Remedies for a Dry Scalp

When there is an insufficient amount of natural oils to moisturize your scalp and your hair, your scalp may become dry. Dry scalp is a common and treatable condition. It is not necessarily a symptom of dandruff. Scrubbing and scratching the scalp when washing your hair will not prevent dry scalp. In fact, it will make it worse. Although there are precautions to take to avoid dry scalp, it may develop anyway. Luckily, there are remedies for dry scalp.

Types

• Dry scalp can occur for a number of reasons. When shampooed daily, the amount of moisture on your hair and scalp is reduced because shampoo strips the hair of its natural oils. Brushing your hair too much or brushing your hair too hard can cause this to happen as well. Using multiple styling products on a regular basis can also prevent your scalp from retaining moisture. Heat from appliances used on your hair, such as blow dryers and straightening irons, also absorbs and removes moisture.

Prevention/Solution

• Get a shampoo that is specifically for dry hair and dry scalp. Shampoo your hair every other day if possible. Massage shampoo into your hair and scalp gently with your fingertips, not your nails. Use a brush with natural fibers and gingerly brush your hair as needed. Use styling products sparingly to avoid irritating your scalp. Choose styling products that moisturize your hair, such as leave-in conditioners. Protect your hair with a scarf or cap before going outside on a very cold day, very hot day or a windy day. When your scalp becomes dry, treat it with a deep conditioner. Apply moisturizers and lotion directly to the scalp, not your hair.

Effects

• Dry skin on your scalp eventually peels off, forming small white flakes consisting of dead skin cells. This can make your scalp feel itchy. Scratching the itch only causes more flakes to form. It can be rather embarrassing if someone notices these flakes in your hair or on your clothes. They may construe this to be a sign of dandruff and avoid you.

Considerations

• Although the symptoms of dry scalp are similar to those for dandruff, the size and color of the flakes can help distinguish the two as well as the presence of an untoward odor. Dandruff sufferers tend to have larger flakes that appear yellowish in color. This is a much more serious condition that results from the presence of a fungus on the scalp and is not curable.

Warning

• Sharing brushes or combs can result in the transfer of flakes. In addition to being incurable, dandruff is also contagious. Therefore, avoid using any brush or comb except for your own. If someone else uses your brush or comb, disinfect it before you use it again. If you have dry, itchy patches of skin on other than on your head, an underlying medical condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, may be present. Therefore, it is important to contact your doctor.