Tips for a Dry, Itchy Scalp

Summer is for Pixie Cuts. Fall is for Balayage. And Winter is for Dry Scalp Issues.

 This time of year, we have several clients coming to us complaining of dry, itchy scalp. No one likes flaky shoulders on their favorite Christmas sweater. There’s lots to know and understand about Dandruff, Dry Scalp, and how to keep your hair fresh during this dry season. 

Do you have dandruff or just dry scalp? Did you know there was a difference? Dry scalp happens when the skin on the scalp is dry and irritated, resulting in flakes of skin. Dandruff is caused by excess oil on the scalp, which causes dead skin to build up and shed in thicker flakes. Dandruff is usually differentiated by thicker flakes that have a yellow hue. In some cases, these symptoms can be caused by a fungal or scalp infection, but most of us are only suffering from a simple case of dry scalp.  

There are a number of reasons why our clients might experience these irritating symptoms, but there are a few that we see most frequently. The top cause is overuse or misuse of products that cause scalp irritation. Poorly advised at-home treatments and certain oils like coconut oil can make the problem worse. Another common reason we find is that a client might be washing their hair too frequently, stripping the scalp of natural oils it needs to remain healthy. And at this time of year, many cases of dry scalp are due to the cold and dry weather, wearing hats that prevent our scalp from breathing, and increased use of heat tools for styling.

So how do you get rid of those pesky flakes of skin? First, talk to your stylist about the products you’re using and how often you’re using them. Based on your unique hair and scalp needs, a simple adjustment in your hair care routine could solve the problem. When washing your hair, which should only be 1-3x per week depending on your needs, use your fingertips to scrub your scalp thoroughly. A stimulating shampoo like our favorite Rosemary Shampoo by Influance is most effective and you might even find that letting the shampoo sit on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing provides a fresh result. 

If you are using chemical processes like relaxers or keratin treatments, you might want to consider taking a break to allow your scalp to return to a healthy state. Finally, implement a hydrating treatment into your weekly hair care routine to combat the dry air for your scalp and your tresses! If you have worked with your stylist on a solution to your dry scalp and still have no luck, consider seeing your Dermatologist for a scalp analysis to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your dry scalp. They may prescribe a medicated shampoo for you. 

Stay hydrated this winter and wear your black sweaters without fear of flaky shoulders!