What Causes Dry Scalp?

What Causes Dry Scalp?

 

A dry & itchy scalp can be very irritating and can sometimes even be embarrassing. Let's dive into what causes a dry & itchy scalp and different ways to treat it. 

Dandruff

Dandruff can be identified by having a dry and itchy scalp accompanied by large oily, white and/or yellow flakes. Dandruff has two main causes: 1.) an overproduction of yeast on the scalp and  2.) Seborrheic dermatitis; an overproduction of oil on the scalp.

Using topical anti-fungal treatments can help to kill this bacteria on the scalp and provide relief for both of these causes

Dandruff Shampoos

We recommend starting with a dandruff shampoo, when looking for anti-dandruff shampoo consider the following ingredients. These ingredients have been proven to be effective in helping to treat dandruff.

  • Coal tar preparations 
  • Pyrithione zinc 
  • Salicylic acid and sulfur 
  • Salicylic acid 
  • Selenium sulfide 
  • Ketoconazole 

Shampooing Tip

Be sure to thoroughly rinse out shampoo, any left over shampoo on the scalp can cause scalp irritation also known as contact dermatitis.

Dry Scalp

Dry scalp can be identified by itchiness & small dry flakes. Usually if you have dry scalp you will experience dryness on other parts of your body. Dry scalp is simply caused by lack of moisture on the scalp. When this happens the skin on your scalp can become irritated and flake off. A dry scalp can be triggered by cold, dry air, old age or contact dermatitis as mention above.

Dry Scalp Tip

Over-washing your hair can cause a dry and itchy scalp, and on the other hand not washing your hair enough will cause oil to build up on the scalp leading to flakes. It's important to find a happy medium and develop a healthy hair regimen.

Hair Regimen 

If you suffer from dandruff use an anti-dandruff shampoo including one or more of the ingredients listing above. Be sure to rinse shampoo out thoroughly and then follow up with a moisturizing conditioner and a hair moisturizer. 

Oils for Scalp Care

If your scalp is lacking moisture it is best practice to keep it moisturized and nourished with a good quality hair oil. Our Grapefruit & Mint Hair Growth Oil contains Tea Tree Oil, which has been known to reduce yeast overgrowth on the scalp and help to soothe a dry & itchy scalp. Our oil also contains almond oil which contains emollient properties that have been said to soften the scalp and remove dead skin cells. You can apply this oil to your scalp a few times a week and massage it in for best results.

References:

 

1.) 10 Reasons your scalp itches and how to get relief. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/itch-relief/relieve-scalp-itch

 

2.) Dandruff Treatments. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-dandruff-treatment

3.) Is it Dandruff or Dry Scalp? Symptoms, Treatments and More. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/dandruff-vs-dry-scalp#causes

4.) What Is Contact Dermatitis?  https://www.healthline.com/health/contact-dermatitis#symptoms

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