How to Prevent Dry Scalp

You focus on hair care, but what about your scalp? Is the skin under your hair getting the care it needs? Or are you noticing dryness, itching, and flakes?

Dry scalp is a common issue that occurs when the skin under your hair lacks moisture. Under-hydrated skin can feel tight, itchy, or sore, and you might notice flakes and the urge to scratch your head a lot.

The good news is that dry scalp is usually easy to manage with simple scalp treatments. A hair care routine with moisturizing products and skin-healthy ingredients can calm your skin and help keep a scalp condition like dryness at bay. Staying consistent will ensure that your scalp doesn't go back and forth from dry to healthy. It takes a little effort, but it's well worth it.

A healthy, hydrated scalp prevents flakes, promotes optimal hair growth, and keeps your hair looking great. Learn about dry scalp hair care and how to say goodbye to flakes forever.

What Causes Dry Scalp?

Dry scalp is dry skin on your head, beneath your hair. Scalp dryness can be itchy, flaky, sore, or sensitive. But a simple dry scalp isn’t the only issue that can lead to those symptoms. There are skin conditions that can cause the same flaking and discomfort that comes from dry scalp. Before you can tackle the symptoms, you should check with a dermatologist to rule out skin conditions, such as:

• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes increased growth of skin cells. This can lead to thick patches of skin called plaques. Plaques can develop on the scalp and cause dryness, itching, or discomfort. A rheumatologist or dermatologist can help you find a treatment for psoriasis or scalp psoriasis.
• Atopic dermatitis: Sometimes called eczema, atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction to something that comes in contact with your skin. Skin- and hair-care products, laundry detergents, dust, dander, and pollen can all lead to atopic dermatitis. It can cause hives, a rash, or itching. The symptoms usually clear up when you stop coming in contact with the allergen. Antihistamine medications can also help with atopic dermatitis.
• Tinea capitis: Tinea capitis, which is also called scalp ringworm, does not involve any worms. It is an overgrowth of a yeastlike fungus on the scalp. It can lead to swollen red patches, dry scaly rashes, itchiness, and hair loss. You can treat tinea capitis with antifungal shampoo, though stubborn cases may need a prescription-strength formula. A dermatologist can prescribe it.  
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common cause of dandruff. Unlike dry scalp, dandruff from seborrheic dermatitis can make your scalp greasy, as well as itchy, flaky, and scaly. Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos can help clear up seborrheic dermatitis. In some cases, you may need a dermatologist to prescribe a stronger shampoo.

One of the easiest ways to determine if you’re experiencing dry scalp is to consider whether the rest of your skin is also dry. If you’re noticing dryness, flaking, or chapping on your lips, face, hands, and feet, or arms and legs, then it follows that your scalp may be dry, as well. Guys with dry skin often have dry scalp too. Just like with your skin, you need a smart grooming routine to address this concern.

Environmental Causes of Dry Scalp

Dry skin and dry scalp are often side effects of low humidity or a cold climate. The lack of moisture in the air can leave your skin parched, dry, and itchy. Environments with low humidity and cold climates can dry out the skin on your scalp. Excess exposure to sunlight, chlorinated water, and extreme temperature shifts can also exacerbate dry scalp.

Can Hair Products Cause Dry Scalp?

Harsh shampoos and other skin- and hair-care products can strip oils from your hair and scalp, as can frequent shampooing. Without this natural protection, your scalp can lose moisture and start to feel dry and flaky. Not rinsing thoroughly can also cause problems. Leaving shampoo and conditioner on your hair and skin may cause irritation and clog your pores, trapping oil below the surface.

Age is another factor that can increase the chances of a dry, itchy scalp. As you get older, your skin changes and may produce less oil. This can lead to noticeable dryness on your scalp, face, and body.

Negative Effects of Dry Scalp

The good news is that dry skin on your head probably won’t cause hair loss. However, a dry scalp isn’t the best foundation for great-looking hair.

Dry skin on your scalp may be a sign that your hair care routine isn’t right for your skin and hair. You may be using a shampoo that strips too much oil from your strands and the surrounding skin. This can also leave hair looking dull and dry, and might increase the risk of breakage.

Constant itching may lead you to scratch or pick at your scalp. This can irritate the skin even more, leading to inflammation and soreness. Scratching can create sores or scratches that can become infected, which may lead to scarring that inhibits future hair growth. To avoid making your condition worse, it's important to minimize itching.

Dry, flaky skin on your scalp probably isn’t the effect you’re going for. Flakes that land on your clothes or rub off on your pillow are an annoying nuisance, plus they create more laundry. Worrying about signs of a flaky scalp can affect your confidence at work and in social situations.

How To Prevent Dry Scalp

To treat dry scalp and prevent it from coming back, you should focus on soothing irritated skin with scalp treatments and restoring the moisture barrier.

Harsh detergents, styling products with alcohol, and products with heavy fragrances may be drying your scalp. Consider switching to milder products with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, or tea tree oil. Hyaluronic acid and olive oil are key ingredients in some scalp products such as scalp serums.

You may also need to change up your shampooing schedule. Washing too often can strip oils from hair and skin an damage the natural scalp barrier. Try to wash every two or three days instead of daily. Take note of how the change in frequency affects your hair and scalp. Everyone is different, so a little experimentation can help you find your ideal hair care routine.

Focus on hydrating and nourishing your whole body for healthier skin. Drink plenty of water, especially after exercising. Add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds can give you a good dose of these skin-healthy fats. Fruits and veggies help with hydration and give you nutrients like vitamin E and vitamin A, which are shown to improve skin health.

Try using a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air. This may improve hydration and prevent scalp dryness, particularly during the winter or if you live in a dry climate. It's a small change, but one that can make a big difference in your scalp health and personal comfort.

Dry Scalp Hair Care Routine

A combination of a gentle shampoo and moisturizing conditioner is key to managing dry scalp symptoms. Our Relieving Hair Care Routine is designed to keep your scalp happy while making your hair look great.

Relieving Dandruff Shampoo

Our natural Relieving Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with a powerful blend of natural ingredients. Together, they calm dry, irritated skin and reduce flakes in the scalp.

Relieving Dandruff Shampoo is packed with a blend of natural ingredients. This anti-dandruff shampoo is formulated to calm dry, irritated skin and reduce flakes and itching. Reliving Dandruff shampoo is made with Ziziphus Joazeiro Extract, a powerful natural anti-dandruff ingredient. It combines that with moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera and jojoba. The result is a gentle but effective shampoo that helps your scalp maintain its natural balance of oils without leaving hair looking oily or greasy.

Revitalizing Hair and Scalp Conditioner

Our Revitalizing Hair and Scalp Conditioner delivers moisture, shine, and elasticity to dry hair and scalp. Natural oils like avocado oil, borage oil with omega-6 fatty acids, and aloe vera soothe irritated skin and provide moisture without weighing down your hair. Hair looks strong and silky smooth, while your scalp will be less dry and flaky. Fresh-smelling peppermint stimulates the scalp to increase circulation and promote hair growth.

Styling Hair Powder

For styling hair between wash days, try our Styling Hair Powder. The lightweight formula adds volume and texture for a natural look without crunch or greasy shine. Our hair powder contains rice bran oil and rosehip to give texture and moisture to the hair and scalp, giving hair a matte finish and all-day hold.

Beard Oil

If your scalp is dry and itchy, you might also be dealing with dry, itchy skin under your beard. Our Beard Oil contains argan oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E to calm irritated skin and gently moisturize the beard and face. The lightweight formula softens and conditions your beard and hydrates itchy, flaky skin underneath.

Dry Scalp FAQs

How do I prevent dry scalp?

A consistent hair-care routine that prioritizes both hair and scalp health is the best way to prevent dry scalp. Choose products with moisturizing ingredients like natural oils to protect your scalp and hair. Calming ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil can treat minor discomfort and inflammation that often accompany a dry scalp.

How do I moisturize my scalp?

You can moisturize your scalp by using a deeply hydrating conditioner formulated for skin and hair. Start with a gentle scalp massage, working conditioner into your hair and scalp using the pads of your fingers. Make sure to thoroughly rinse hair after washing and conditioning, using warm — not hot — water. Pat your hair dry and apply styling products to your hair, avoiding your scalp.

What are the best products for dry scalp?

Lightweight products with hydrating ingredients are often the best choice for dealing with dry scalp. Use a flake-fighting shampoo and moisturizing conditioner. Don’t overdo it with styling products that might weigh down hair or clog follicles to block natural oil production.

If your hair-care routine checks all the boxes for dryness-fighting but you’re still dealing with flakes and itching, ask your hairstylist or dermatologist for advice.