Dry Scalp

Dry Scalp

Why is my scalp so dry? It’s probably the question that brought you here. 

A dry scalp is not usually a serious concern, but it can be itchy, uncomfortable, and distracting. In some cases, it may be a sign of a more significant issue, like psoriasis or eczema. In the simplest terms, a dry scalp lacks sebum, a natural oil that moisturizes and protects the scalp, hair, and skin.

Here, we’ll cover what causes dry scalp, its symptoms, prevention, and dry scalp treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Dry Scalp?

Dry scalp symptoms include:

• A tight feeling on the scalp

• Itching

• Flaky scalp

• Dull, brittle hair

• Dry hair

• Yellow or white flakes on the scalp and in the hair

• Redness or irritation

• Sensitivity when touching the hair or scalp

Causes of Dry Scalp

There are many potential causes of dry scalp. Below, we’ll cover some of the more common causes.

Genetics: Some people are just more prone to dry skin, thanks to their genetic makeup.

Aging: As we age, our skin — including the scalp — gets thinner, loses water more easily, and produces fewer natural oils, increasing the likelihood of dryness.

Cold, Dry Weather: Cold and dry places tend to have less moisture in the air, which dries out the skin.

Overwashing: Washing hair too frequently strips the skin of the natural oils needed to maintain hydration.

Harsh Products: Using skincare or hair care products that contain certain ingredients (like certain fragrances, parabens, some types of alcohol, or phthalates can irritate or dry out the scalp.

Scalp Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin, sometimes called plaques. It often affects the scalp and can cause itching and irritation.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Atopic dermatitis is the term for eczema on the scalp. It can cause the skin on the head to become dry, itchy, and inflamed.

Tinea Capitis: Tinea capitis is a fungal infection, also sometimes called scalp ringworm. It can cause itchy, scaly patches of skin on the scalp that leave it feeling dry.

Actinic Keratosis: Actinic Keratosis is a form of precancerous sun damage. It manifests as rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. The scalp often suffers from sun damage because it’s directly in the path of the sun’s rays, and many people forget to use sunscreen on their scalp.

Risk Factors for Dry Scalp

Cold, Dry Climates: Living in areas with low humidity or cold temperatures can dry out the scalp.

• Frequent Hair Washing: Washing your hair too often can strip away natural oils, making the scalp more prone to dryness.

• Sex: Women are more likely to have conditions like atopic dermatitis that can cause scalp dryness.

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can result in overall skin dryness, including the scalp.

• Using Hot Tools: Excessive use of hot styling tools, such as blow dryers or flat irons, can dry out the scalp.

• Hard Water: Research shows that hard water can damage hair. The high levels of minerals in hard water can make the scalp feel dry and irritated.

• Chlorine Exposure: Swimming in chlorinated pools frequently can strip away natural scalp oils, leading to dryness.

Diagnosing Dry Scalp

You can often diagnose and treat a dry scalp at home with a few lifestyle tweaks. However, if you’re experiencing a chronically dry scalp and can’t find relief, or you suspect another skin condition is causing dryness, a dermatologist or other healthcare professional can help.

A combination of lifestyle and medical questions and a scalp exam will help a healthcare professional diagnose a dry scalp. Here’s how dry scalp diagnoses usually happen.

Lifestyle Questions: Your healthcare provider will likely ask questions about the products you use, whether you swim a lot, and whether you have dry skin all over.

Scalp Exam: They will look at your scalp to confirm you’re dealing with a dry scalp and not a similar-looking condition, like dandruff (also called seborrheic dermatitis) or eczema. In many cases, a dry scalp isn’t diagnosed independently — instead, a healthcare professional will consider it a symptom of another issue.

Treatment for Dry Scalp

Once you know the causes, it’s time to learn how to treat dry scalp. Treating a dry scalp involves addressing the underlying causes and using gentle, moisturizing products. Here are some common treatment options:

1.  Use Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners:

Use shampoos free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, alcohol, and fragrances, all of which can be drying to hair. Instead, look for moisturizing formulas (most of these will have “hydrating” or “moisturizing” written right on the bottle). Moisturizing ingredients to look out for include:

• Aloe vera

• Coconut oil

• Shea butter

• Argan oil

2. Moisture With Oils:

We’re often told to avoid oily hair, but moisturizing the scalp with oils is one of the best ways to soothe a dry scalp. Try making a hair or scalp mask using natural oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, or argan oil. Massage these oils into your scalp and leave them on for 10–30 minutes before rinsing. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, as leftover oils could make your hair appear greasy, especially if your hair type is thin or fine.

3. Reduce Washing Frequency:

Many people like to wash their hair daily, but it could be that you’re overwashing your hair. Washing your hair too often strips the scalp of its natural oils. Try reducing the frequency of washing to give your scalp time to restore its moisture balance — if you wash every day, switch to every other day, for example. You can still wet your hair daily.

4. Avoid Overly Hot Water:

Hot water can dry out the scalp, so opt for lukewarm water when washing your hair.

5. Gently Exfoliate the Scalp

Gently exfoliating the scalp using a soft brush or a scalp exfoliator scrub (with a gritty texture) can help remove dead skin cells and flakes, improving moisture absorption.

6. Try a Humidifier:

If you live in a dry climate or use indoor heating, a humidifier helps add moisture back into the air, helping to keep your scalp hydrated. You’ll also notice more hydrated lips and skin, and you may feel less itchy.

7. Topical Treatment Options

Over-the-counter topical treatments containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, and ketoconazole may help if a skin condition causes your dry scalp. They may also recommend antifungal shampoos (or a natural option like tea tree oil) if another skin condition is causing your dry scalp.

8. Hydrate and Eat a Balanced Diet:

Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help improve overall skin health and moisturize the scalp from the inside out.

9. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling:

Reduce the use of hot styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners, or curling irons, as excessive heat can dry out the scalp. If you need to use a blow dryer, put it on the lowest setting and hold it at least six inches from your hair.

10. Consult a Dermatologist:

If over-the-counter treatments don’t work, or if you suspect an underlying condition like psoriasis or eczema, consult a dermatologist. They may prescribe medicated shampoos or topical creams to address your scalp issues.

Dry Scalp Prevention Tips

Dry scalp prevention is largely the same as treatment. Here are some tips for preventing a dry scalp before it starts.

• Drink plenty of water

• Use conditioner

• Moisture the scalp with oils

• Invest in a humidifier

• Exfoliate the scalp on a weekly basis

• Use hot tools sparingly

A dry scalp can be caused by various factors, such as cold weather, harsh hair products, and over-washing, all of which can lead to dryness, flaking, or an itchy scalp. Treatment options include using moisturizing and gentle shampoos or scalp oils, as well as reducing heat styling to restore balance and hydration. Incorporating home remedies (like hair masks or a humidifier) and focusing on proper scalp care can help maintain healthy hair and prevent dryness.