Just like a sunburned scalp can feel more troublesome than a sunburned arm, having this scalp type can feel worse than dry skin anywhere else. We’ve asked experts what causes a dry scalp and how to treat it at home. Has your stylist ever scolded you for washing your hair too often? This can hurt color treatments, of course, but it can also cause dry scalp issues, according to Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Our bodies create oil—also known as sebum—that helps the top layer of our skin retain moisture and lubricates the scalp skin and hair. When we scrub with hot water and shampoo daily, we strip our scalp of the oil that’s ultimately meant to prevent our scalp from overdrying. Combine this with aging, which naturally leads to oil loss, and you could get an itchy scalp quickly. If you are among the estimated 8 million Americans who suffer from psoriasis, you’re more likely to develop dry scalp than others. With psoriasis, your immune system gets angry at your skin, causing red plaques, according to Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital. If you have a family history of psoriasis, or you have it elsewhere in your body, it’s likely you will develop a spot on your head, too. Two seasons are trickiest for folks who suffer from dry scalp: the hot, steamy days of summer and the cold, brittle days of winter. When the temperature is sky-high, we are more likely to experience UV-ray exposure. Like any other skin, our scalp can get sunburned, causing dryness that leads to flaking and peeling. “Prolonged sun exposure, even if it doesn’t burn your scalp, can also dry it out,” explains Anabel Kingsley, a consultant trichologist and brand president of the Philip Kingsley Clinics and product ranges “This is because the sun causes water evaporation from the epidermis, our superficial layer of skin.” In the winter, low humidity, dry, blustery winds, and freezing weather conditions can cause or worsen a dry scalp. You can blame your mom or dad for a dry scalp, Dr. Zeichner says, especially since eczema and dry skin can be passed down through generations. “People with these conditions have a skin barrier that is not functioning optimally, leading to microscopic cracks, loss of hydration, and inflammation,” he says. So if your parents or grandparents often complain about flakes, you, too, may experience this as you age. Diet is integral to health, and what we eat affects our skin, too. Our scalp, like the rest of our skin, is a barrier that contains lipids, including phospholipids, free fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides. “When you don’t have enough fat in your skin or produced by sebaceous glands, water can escape and dehydration can occur,” explains Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS, a board-certified hair restoration specialist. Since hair care products soak through our strands and into our scalp, any ingredients that cause sensitivity can cause flare-ups like dry scalp. If you use chemical hair treatments or dyes, keep them away from your scalp. “If they come in contact with scalp skin, they can cause what is known as an irritant contact dermatitis, which can lead to itching, redness, and flakes,” Dr. Zeichner says. Use a Gentle Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner The first step to curing dry scalp is to be extra-selective with your shampoo and conditioner combo, Dr. Phipps says. In fact, pairing a gentle shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner will help stop the scalp from drying out. Maintaining a warm but not scorching hot temperature in the shower can also help. Not sure what ingredients to look for? Check for all-stars like aloe, chamomile, sage, and panthenol in your cleansing and softening hair products. Dr. Phipps also recommends added hair moisturizers like baobab and other essential oils help to maintain hair and scalp health and hydration. “Look for products with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic botanicals such as rosemary and lavender to maintain a healthy scalp environment,” she says. Try a Hot Oil Treatment In the winter—or any time you notice dry scalp symptoms—hairstylist Jana Rago suggests trying a hot oil treatment. There are many ways to do this at home or in the salon, but the goal is to supercharge your locks (and head!) with the moisture it’s lacking. After you wash your hair, Rago says to lather on the hot oil treatment and let it sit overnight. In the morning, wash it out and you’ll have soft strands—and a less itchy scalp. When we are drinking enough water to sustain our body’s functioning and maintain skin hydration, it’s less likely that we’ll develop a condition like dry scalp. When in doubt, drink more water, recommends Zain Husain, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. His best advice is to consume six to eight glasses daily to help the scalp retain moisture. Though it is technically more helpful during the summer, when the top of your head sees more sunlight, it’s never a bad idea to drink plenty of water. RELATED: How to Deep-Clean Your Humidifier Using Vinegar Buy Some Defensive Products In the summer, a hat and sunblock can go a long way in preventing dry scalp, Kingsley says. If the air in your space feels dry, consider investing in a humidifier that will add moisture to the air. According to Gretchen Friese, a certified trichologist of BosleyMD, coconut oil can work wonders. “Apply a small amount of melted coconut oil directly to your scalp, massage it into the skin, and leave it on for at least 10 minutes before washing your hair as you normally would,” she says. Coconut oil offers bonus benefits, too: “As an all-natural ingredient, coconut oil can help your hair grow longer, thicker, and faster,” says Lucy Chen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology. You can also add tea tree oil to the coconut oil for added benefits. “Tea tree oil has strong antiseptic, antifungal, and antibiotic properties that can help relieve a dry, itchy scalp,” says Friese. A mixture of essential oils can also help soothe an itchy, dry scalp, says Penny James, a certified trichologist and the founder of Penny James Salon. She recommends using pure rosemary oil, lavender oil, juniper oil, and jojoba oil. “Mix all the ingredients, apply the oil directly onto the scalp on unwashed hair and massage it in using your fingertips or a brush,” says James. “Wait or sit under a steamer for 20 minutes, then shampoo the hair and scalp.” This combination of oils can help soothe and hydrate the scalp. Aloe vera also has beneficial properties that can help. “It is anti-inflammatory, can help reduce skin irritation, and it’s an effective moisturizing agent,” says Friese. Apply it topically to your scalp, either straight from the plant or an aloe vera gel, and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it out. Dr. Chen suggests good old apple cider vinegar. “By combining half a cup of water and apple cider vinegar, you can massage it onto your scalp and leave it in for about 15 minutes.” “Apple cider vinegar is antimicrobial, so it can eliminate the bacteria or fungi that may be causing itchiness,” affirms Friese. It can also help exfoliate the scalp. “Baking soda exfoliates and prevents dandruff,” says Dr. Chen. To use, you combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water to create a thick paste. Then, part your hair and apply a few drops of olive oil followed by the paste. Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes before washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner. If these treatments don’t work, Dr. Bauman suggests seeking treatment from a trichologist. This licensed cosmetologist specializes in hair and scalp disorders and can work with a doctor to evaluate symptoms and design an appropriate regimen. Though this is typically only needed in extreme cases, you don’t want to let the itching go on for too long without treatment, as there could be underlying issues at play.
