How to Treat a Dry Scalp, According to Dermatologists
do you have an itchy, dry scalp? You're not alone: Half of the American adults have dealt with scalp itch, according to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, and nearly 40% have experienced scalp flaking. This doesn't make the condition more pleasant to have, but there is a silver lining: Interest in scalp care has increased so much over the past few years that treating a dry scalp is easier than ever. So whether you’re dealing with dandruff or product buildup (looking at you, dry shampoo), there’s a way to manage it. Need some guidance on your scalp-care journey? You're in the right place. Ahead, see expert insight from leading dermatologists and trichologists—a.k.a. hair and scalp specialists—on what causes dry and itchy scalp, as well as how to prevent and treat it.
CAUSES OF DANDRUFF
Although the cause of dandruff is not completely understood, it is currently theorized that one of the main causes is a breakdown of the scalp's natural lipid barrier, leaving it more exposed to infection by the microscopic yeast that is commonly found in the scalp. When the yeast overgrows, it leads to an inflammatory response that kills off scalp cells at a high rate, which in turn slough off in sticky patches and flakes. The condition is identified by:
White or clear flakes on the scalp, through the hair, and on clothing
Itchy scalp which may be red and inflamed.
Some young teens find they develop dandruff when they hit puberty because their hygiene habits haven't changed to meet the challenges of newly accelerated sebum production. Stress, poor hygiene, and poor diet can make the scalp more susceptible to dandruff. High-sugar foods in particular are known to exacerbate yeast infections.
The hair should be brushed regularly to loosen flakes and stimulate blood supply to the scalp, which will accelerate the natural immune response to infection.
Scalp infections
One of the most common reasons for dry scalp is psoriasis. The condition causes skin cells on your scalp to grow in thick, scaly layers that shed off easily. If you have psoriasis, the scales may contain flakes of skin or even blood.
While you can use OTC products to relieve the symptoms of a dry scalp caused by psoriasis, it’s best to get treatment from your doctor. You may be advised to take prescription medications or use ointments that contain corticosteroids.
TREATING DANDRUFF,
There are a few habits you can develop and natural treatments you can use to treat dandruff.
Over-washing or under-washing
Some people wash their hair too often, and some people don't wash their hair enough. If you wash your hair too often, it will strip off all the natural oils from your scalp, resulting in dryness. On the other hand, if you don't wash your hair enough, then there will be oil and dirt on your scalp, which can clog up the pores and cause dandruff.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended that you use lukewarm water when washing your hair and limit the number of washes to every two to three days.
Nutrition An excess of sugar in the diet can exacerbate any yeast infection. Try reducing your intake of all sugars and refined starches while treating for dandruff.
Cleansing: Massage your scalp thoroughly with your fingertips when shampooing. This will help loosen and remove any dead skin flakes and help prevent the infection from continuing. Wash your hair daily until the infection is cleared up.
Conditioning: Use a protective hair condition on the ends of the hair only. Avoid getting conditioner on your scalp. Where it can clog pores and interfere with the healing of the skin.
Other Treatments:
Massage: Massaging your scalp several times a day with the pads of the fingers only will stimulate blood supply to the hair follicles and help loosen the dead skin flakes.
Brushing: Brushing your hair thoroughly daily will help loosen and remove dead skin flakes, increase the smooth flow of sebum along the hair shaft, and increase blood supply to the hair follicles.
Wash Hands after Brushing and Grooming Hair: Fungal infections of the skin are highly contagious, and it is easy to reinvest and spread to other areas of the body. This is why it's important to wash your hair daily and to brush out any loose dandruff flakes – so that healthy areas of the scalp will not be infected. Washing your hands after brushing, massaging, and grooming your hair will also help prevent reinfection or cross-infection.
The following herbs and nutrients have been shown to reduce dandruff infections:
Natural Internal Treatments for Dandruff
Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vanadal Sulfate, Gymnema Sylvestre and Chromium are all natural regulators of blood sugar levels. They can help prevent feeding the infection by keeping blood sugar levels normalized. Olive Leaf and Oregano Leaf are both natural systemic antifungal agents.
What causes a dry scalp?
There are several reasons you might have a dry scalp, Iris Rubin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Seen Hair Care, tells Glamour. "A dry scalp may be due to dry skin, just like on the rest of your body," she explains—and so anything that dries out the rest of your skin, like dry weather and seasonal changes, can do the same to your scalp. "Dandruff, or sebborrheic dermatitis, is another common cause of a dry, itchy scalp, and is thought to be related to yeast called thalassemia that lives on the skin."
Some other common causes? A buildup of products to which your skin might be reacting. "Products can leave a residue on the scalp for hours—even with rinse-off products like shampoo and conditioner," says Dr. Rubin. "That residue can cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, leaving you with a red, flaky, or itchy scalp, so it's important to be aware of your product's specific ingredients."
Psoriasis also commonly contributes to scalp itching, Caroline Robinson, MD, FAA D, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist, tells Glamour. "Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder of inflammation in the skin that causes the skin cells to grow extremely fast and become patches of dry, itchy, flaky skin," she says. "Psoriasis often requires management with prescription therapy, which is why I recommend speaking to your dermatologist if you suspect that you might have this." Finally, your grooming habits could be responsible for some of your scalp discomfort. "Over washing or under washing can each lead to dryness or itching," she says.
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Best practices for dry scalp
There are a few changes you can make to your routine and products that will help bring your scalp back to health. Dr. Nadir, a founder of the Clinic, recommends going through your hair care lineup and eliminating ingredients with irritants.
“To reduce dry scalp, avoid products with harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, simple alcohols, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrances. Instead, look for products with nourishing ingredients like keratin and essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 that will infuse moisture back into the scalp,” says “Treat the dry scalp with a humectant, like an aloe verá, gel and seal the hydration with lightweight oil like argon or jojoba before bed. If the scalp seems dry, limit the number of times the hair is shampooed per week and opt for a co-wash instead. Co-washes don’t contain as many harsh ingredients like parabens and sulfates that will strip the scalp of its natural oils.”
However, if you find that you have a sensitive scalp and have trouble finding products, there are also natural and DIY alternatives. “A few DIY options include: hair masks with moisturizing ingredients—any combinations of milk, honey, coconut oil, avocado,” says board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD, Dr. Melanie Palm, MD.
The proteins and lipids in milk work together to help strengthen hair, while calcium promotes hair growth and hair loss prevention. Palm, recommends products that are rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamins. "I recommend Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment, formulated with hyaluronic acid to amp up hydration and vitamin B3, which helps to rebalance your scalp's natural ecosystem," she explains. "I also recommend Neutral Stress Reliever Scalp Micro biome Essence, a gentle after-shampoo essence that soothes a dry scalp with pre-biotic."
How to treat dry scalp
Assuming your scalp itch is the result of product buildup, managing the symptoms is as simple as modifying your scalp-care routine. "Products that are heavy in sulfates and surfactants and some fragrances can all cause dry scalp," Helen a board-certified tribology's, celebrity stylist, and founder of hair-care brand Act Acre, says. "Additionally, using too much dry shampoo can lead to a large amount of buildup on the scalp, blocking the hair follicles and causing various scalp issues."
"I always try to tie scalp care back to skin care," says. "Can you imagine layering on makeup and leaving it on your skin for three-plus days without washing it? The answer is probably no, since it would leave your skin more prone to breakouts and extremely dry—and the same goes for your scalp." Translation? It's time to mix up your scalp-care routine. Suggests incorporating oil-based treatments, like the Glamour Beauty Award Winner Scalp Detox, into your routine, as this removes excess buildup. Then follow up with a hydrating treatment or mask. It can also be beneficial to use a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate your home's climate, and increase your water intake, she says.
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