Dry scalp feels uncomfortable. It tightens, itches and flakes can form. The hair looks dry and straw-like and all moisture seems to have evaporated. To keep a cool head, we have the best tips against a dry scalp that even dermatologists recommend.
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How does dry scalp develop?
A dry scalp can have various causes. The most common reason is something called seborrheic dermatitis , also known as dandruff . In addition to a dry scalp, these can also be caused by yeast fungi, scalp irritation , eczema or skin diseases such as psoriasis. The latter can also cause dandruff to form on the eyebrows, face or ear canals. Non-disease-related dry scalp, on the other hand, can have these reasons:
- Cold weather
Cool temperatures, dry air from heating and hairdryers, and wearing hats can irritate the scalp, causing it to lose moisture. - The wrong shampoo
In winter, the scalp and hair need different care than in summer, which is why your current shampoo may no longer suit the needs of your scalp. Oils and moisturizing ingredients are recommended in winter. If you have a sensitive scalp, it can also happen that the skin reacts to certain ingredients such as parabens, silicones, perfumes, dyes or sulfates.
9 tips against dry scalp
- Use
an anti-dandruff shampoo If dandruff is the reason for a dry scalp, use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo or an anti-fungal shampoo. Make sure that the shampoo contains ingredients such as pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide and ketoconazole . Ask the pharmacy for advice. - The right hair care
Medicated shampoos should always be left on for several minutes to improve the scalp. To do this, apply the shampoo to the scalp and leave it on for about five minutes. This allows the active ingredients to develop properly. Important : Only leave the shampoo on the scalp. Some shampoos can dry out the hair lengths. You can prevent this with a conditioner that you only apply to the lengths of your hair. - Duration of use of anti-dandruff shampoos
After about a week, the scalp will have visibly improved. Slowly return to your previous shampoo so that future dandruff treatments are only temporary. If you feel like your scalp is getting used to the shampoo, use one with a different active ingredient. - Rethink Your Shower Routine
If dandruff isn’t the cause of your dry scalp, your shower routine may be to blame. Water that is too hot, showering for too long and sulfates in shampoo can disrupt and dry out the skin barrier. The water temperature should therefore not exceed 37°C and washing and rinsing should be reduced to a minimum. It is also better to use sulfate-free shampoos. It is also possible that you only wash your hair every second or third day, so that the skin barrier can normalize again. - Avoid harmful ingredients in shampoo
With the CodeCheck app you can check your shampoo for harmful or irritating ingredients. Irritants are mainly fragrances and dyes. Ph-skin-neutral shampoos do not have these, among other things. - Salicylic acid not only helps against pimples
A salicylic acid shampoo (pharmacy) can work wonders for dry skin. The shampoo helps against itching and removes dead skin cells. Ideally, the shampoo contains substances that then moisturize the scalp. - Use a natural hair mask
Homemade hair masks made from natural ingredients are true nutrient boosters for the scalp and hair. Coconut oil in particular has a moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effect. Try different masks. You can leave it on once or twice a week for half an hour or even overnight. - Not every home remedy works
, witch hazel, CBD products or apple cider vinegar have not been researched enough to prove their effectiveness against dry scalp. Although apple cider vinegar can smooth the hair structure and remove excess substances from the hair, it can also irritate the scalp. - Go to a dermatologist
If you are unsure or if you suspect a disease, you should always go to a dermatologist. Depending on the diagnosis, they may prescribe prescription shampoos to take care of the dry scalp.
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Date: 08.10.2020
