots.

Day 2
AM: If itchy, light mist at roots, pat dry, apply 1 to 2 pumps serum to hot spots.
PM: No wash. One minute fingertip massage to move oils evenly.

Day 3
PM: If hair feels coated, wash again. Optional clarify-lite rinse if water is hard (1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in 1 cup water, 10 to 20 seconds, then rinse with plain water). Finish with 2 to 4 pumps serum.

Day 4
PM: No wash. Light mist and a small amount of serum to part lines and crown.

Day 5
PM: Wash and repeat Day 1. Serum goes on last.

Day 6
No wash. If flakes reappear today, plan for an every-other-day wash cadence. Spot apply 1 to 2 pumps serum as needed.

Day 7
Assess. Less itch, fewer flakes, clean roots without tightness is the goal.
Choose cadence: oil-prone every other day, normal every 2 to 3 days, dry or sensitive twice weekly.

Start your reset now: Dynamic Scalp Serum


4) Maintenance after the reset

Wash days: cleanse scalp for 60 to 90 seconds, condition lengths, apply 2 to 4 pumps serum and leave it in.
Non-wash days: light mist, 1 to 2 pumps serum on part lines or crown if itchy, one minute massage.
Weekly or bi-weekly: clarify-lite rinse if you deal with hard water or heavy stylers.


5) Podium product stack and placement

  • Dynamic Scalp Serum (daily post-wash leave-in): focus on scalp skin.

  • Sea Salt Spray (texture): apply on mid-lengths to ends. Keep off scalp skin.

  • Soft Compound Frizz Control Cream: creamy feel and easy spread. Work through hair shafts.

  • Medium Compound Matte Cream: boosts the look of density on fine hair. Keep to hair, not skin.

  • Hard Compound Forming Cream: creamy, workable finish with structure. Apply to hair lengths and surface.

  • Wet Compound Shine Pomade: gloss on ends and top surface. Avoid the part line.

All four finishers are creamy and easy to work through.


6) Common mistakes and quick fixes

  • Rubbing stylers into the scalp: move application to mid-lengths and ends, and keep a steady wash cadence.

  • Hot water and daily shampooing: switch to lukewarm and space washes to what your scalp tolerates.

  • Fast rinses: give yourself a full 60 to 90 seconds.

  • Skipping post-wash protection: always finish with serum on damp scalp.

  • Hard water with no plan: consider a shower filter, and use the clarify-lite rinse once a week if needed.


7) When to see a professional

  • Thick, adherent plaques.

  • Raw or bleeding areas, intense burning.

  • Sudden, patchy hair loss or pain.

  • No improvement after 3 to 4 weeks of consistent care.
    This guide is educational and not a medical diagnosis or treatment.


8) FAQ

How long until I notice improvement
Many people feel less itch within a few days. Visible flakes often reduce over 1 to 3 weeks with a steady wash cadence and a daily leave-in.

Will oil make dandruff worse
Used before a wash, a light oil can help lift residue and soften skin. Always shampoo after. If you are oil-prone, avoid leaving heavy oils on the scalp for long periods.

Can I use Podium Dynamic Scalp Serum with minoxidil
Apply medicated products first on clean, dry scalp and let them dry. Use a small amount of serum later in the day. If you have a prescriber, follow their order.

Does sea salt spray dry out the scalp
Use it on hair lengths, not on scalp skin. Ours includes seaweed extracts for balance. If you are very dry or sensitive, keep it off the scalp and use the serum daily.

What if flakes come back every other day
Adopt an every-other-day wash cadence, and keep stylers off scalp skin.

Written by France Herbert

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