If you have a dry, crispy, or scratchy scalp, there is a good chance that something in your body is out of whack. A dry scalp can be caused by a wide variety of factors, some of which are outside of your control. Your scalp is a delicate ecosystem that contains both beneficial and harmful bacteria, and this ecosystem is easily disrupted, which can lead to dryness in your hair.
Skin irritation, peeling skin, and redness are three of the unpleasant side effects that come along with the scalp condition. Thank goodness, there is a treatment for dry scalp that can bring back the natural dryness! There are multiple of them. Your scalp can be healed, and the health of your hair can be restored, with the help of these at-home treatments for dry scalp.
But before we get into that, we need to know why you are undergoing these symptoms in the first place. After you have identified the cause of the problem, you will be in a better position to find a solution to it and say goodbye to a dry scalp for good.
How Come My Scalp Is So Dry?
Your scalp is a singular component of your body that has its characteristics and demands unique care. It is influenced by three main variables the microbiome of its host, the surroundings, and its genetic makeup. Your overarching scalp health is determined by the equilibrium of all of these factors and how they interact with one another.
Microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and pathogens make up the microbiome of the scalp, which is comprised of a balancing act of these organisms. These microorganisms coexist peacefully most of the time, but occasionally their equilibrium is disrupted, which can result in symptoms such as flaky skin, itchiness, or discomfort on your scalp. These symptoms may also be brought on by the occurrence of environmental variables such as climate, environmental damage, or stress. Eventually, genetics play a role in scalp health, and they may increase the likelihood that the skin of the scalp will become dry.
How to Treat a Dry Scalp
You can treat your dry scalp and find some relief no matter what caused it—your surroundings, a compound found in a hair product, or even your genes—as long as you recognize the problem and take the appropriate steps. Discovering hair repair products and acquiring knowledge that helps dry the scalp may necessitate some trial and error, but this is something that varies from person to person. Here are five ways to get things rolling:
Break Free From Your Habitual Behaviors
A wholesome hair care regimen is the first step toward achieving a healthy scalp. You can treat an agitated, itchy scalp and keep its health in good condition by adopting some of these habits.
When You Wash Your Scalp
Dry scalp problems can be induced by both overwashing and under-washing the hair, so it’s important to find the right balance. The most important step in caring for your scalp is to figure out what it does and does not respond well to. If you find that frequent washing causes your skin to become overly itchy or dry, you should try washing it less frequently. If you notice these symptoms when you wait longer than usual between washes, you might want to think about washing your hair more regularly. Everyone’s hair and scalp are distinctive and therefore entail special attention. You will be rewarded by yours if you pay attention to it.
The Temperature of the Water
Showering in water that is scorching hot can make existing scalp irritations worse and can cause even the best-hydrated skin cells to dry out. Throughout the cold winter months, you might feel tempted to turn the water tap to the hot setting. Your scalp would be protected from the drying effects of heat if you keep the temperature on the slightly lower side of what is considered warm.
Integrate Moisturizing Products
A dry scalp leads to hair that is also dry. If you live in a cold climate or during a cold season, you should make sure that your hair care regimen includes products that are rich in moisture and that you use on your hair regularly. Your scalp and hair will benefit from this because it will aid in preventing them from becoming overly dry.
Get Treatment for Your Scalp
A treatment for the scalp that targets the particular concerns that are occurring on your scalp can alleviate the symptoms while also getting to the source of the issue.
Medications for Dry Scalp
A scalp treatment may be key to reversing the dry scalp condition you’ve been experiencing. It has the potential to do wonders to calm and hydrate the skin of your scalp. To apply, merely follow the steps below:
- Part hair into sections while it is clean, damp, and detangled.
- Apply the product to the scalp directly.
- Gently rub in and don’t rinse.
- Use the scalp treatment 3 times per week for four weeks, and then continue using it sporadically after that period for maintenance purposes. This will produce the best results.
Rejuvenating Treatment
Some rejuvenation treatments provide nourishment to the scalp as well as the hair strands and roots, which would result in fuller-looking hair growth. In addition, some products contain jojoba esters and vitamins, both of which work to nourish and hydrate the scalp while simultaneously restoring its barrier function. This results in sustained hydration and treatment for the scalp. In the long run, using this treatment will not only moisturize your dry scalp, but it will also give the appearance that your hair is thicker and healthier.
If you want the treatment’s effects to last, you need to use it every night. To apply, use the complimentary massager to soothe and stimulate the scalp before and after application. There is evidence that performing a scalp massage can increase the amount of blood that flows to the scalp while also providing stress relief benefits.
Treatments for Oil
In the past, simple oils like tea tree oil and coconut oil were employed to treat scalp dryness. However, oils do not genuinely hydrate the skin because they often sit on top of the skin. You can guarantee that you will see improved results by making use of more modern approaches of the present, such as the treatments that we discussed earlier. Oil treatments only have offered temporary solutions up until this point because they do not treat the underlying causes of dry scalp, which can make the problem even more severe.
Determine Which Shampoo Is Best for You
There is a significant difference between shampoos, and choosing the right one (or the wrong one) can determine the outcome of an issue with a dry scalp. It is important to keep in mind that the specific needs of your type of hair and regimen may be different from those of your roommate, sister, or partner. It is essential to use a shampoo that does not contain sulfates or parabens if you are someone who is dealing with a dry scalp. Sulfates can remove the organic oils that are produced by your scalp, causing it to grow even drier and more agitated.
It’s simple to become overwhelmed whether you’re shopping for hair care products in-store or online because there are so many options. How do you know which product is best suited to your particular hair type and requirements? Click here to read about the benefits of Health on Point’s Shampoos and Conditioners.
Eat Right
It’s not your imagination—diet does have a significant impact on almost every aspect of our lives. A balanced diet can be one of the first lines of defense against a dry scalp.
Take Your Vitamins
Even though it is nearly impossible to achieve a “perfect” diet, taking the appropriate supplements can provide you with a significant amount of the nutrients your hair and scalp need to stay healthy. A supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids can be helpful in the fight against dryness, and zinc, vitamins A, B, and C can be beneficial in the fight to keep skin hydrated.
Drink a lot Of Water
In addition to taking supplements, maintaining healthy skin and a healthy scalp can also be accomplished by drinking plenty of water. Consuming water hydrates every aspect of your body, including your scalp, so it’s important to do so. While you are increasing the amount of water you drink, it is a good idea to also reduce the number of other beverages, especially those that are dehydrating, like caffeine and alcohol.
Cut Out Sugar
The majority of people are unaware that eating a lot of sugar can have unfavorable effects on their scalps, even though excessive sugar consumption has been linked to a variety of health issues. Consuming sweets can cause your blood sugar to rise, which in turn can lead to increased levels of the male hormone androgen and can induce your hair follicles to become smaller. This can result in unpleasant symptoms such as dryness, itchy skin, and a general thinning of the hair.
Look for a Dermatologist
Several conditions can be treated at home, but not all of them can be. Consult a dermatologist for advice on how to treat the following scalp symptoms if there is any reason to suspect that you may be suffering from one of these conditions:
Dandruff
It’s possible that if you have dandruff, you believe it’s because your scalp is dry, but in reality, it’s the complete opposite of that. Dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is caused by an overabundance of oil production on the scalp. It presents itself with symptoms that are comparable to those of a dry scalp, including flakes, itching, and irritation.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is another condition that cannot be treated without the assistance of a qualified medical practitioner. It is a skin condition that not only causes flaking (the flakes that result from this condition are generally bigger than those that result from dandruff) but also causes itching and redness. Psoriasis patients may also be given a prescription for a topical steroid treatment by their dermatologist.
Allergies
A dermatologist can perform allergy testing in addition to providing treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis or dandruff. You may have a sensitivity to some of the components found in the products you use to care for your hair, which could be the cause of your dry scalp. The results of an allergy test can help identify potentially problematic ingredients in hair care products so that you can remove those products from your routine. By using these home remedies, you will not only be able to alleviate the painful symptoms of a dry scalp, but you will also be able to treat the underlying cause of the condition, allowing you to keep your scalp and hair hydrated and in good health.