How to get rid of dry scalp and nourish your hair roots

Posted by PSEDEN

2024-12-10

On 2024-12-10

Is it time for a scalp treatment? Winter is here, the weather outside can be very bad, and your scalp can become dry and flaky. While itching, inflammation, and flaking aren’t just limited to the winter months, seasonal factors can often lead to decreased scalp and hair health…although they certainly don’t have to be.

Next, learn the ins and outs of getting rid of dry scalp during winter and beyond, according to dermatologists and scalp experts.

What causes dry scalp in winter?

Once the temperatures drop towards the end of the year, a perfect storm can turn an otherwise balanced scalp into dry, flaky skin.

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“Relative humidity typically drops significantly during the winter,” explains Mayara Macedo, hairstylist and scalp expert at The Second Floor Salon in New York City. “Coupled with heating systems that dry out the air, this creates even harsher conditions that make the scalp and hair more susceptible to dryness and irritation.”

Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, notes that there are a few other causes of dry scalp, whether in the winter or at other times of the year. These include:

Accumulation of natural oils and hair care products
Sensitive or irritated skin
Overgrowth of Malassezia globus (a fungus that helps break down sebum on the scalp, in the process producing oleic acid to which many people are sensitive)

“Finally, as we age, our skin tends to become drier,” shares Dr. Saedi. Dry skin often means a dry scalp, which requires changes to your current hair and scalp care routine.

Dry scalp and dandruff

While you may think dandruff and dry scalp are the same thing, they are not interchangeable. Dry scalp is usually caused by a lack of moisture (i.e. dry skin), while dandruff is caused by excessive sebum production and yeast overgrowth on the scalp.

“If you have dandruff combined with a consistently oily scalp, then dandruff is likely the culprit behind your dry, flaky scalp,” explains Dr. Sadie. (Note: Dandruff from a dry scalp tends to be small and white. Dandruff, on the other hand, is large, yellow, and coated with an oily residue.) “Dandruff is completely normal and is usually easily treated with an anti-dandruff remover Treatment and control. Shampoo,” she assures us.

9 Tips to Get Rid of Dry Scalp

If you suffer from a dry scalp and are determined to tackle it, follow these expert-approved tips to keep your strands cool during winter and beyond.

1. Wash your hair less in winter

“To adapt to your daily routine, wash your hair less frequently in the winter to preserve the natural oils,” Macedo advises. Depending on the condition of your hair, two to three washes a week during the colder months may be enough. Instead, she says you may want to change that up in the summer and wash your face three to four times a week to thoroughly cleanse away sweat and product buildup.

Dr. Saedi says you’ll need to vary the number of cleansing days based on your specific situation, so pay close attention to your individual needs to keep your scalp balanced. “Dry skin may be a sign that you’re washing your hair too much or not enough. Removing your hair and scalp’s natural oils too often can dry out your hair,” she explains. “Conversely, not washing enough can lead to oil buildup and irritation to the scalp.”

TL;DR: The oilier your hair and scalp are, the more they need cleansing, and vice versa.

2. Choose the right winter hair care products

During the winter, Macedo recommends prioritizing the following:

Hydrating shampoo and conditioner
scalp oil
A leave-in treatment with nourishing ingredients like argan oil and shea butter

She also recommends incorporating a cleansing clay mask into your regimen to replenish essential minerals and improve scalp health.

Note: If your scalp suddenly becomes dry, a new product in your arsenal may be the culprit, says Dr. Sadie. Therefore, it is always wise to integrate a new project each time to see if it works well. If you are convinced that a new product is causing a reaction such as dryness, dermatologists recommend that you stop using it and wait to see if your scalp recovers.

3. Avoid hot baths

Macedo warns that while it may be tempting to warm yourself from head to toe in a steaming hot shower, doing so may result in dry scalp, hair and skin. A 2022 study Journal of Clinical Medicine Prolonged and continuous exposure to water – especially at higher temperatures – has also been found to impair skin barrier function.

Therefore, take relatively short warm showers in the winter, especially on hair washing days.

4. Carry out post-washing procedures

After washing your hair, it also takes some effort to get rid of dry scalp to promote balance and overall hair health.

According to Macedo, you need:

Avoid sleeping with wet hair
Minimize use of heated tools
Use hair repair oil more often in winter to combat dryness
Apply hair oil or serum to the ends of your hair to lock in moisture
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase reduces friction and static electricity

5. Enjoy a scalp massage

Not only does a scalp massage feel great, it’s also soothing. They can also help get rid of dry scalp and dandruff. “Scalp massage can help relax and remove dry skin, product buildup, and excess oil from your scalp,” shares Dr. Saedi. “It also helps stimulate blood circulation, which aids hair growth.”

How to get rid of dry scalp. Woman receiving scalp massage. — How to get rid of dry scalp and nourish your hair roots 433

In addition, scalp massage may also:

Improve hair thickness
Fight dandruff
Stay away from hair loss
Reduce stress

You can go the DIY route and massage your scalp for about 5 minutes (whether your hair is dry or when you wash it), go to a scalp spa, or invest in tools. Both professionals recommend the GrandeHAIR Stimulating Scalp Massager to promote overall hair and scalp health.

6. Pay attention to wearing a hat

Personally, I can’t resist the comfort and warmth of a winter hat (or the casual vibe of a year-round baseball cap). However, those who suffer from scalp dryness and irritation need to be more cautious about how often they wear these toppers.

While you can rest assured that hats won’t cause hair loss, they may trigger inflammation and rashes by trapping sweat and debris. “Minimize wearing hats for extended periods of time, as they can trap moisture and cause irritation,” advises Macedo. In short, the goal is to wear them when you need them most (i.e., when you’re outside braving freezing temperatures), but not when you need them most. Take them off safely indoors and/or after exercise.

7. Visit a professional for more in-depth scalp treatment

To get rid of dry scalp for good, you need to visit a professional for a personalized diagnosis and plan. For example, Macedo notes that high-frequency treatments can effectively rejuvenate the scalp and hair strands by promoting blood circulation.

8. Buy a humidifier

“If your dry scalp is caused by dry, cool weather, a humidifier can definitely help,” says Dr. Sadie. The same happens if you have dry skin (either chronically or due to dry air and heating systems in the winter), thanks to the extra moisture these devices provide.

9. Stick to a diet that’s good for your hair and scalp

Last but not least, your dietary intake may help or hinder your hair and scalp health. According to a 2022 review, the right nutrients can “fight oxidative stress, repair cell damage, support cell function, and restore hair growth.”

As we previously covered in our hair growth dietary guide, important nutrients include, but are not limited to:

In addition to following a healthy, varied diet rich in whole foods, you may also want to enhance your daily routine with supplements such as:

Hair Strong Gummies, providing Biotin to promote overall hair health, Zinc to nourish hair follicles, and Fo-Ti to promote hair growth and healthy color.
Daily cleanse to detoxify skin and scalp from the inside out with antioxidants, minerals, and green superfoods

Dry scalp FAQs

Why is it necessary to develop a scalp and hair care routine suitable for winter and summer?

Different environmental conditions require different programs to promote healthy hair and skin. Since winter is colder and drier than summer, hydration and nutrition are crucial. “Winter care should include deep hydration and protection, soothing

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