A dry scalp isn’t just uncomfortable—it can also lead to other problems like itching, irritation, and patches of redness on the scalp. Plus, a dry scalp is a common reason why your hair might be dry, lifeless, dull, frizzy, or even greasy and oily. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common causes of a dry scalp and give you 6 ways to treat it.
What does a dry scalp look like?
A dry scalp can be very irritating and uncomfortable. In most cases, it’s easy to tell if you have a dry scalp. Common symptoms include an itchy scalp, flakes resembling dandruff, or skin that feels tight and tender. Other common symptoms are hair that feels lifeless, dull, and perhaps even frizzy and difficult to manage.
Can a dry scalp cause oily hair?
A lesser-known symptom of a dry scalp is actually oily or greasy hair and a greasy scalp. When the scalp is dry, it can cause an increase in oil production in the hair follicles, resulting in hair that feels and looks greasy, oily, or unkempt.
What causes a dry scalp?
There are many factors that can cause a dry scalp. Here are 9 of the most common causes.
- You wash your hair too often: Washing your hair too frequently can strip it and your scalp of natural moisture and oils. This can cause your scalp to become dry, irritated, and itchy. For most people, washing their hair no more than 1–3 times a week is sufficient.
- Hair care products containing harsh chemicals: far too many hair care products contain chemicals and sulfates that strip the scalp of its natural oils. This can cause dryness, itching, and a flaky scalp.
- You're not drinking enough water: A dry scalp is often caused by a lack of moisture. That's why it's important to drink enough water every day.
- Weather conditions: Dry, cold weather can strip your scalp of moisture, leaving it feeling dry and itchy.
- Bacterial and fungal infections: Bacterial and fungal infections can lead to a dry scalp by causing inflammation and swelling that clogs the hair follicles and prevents moisture and nutrients from reaching the skin.
- Diet: An unhealthy diet that is high in fat and sugar but low in nutrients can lead to hair loss, which, in turn, can cause dryness.
- Stress: One of the most common causes of dry skin in general is stress. When you’re stressed, your body produces fewer of the natural oils it needs to withstand external stressors. This makes you more prone to dryness and irritation.
- Hormonal changes: A hormonal imbalance—which is common during puberty and menopause—can cause the sebaceous glands to function less effectively, resulting in a dry scalp.
- Allergic reactions: Allergies to hair care products such as shampoo, conditioner, or hair dye can cause dryness and itching.
How do I know if it's dandruff or a dry scalp?
There are several ways to tell if you have dandruff or a dry scalp. One of the easiest ways is to run your fingers through your hair and see how it feels. Hair affected by seborrheic dermatitis usually feels oilier and slightly stickier than hair with dandruff-like flakes caused by a dry scalp. If you run a finger through your hair and it feels like it’s sticking to your finger a little more than usual, it’s likely dandruff.
Another way to tell whether it’s dandruff or a dry scalp is to check how your skin feels around your scalp. If your scalp feels dry and irritated, it’s likely a dry scalp. If it feels moist and sticky, it’s likely seborrheic dermatitis.
How do you moisturize a dry scalp? Here are our 6 best tips!
So, how do you go about moisturizing and treating a dry scalp? There are many ways to treat and prevent a dry scalp.
Here are 6 of our best tips:
1. CHOOSE A SULFATE-FREE SHAMPOO
You need a shampoo that’s moisturizing and reparative. Avoid shampoos containing chemicals such as sulfates, cyclic silicones, and parabens at all costs, as these will only dry out your hair further. Instead, choose a mild shampoo with natural ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, and Piroctone Olamine, which has a soothing effect on the scalp.
2. WASH YOUR HAIR NO MORE THAN 2–3 TIMES A WEEK
There’s a myth that you should wash your hair every day to keep it healthy and remove dirt and oil. In reality, it’s actually better to wash your hair no more than 2–3 times a week. This is especially true if you have dry or damaged hair. If you wash your hair too often, it will end up dry and lifeless.
3. USE A MOISTURIZING CONDITIONER AFTER EVERY WASH
While you shouldn’t use shampoo more than 2–3 times a week, you can actually use conditioner every day to moisturize your hair and keep it healthy. Conditioner treats dry and damaged areas of your hair, making it soft and easier to detangle. Also, remember that you should never shampoo your hair without using conditioner afterward, as this can make it even drier and more damaged. Always choose amoisturizing conditioner for best results.
4. DRINK ENOUGH WATER
A dry scalp is primarily caused by a lack of moisture in the scalp. Therefore, be sure to drink enough water. An adult needs about 1.5–2 liters of water per day.
5. ADD A HAIR MASK TO YOUR WEEKLY ROUTINE
A hair mask is a great way to moisturize your hair. A hair maskcontaining moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and avocado oil will leave your hair softer, shinier, and more supple. Apply the mask 1–2 times a week, or more often if your hair feels dry and lifeless.
6. PROTECT YOUR HAIR WHEN USING HEAT STYLING TOOLS
Most of us use heat styling tools to style our hair in some way, and it’s not always easy to do so gently. High heat is very damaging to your hair, so it’s important to protect your hair from damage. Always use a heat protectant before using heat to style your hair. There are heat protectantsthat can be applied to both dry and wet hair, so there’s something for everyone.
Volume Infusion Volume right out of the shower, without styling 30,00 € — available by subscription every 7 weeks
Dry shampoo Volume for blonde & light hair 27,00 € — available by subscription every 10 weeks
Dry shampoo Invisible Formula 27,00 € — available by subscription every 10 weeks
Conditioner Gentle, sulfate-free moisturizing conditioner 26,00 € — available by subscription every 7 weeks
Dry shampoo Volume for dark hair 27,00 € — available by subscription every 10 weeks
Heat shield Ultra-protective, nourishing leave-in cream 27,00 € — available by subscription every 7 weeks
Texture Spray Instant volume without a sticky feel 27,00 € — available by subscription every 7 weeks
Repair Infusion Intensive Multi-Repair Booster 30,00 € — available by subscription every 7 weeks
