What To Do About A Dry Scalp

Dandruff is just one consequence of dry scalp. The condition not only brings itchiness and dry, dull hair, but it could mean the top of your head is irritated. A dry scalp may have been caused by one of several factors, such as eczema, poor diet, cold or dry weather, shampooing too frequently, using hair products that contain alcohol, or just plain old genetics. There are a number of ways you can attack the problem and try to restore viability in your scalp.

You can try to give your scalp back some of the nourishment it needs by purchasing a deep conditioning or hot oil treatment at a local drug or beauty supply store. Applying warm oil or a deep conditioner twice a week should moisturize and sooth the scalp, and your hair should become healthy and supple again. Be careful not to leave the treatment on too long; follow the package’s directions. Simply switching up shampoos might work for a dry scalp too, especially if you were shampooing too often. Pick out a gentle formula made for dry hair, and shampoo every other day with warm water. Additionally, try to avoid gels, mousses and hairsprays, which can dry out your scalp.

A gentle scalp massage every now and then might wake up the skin on your head, especially when applying hot oil or a deep conditioner. Gently massaging the product, without using your fingernails, into your scalp helps the treatment work better. A similar measure to take instead is to try a medicated over-the-counter dandruff shampoo – one that has zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole or selenium oxide. Use a product with one of those active ingredients once or twice a week, and alternate with a moisturizing shampoo.

Perhaps your dry scalp could be alleviated by simple diet changes. If you’re not getting enough B6 and B12 vitamins in your diet, try eating more fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals; if necessary, take dietary supplements like flaxseed oil, selenium and zinc. Too many sugary snacks could be drying out your scalp, and spicy foods are sometimes linked to dandruff. Avoid those foods, as well as alcohol and salt, as much as possible to see an improvement in your scalp. If you want to add something helpful to your diet, consume more omega-3 fatty acids (seafood, beans, walnuts, etc.) and increase your water intake.

If you tried these steps and your scalp just doesn’t seem to be improving, it’s time to consult your doctor or a dermatologist. It may just be that your dry scalp is the result of a health condition. The physician can direct you to some over-the-counter medicines to help remedy the problem, or you might be given a prescription for a scalp treatment.