Everything you should know about dry scalp
1. Causes of dry scalp
2. Symptoms of dry scalp
3. How to treat dry scalp?
4. How to prevent dry flaky scalp?
5. When to see a doctor?
Your hair goes through a lot in a day. All the primping, styling, colouring and grooming can take a toll on hair health. Add to that environmental stressors, and sometimes hair damage becomes a daily reality giving you a dry scalp or even dandruff.
But don't worry, there’s some good news. Dry flaky scalp is treatable, and with the right treatment, you’ll be back to flaunting clean, luscious locks in no time. However, before we look at some ingenious ways to tackle the damage caused by dry scalp, let’s look at what causes it in the first place.
Causes of dry scalp
Dry scalp is basically dry skin. This type of skin cannot retain or produce enough natural oils to keep your scalp hydrated and nourished. This is mostly caused by:
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Dandruff
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Allergies
• Certain hair care habits
All these factors make your scalp dry and susceptible to a larger, more annoying problem (read dandruff). Dandruff is caused by Malassezia globose, a naturally occurring microbe that lives on everyone’s scalp. This microbe feeds off sebum and other natural oils produced by the scalp and creates a by-product that’s called oleic acid. This by-product is usually harmless, but the trouble brews when your scalp reacts to it and triggers dandruff.
Symptoms of dry scalp
The major signs of dry scalp include-
• Shedding of flakes from the scalp. The flakes caused by dry scalp are smaller and whiter than the ones caused by dandruff. Dandruff flakes are larger, yellowish, and appear oily
• If your scalp starts itching profusely and feels tight, it’s because of the dry skin on your scalp
• If you scratch your scalp continuously, it can turn red or develops small sores
• Since dry scalp is dry skin, you’ll notice dry skin on other parts of your body as well.
How to treat dry scalp?
In most cases that involve a dry flaky scalp, it can be treated with the right hair care products. The need of the hour is a shampoo and conditioner that targets the main cause of dry scalp and offers gentle nourishment while treating it. Here are cures for dry scalp that have worked wonders to get rid of this annoying hair care problem.
• Bid farewell to dandruff
Since dandruff is one of the major causes of dry scalp, you need an anti-dandruff shampoo that’s strong enough to take on severe dandruff but is gentle on your tresses.
Enter Head & Shoulders Clinically Proven Solutions Scalp Relief Shampoo—your answer to all your dandruff woes. This clinically proven selenium sulphide shampoo is ideal for treating severe dandruff and controls itching and flaking. The gentle formula used to create this anti-dandruff solution is perfect for everyday use and leaves a trail of fresh scent after every use.
• Moisturise your dry scalp
Let’s moisturise the dryness out of your scalp. But how will you do this? To begin with, leave that coconut oil in your cabinet, since it can only trigger more of those pesky white flakes. Instead, look for a moisturising shampoo that gives your dry scalp the hydration and nourishment it needs.
Your search for a unique moisturising shampoo ends with Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Shampoo that gives you flake-free hair. With regular use, you’ll notice an improvement in your scalp health. Plus this dual-action formula with almond oil offers immediate relief from dry scalp itching. This shampoo is formulated with extra conditioners to replenish and revive your hair, and its NEW Fresh Scent Technology gives you an improved in-shower scent experience.
• Condition your hair
Haven’t you heard of the cardinal rule of hair care? Always use a conditioner after shampooing, ALWAYS! The best way to condition and moisturise your scalp is to find the ideal conditioner that gently nourishes your tresses without leaving behind any residue that can trigger dandruff.
How about a hair product that combines the cleansing power of a shampoo and conditioning properties of a conditioner? Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care 2-in-1 shampoo + conditioner is here to save the day.
This 2-in-1 shampoo + conditioner locks in moisture 75% better than any moisturising shampoo and with regular use, it restores your scalp’s natural moisture and locks it safely. You are left with hair that’s hydrated and 100% flake-free.
How to prevent dry flaky scalp?
Prevention is better than cure, which is why you need to take steps to prevent dry flaky scalp from taking over your life. These preventive measures might help keep it at bay:
• Dry scalp treatment products mostly hydrate your scalp. So, to prevent any scalp flare-ups caused by dryness, switch to moisturising shampoos.
• Stay hydrated! Often, dry skin occurs when you aren’t drinking enough water.
• Shampoo your hair less frequently if you feel that your scalp feels tight and dry after every wash.
• You can also use a humidifier to prevent your skin from getting dry.
When to see a doctor?
If shampoos and conditioners don’t give you any respite, visit a dermatologist. If you give in to the urge to itch, the scalp might get infected and would need immediate medical attention.
Dry scalp might not be a serious condition, but it needs immediate attention when you notice the first signs. With some TLC and the right hair care routine, you can effectively reverse dry scalp.