Dry Scalp Causes and How to Treat Them

Dealing with a dry, irritated, and flaking scalp can be equally frustrating and embarrassing especially when you can’t pinpoint what exactly is causing it. An improper hair care routine, hair styling products, weather, diet, and lack of moisture in your scalp are just some of the possible reasons you’re experiencing a dry scalp.

But what actually causes a dry scalp? Well, it happens when your scalp doesn’t produce enough sebum to moisturize itself, causing the hair to look dry and resulting in itching, irritation and flaking. While flakes from a dry scalp may be mistaken for dandruff, the difference in these conditions is very apparent.

Dandruff, unlike a dry scalp, is usually caused by an overproduction of sebum and a fungus called Malassezia that feeds on the oily areas of the scalp. This can result in the skin cells shedding faster than usual, leaving the scalp with white flakes.

But don’t sweat it! Dry scalps are a common struggle, and there are plenty of treatments out there to help bring moisture back to your scalp, so keep reading to find out how you can start treating your dry scalp right at home.

Get A Moisturizing Shampoo

Moisture is key when you have a dry scalp, so it’s a no-brainer that you should opt for a moisturizing shampoo to give your scalp the help it requires. Go from dry and frizzy to smooth and silky hair in just one wash with the Head & Shoulders Smooth & Silky Shampoo. It’s formulated with extra moisturizing properties to cleanse and restore a dry scalp and leave it 100% flake-free*. This shampoo is gentle enough that it doesn’t strip the scalp of essential moisture — making it suitable for anyone, no matter how often you wash your hair.

For even better results, apply the Head & Shoulders Supreme Moisture Scalp and Hair Creme Conditioner for your hair’s much-needed moisture.

Massage Your Scalp

The proper way to massage your scalp is by rubbing your fingertips in a circular motion to stimulate the nerve endings, scalp muscles, and blood vessels. This increases the blood flow towards the hair follicles and promotes the production of natural oils for better hair growth and prevents dry scalp. You can do this while in the shower or at night by using oils to help relieve your scalp from dryness and itchiness.

Another option is by using a boar bristle brush or running a comb across your scalp to prevent oil from building up. Running a bristle brush through your hair spreads your scalp’s natural oils, giving your hair more shine while keeping dirt away, and moisturizing your scalp to prevent it from drying.

Minimize Heat Styling

The heat from hair styling tools can be very damaging to your scalp since it takes away the moisture it needs to stay healthy. When you apply direct heat to your hair, the water in your scalp starts to evaporate, and the longer exposure it gets, the more it dries out. The extensive use of these hair styling tools will eventually cause scalp irritation with bleak chances of recovery.

By laying off on continuous use of heat styling tools, you allow your scalp to regain and retain moisture, giving it the chance to recover and dodge a dry scalp.

Incorporate Vitamins Into Diet

Improving your scalp’s condition begins with maintaining a healthy diet. The nutrition you get from food helps to fortify hair follicles and the scalp, but in cases when nutrients are not enough, you can turn into vitamins for help.

Vitamin B helps in the maintenance of a healthy scalp. It prevents loss of moisture, therefore keeping the scalp hydrated and preventing it from drying. Foods rich in Vitamin B are whole grains, eggs and dairy products, beans, sunflower seeds, almonds, broccoli, spinach, avocados, and bananas.

Do note that it’s best to seek advice from a professional if you choose to take Vitamin B through supplements.

Stay Hydrated

Moisture plays a big role in keeping your scalp healthy, so staying hydrated will make your dry scalp condition any better. When you don’t drink enough water, it takes a toll on your scalp, making it dry and damaged. So make sure you drink enough water! 8 glasses a day is a typical recommendation to keep hair stronger and looking healthy, but this does vary from person to person so do a little research to find the optimal amount for your body

Prevent Dry Scalp

Dealing with a dry scalp can get very uncomfortable, but now that you know more about what may be causing it, it’s much easier to find solutions that fit your lifestyle and needs. Head & Shoulder products help ease the discomfort of having a dry scalp, leaving you with a healthy scalp, without added hassle in your daily routine.

*No visible flakes with regular use