How to Combat Dry Scalp in Winter

Everyone experiences mild to moderate dry scalp at some point, but for some it’s a chronic problem, especially this time of year, as the weather zaps moisture out of our hair and scalp.

Since winter can bring the dreaded dry scalp or worsen an existing scalp condition, we’ve compiled a list of treatment alternatives to clear your scalp and keep dryness at bay. These solutions should work for you if your condition is truly dry scalp and not a more serious problem like dandruff (which is usually caused by oily scalp) or eczema (which may call for a prescribed medicated shampoo).

Follow these remedies for removing stubborn dryness and normalizing your scalp to regain bounce, smoothness, and a healthy head of confidence.

 

What Is Dry Scalp

According to the Mayo Clinic, dry scalp is more prevalent in winter and is often marked by small white flakes caused by cold weather, excessive dry heat or diet. One may also experience some itch and tightness with a dry scalp (but not excessive itching which is often caused by dandruff or eczema). Sometimes, you will find some flakes of dead skin, like dandruff. However, dry scalp is not dandruff. Your hair can also look lifeless, frizzy, dull, and easily break and fall out. Dry scalp can even lead to hair loss, if this condition is left untreated.

 

Source: Kristin Ess

 

Pre-Wash Treatments for Scalp

 

Scalp Massage

The key to properly shampooing a dry scalp is in the prep. Massage your scalp with a soft pure boar bristle brush before washing to remove buildup of oil, hair products and skin cells. Pure boar bristles are designed to lift away dirt and dust and distribute the natural oil from your scalp.

To help remove buildup, Malibu C Therapy is an affordable salon-quality exfoliant. The best way to use this treatment is to wet your hair in the shower and then mix the Malibu C Therapy in a bowl. Apply directly to the scalp, working in sections. You may feel a tingle, but it should never be uncomfortable. Thoroughly rinse after a few minutes and apply conditioner.

 

Hair Masks

An oil treatment for your scalp will help to deeply moisturize your scalp and lock-in that natural moisture balance. We recommend using coconut oil as a highly effective intense natural conditioner for the hair and scalp. Rub directly onto dry scalp and hair, put a shower cap on and leave for a minimum of 45 minutes for a deep moisture mask. You may also refer back to our beloved Homemade Coconut Oil and Honey Hair Mask for an effective, pleasurable treat for your hair and scalp. Another home remedy involves mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar with water, spraying the solution onto the scalp, and waiting at least 15 minutes before rinsing.

If DIY is not your forte, Kristin Ess has an effective and affordable scalp line available at Target. Start with the Kristin Ess Instant Exfoliating Scalp Scrub to remove flakes, product build-up, excess sebum, and hard water deposits from the scalp. Then follow with a scalp shampoo and treatment. The Kristin Ess Weightless Hydration Daily Scalp + Hair Mask helps calm and rebalance the scalp without being too heavy for everyday use. It’s a great essential to keep in your shower all winter, plus the angled applicator makes it easy to squeeze directly onto your scalp.

Regardless of the mask you choose, try keeping with a mask once a week until you’ve noticed an improvement–and you will!

 

Source: Guille Faingold | Stocksy

 

Proper Shampoos for Dry Scalp

 

Detox/Moisturizing Shampoo

You may have to experiment or alternate between shampoos, but professional detoxing and/or quality moisturizing shampoos can make all the difference. For a thorough clean without drying out your scalp, try Kristin Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo. For excellent moisturization, try hydrating shampoos like Verb Hydrating Shampoo or Living Proof Restore Shampoo which are free of sulfates and parabens.

 

Medicated Shampoo

Sometimes a medicated shampoo is necessary for stubborn dryness. Try Sebamed Everyday Shampoo, developed by Dermatologists and botanically-based to protect the natural balance of your scalp. Gentle enough for daily use, this medicated shampoo will not strip natural oils or irritate the scalp like soap-based shampoos.

 

Natural Shampoo

Tea Tree, a natural ingredient, has been proven to remove oil buildup. Try the ever-popular Jason’s Tea Tree Scalp Normalizing Shampoo to eliminate excessive dry skin and gradually normalize the scalp. This product contains Australian tea tree oil, known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal properties, combined with selected botanicals and protein to purify and fortify hair follicles. Another added bonus–it’s Vegan.

 

Source: Lumina | Stocksy

 

Topical Spot Treatments

 

Daily Hair Lotion

Over washing can leave your scalp dry, itchy and flaky. By applying Dr. Hauschka’s Neem Hair Lotion you may need to wash your hair less or can quickly attend to any dryness or scaling around your hairline. This product is designed to aid both oily and dry scalp conditions due to Neem Leaf Extract, which discourages bacteria and prevents flaking, Calendula which soothes and calms irritation and Nettle which works as an astringent.

You can also try Kristin Ess Anytime Anywhere Scalp + Hair Milk Oil available at Target. Shake the bottle to blend the oil and milk together and apply anywhere from scalp to tip. The dropper helps you concentrate the product directly on your scalp or apply to your hands for a softer application.

 

Beauty Tip

In a pinch, try Burt’s Bees Hand Salve. Designed for severely dry hands, the botanical oils and beeswax in this amazing skin salve can also alleviate any irritation or flare-ups along the hairline.

 

Internal Remedies and Diet

• Fatty Acids – A diet rich in essential fatty acids (like flaxseeds, walnuts and salmon) and minimizing coffee and alcohol can help alleviate dry scalp.
• Kelp – Kelp, a seaweed, is an excellent source of essential and trace minerals needed for proper functioning of many bodily systems. Kelp is especially high in iodine, which is known to support hair growth and scalp healing. To be safe, talk to a doctor or dietitian about using kelp for scalp health, and check the label of your kelp supplement for the exact iodine content.
• Drink More Water – Keeping yourself hydrated with water is a complete skin savior especially when it comes to your scalp. Adding some serious hydration to your diet will balance out scalp issues and is the most effective, inexpensive and easiest thing one can do!

 

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This article was originally published on Jan 20, 2015 but has been updated for timeliness.

The post How to Combat Dry Scalp in Winter appeared first on The Everygirl.