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Let's be honest: Dry skin can be a real drag. Not only does it lead to itchiness, irritation, and flaking but it also makes applying makeup even trickier. And since dry skin doesn't discriminate, it can happen anywhere: face, hands, legs, you name it. The possibilities (unfortunately) are endless. Perhaps one of the most problematic and confusing areas where dry skin can occur is the scalp. However, by pinpointing the underlying causes that lead to a dry scalp, not only can we treat it, but we can (sometimes) prevent it from happening in the first place. To find out how, we asked the experts.
Meet the Expert
Keep reading for our expert-approved remedies for fixing a dry scalp. Simply put, a dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture. This can be due to a number of reasons, from how frequently you wash your hair to the products you use on it. Environmental aggressors also play a role in your scalp's health. Too much sun exposure—without the proper protection—can burn your scalp, resulting in irritation and (you guessed it) dryness. In addition, cold, dry hair can exacerbate a dry, flaky scalp, Tanzi tells us. If you have dry skin on your hairline—or anywhere else on your body for that matter—the likelihood that you have a dry scalp is even higher. Fortunately, there's a simple solution: hydration. By keeping your scalp moisturized, you can often avoid dryness. Still, if your dry scalp is caused by an allergy or seborrheic dermatitis (aka dandruff), you'll need to resort to another fix. Moral of the hair story? Talk to your dermatologist to determine the cause of your dry skin so that you can find the best remedy. Dry scalp and dandruff might seem similar enough—symptoms for both include dry, itchy, flaky, skin—but they are not, in fact, the same. Dry scalp is a hydration issue whereas "Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) is an inflammatory condition of the scalp that is very common," says King. As such, they require their own set of treatments.
You can also use your scalp scrub and your hands instead of a brush, notes Friese. "Giving yourself a scalp massage while using the scrub will also help stimulate blood flow and encourage hair growth."
As it turns out, a detox can do the body—specifically, the scalp—good. And we're not referring to forgoing that glass of wine with dinner. We're talking about avoiding alcohol in your hair care products. "Alcohol will dry the scalp a lot," says Friese. Mousse, in particular, is often a sneaky culprit, she adds. Other ingredients that can be irritating to the scalp include sulfate, menthol, and eucalyptus. "They can also be drying and cause an imbalance in the pH of the scalp," she notes. "Make sure not to use too much product when styling the hair. Product buildup can cause the scalp to become oily." This can actually create an environment conducive to the growth of fungi and dandruff. If you continue to have problems after trying any and/or all of the above remedies, it might be advisable to go in and see a dermatologist for a prescription. Depending on the diagnosis, they may prescribe a topical cortisone for the scalp or other affected areas notes King. A doctor can also determine whether the cause is really seborrheic dermatitis or something else like eczema/atopic dermatitis.
Dry scalp is a common condition associated with itching, redness, and flaking. Fortunately, it is treatable with the proper hair care routine—from pH-balanced cleansing products that specifically target a dry scalp to nourishing oils and serums that keep the scalp moisturized. However, if you are facing chronic dry scalp, it's worth seeing your dermatologist to confirm your diagnosis. They can rule out whether you are experiencing another skin condition with similar symptoms as dry scalp, as well as any contributing factors. |