An extra dry scalp is irritating and often painful, and can have several causes. Special products exist to treat dry scalp, and finding the right one might take patience and experimentation. Once you know what causes your dry scalp and you have it under control, you can also take steps to prevent future problems.
Identification
An extra dry scalp feels tight and itchy. You might also notice small white flakes get caught in your hair or fall onto your clothes. A dry scalp might appear red and irritated, and your skin may look scaly and in severe circumstances, crack and bleed.
Causes
Your scalp is made of the same skin cells that cover the rest of your body and is subject to the same conditions that cause dry skin. The Mayo Clinic identifies several causes of dry skin, including controllable factors such as showers that are too hot, using shampoos containing drying ingredients and too much sun exposure. Other causes include cold weather and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Your skin may also feel dry if your body does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
Over-The-Counter Products
Harsh, drying chemicals in shampoos and conditioners can make your dry scalp problem worse. Choose products recommended specifically for dry scalp. For example, a shampoo that contains extracts of mint, apricot and sweet almond can soothe and moisturize the scalp. Pyrithione zinc helps fight flakiness. Products with scalp-soothing essential oils including rosemary, colloidal sulfur and tea tree help decrease dandruff. Massage your scalp while shampooing to increase circulation and stimulate production of your skin's natural oils.
Essential Oils
Massaging essential oils into your scalp can help relieve dryness, according to the Aromatherapy at Home website. Choose lavender or chamomile to soothe the scalp. Use sage and tea tree to cleanse and heal the scalp, and rosemary to help relieve itching. Mix 2 to 3 drops of essential oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba oils, and apply to damp hair. Leave the treatment on for 15 to 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition your hair as normal.
Prevention
Changing your diet might help relieve dry scalp and prevent future problems. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that failing to eat enough omega-3 fatty acids can lead to dry skin. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in some fish, including tuna and salmon, and in some nuts and plants. Drinking sufficient water also helps keep your skin, including your scalp, hydrated. To prevent dry scalp, be sure to drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water daily, particularly during dry winter months. Also, use lukewarm water when washing your hair to avoid drying your scalp.
Warning
Speak to your doctor or a dermatologist if your dry scalp problems persist. A dermatologist can determine if you have an underlying health condition that contributes to dry scalp. If needed, a dermatologist can prescribe medicated shampoos to relieve your dry scalp and any flakiness or scaling you experience.
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