Flaking, itchiness, and dryness can be signs of a dry scalp. Perhaps you spend a lot of time in the sun, wash your hair too frequently, or use the wrong hair care products. Whatever the case, having a dry scalp can be a real bummer. You don’t want to have to worry about whether or not you have visible flakes on your shoulders or hair. The good news is that you can make a few simple changes to moisturize the scalp and hair.

What Is Dry Scalp?

Not to be confused with dandruff, dry scalp is different, even though it exhibits similar symptoms, primarily flaking and itchiness. If your scalp is dry, the skin becomes irritated and flakes off. Dandruff is the result of too much oil production on the scalp, in addition to an overgrowth of yeast, Malassezia, that already exists on the skin. You can tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp because dandruff flakes are larger and may look oily and have a yellow tint. Dry scalp typically produces small, dry flakes. 

Dry Scalp Causes

The primary reason that a person experiences a dry scalp is due to lack of moisture, which can have several causes. Changes in weather, washing hair too frequently, using certain hair products, age, and different skin conditions (such as psoriasis or eczema) can cause dry scalp. Certain hair products may cause contact dermatitis, which occurs when the chemicals in those products react negatively with the skin. Some products also strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, which reduces moisture content. Additionally, too much sun exposure without proper protection can burn the scalp, causing dryness and irritation. All of those things and more can harm the scalp’s natural moisture defenses. Basically, you can damage the outer layer of skin and experience flakiness and itchiness. 

Avoid Alcohol In Hair Care Products

If you notice alcohol on the ingredient lists of any of your hair care products, throw them out. The reason for this is because alcohol dries out the scalp. It tends to be used in a lot of styling products to help hair dry faster. Alcohol also wicks moisture from the hair and scalp. In addition to alcohol, look for other drying ingredients, such as menthol, eucalyptus, and sulfate. Those ingredients actually cause a pH imbalance on the scalp!

Protect The Scalp From The Elements

The scalp can experience sunburn, just like any part of the body exposed to sunlight. Once the scalp is burnt, you can experience irritation, but it doesn’t just become irritated from sun exposure. Extreme dry and cold weather can cause dryness and itchiness. To prevent this from happening, wear a hat in the summer and a beanie in the winter to shield the scalp from the elements. The more you protect your scalp and keep it covered when outside, the healthier and happier the scalp will be. 

Change Up Your Shampoo Routine

If you feel your scalp drying out on you, reduce the amount of times you wash your hair in a week. Over-washing can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, which are already lacking if you regularly experience dryness. You may want to consider changing up your shampoo, especially if you notice dry scalp on a somewhat regular basis. As we mentioned earlier, steer clear of shampoos that contain sulfates and alcohol. Instead, look for nourishing, moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, or avocado oil. Some shampoos also contain ingredients that offer anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties. 

Hydrate 

Failure to drink enough water every day can do more than impair digestive function. The skin, including your scalp, can experience dryness, flakiness, itching, and irritation if you are dehydrated. The itching and dryness can actively damage the skin, making you more susceptible to dandruff. Make sure that you drink enough water every day by drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. Keep a water bottle next to you at all times, adding cucumber or lemon to it to increase your desire to hydrate. You can also drink herbal teas and eat water-rich foods to promote hydration.

Vincent Stevens

Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.