Itchy scalp and thinning hair driving you to distraction? Trichologist Philip Kingsley soothes your scalp with his top products for problem locks. Harriet Addison lists the top six.

1 Eczema

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo; £6.49 for 125ml (boots.com )

Eczema is often worse in winter than in summer and can be affected by factors such as diet and the menstrual cycle. About 5 per cent of us suffer from this lifelong affliction, leaving us with an itchy, flaking scalp. Although over-the-counter products cannot solve the problem, choosing one with a tar derivative can be very effective in soothing it.

Specialist products for my Afro-Caribbean hair

One reader wonders if she must stick to black hair products and our expert investigates

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2 Hair loss

L'Oreal Elvive Body Boost Shampoo; £2.49 for 250ml (echemist.co.uk )

It's a well-kept secret that as many women as men suffer from hair loss. If you're one ofthem, visit a trichology clinic for a blood test to find out the metabolic reason for the loss. It could be due to low iron or ferritin (hair cells and protein) levels, thyroid or hormone problems - or simply in your genes. While there are no proven over-the-counter remedies, cosmetic camouflage can do wonders.

3 Excessive blow drying

Schwarzkopf Osis Flatliner; £7.10 for 200ml (www.schwarzkopf-professional.co.uk )

It's fine to use a hairdryer to make wet hair damp, but “finishing it off” from damp to dry leads to split ends and brittle hair. Similarly, pulling your hair back with a brush and using straighteners can result in “traction” alopecia, a gradual hair loss that is the result of over-styling. Use protection, as it is impossible to repair broken hair. You have to chop it off!

4 Chemical damage from colouring/bleaching

TRESemmé Detangle Pro Vitamin B5 Leave-in Conditioner Spray; £4.19 for 150ml (boots.com )

The main constituent of hair is protein, made up from small molecules held together by disulphide bonds. These bonds keep hair healthy but they are broken down by the chemicals used in hair colouring. While colouring is a great morale booster, the more you do it, the more you will need to care for your hair with masks and conditioners.

5 Severe dandruff

head&shoulders; £1.89 for 200ml (boots.com )

Skin secretions (oil and sebum) help to fight bacteria. If you're stressed, eating badly or drinking too much white wine, these secretions may be lost, leaving the ever-present bacteria able to make you shed your skin. The result? A flaky, itchy scalp. Shampoos for dandruff are working on a problem so they often do not leave your hair as cosmetically attractive as an ordinary shampoo. The most famous brand is still the best.

6 Extremely dry hair

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer; £22 for 150ml (philipkingsley.com )

If it's in ideal condition, hair should stretch by about one third before it breaks. But contrary to popular belief, dry hair is the result of a lack of moisture, not a lack of natural oils - hence the need for re-moisturising products. Choose a product for your type of dry hair - fine, thick and coarse, frizzy, straight and dry, etc. This pre-shampoo treatment will put the stretchability straight back in.

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