The moment you notice tiny white flakes and certain dryness on top of your head, specifically near your hairline, triggers an alarm for dandruff treatment. You have an incessant need to remove the itchy flakes off your head by any means. Oftentimes, conditions like this could be a hindrance to your daily routine or hair style.
How to tackle dry scalp
You will always have to be on the lookout for flaking around your forehead and constantly resist the urge to scratch off a few here and there. Out of frustration, you might have gone through one too many bottles of anti-dandruff shampoo by now. Each wash rising hopes of flake free scalp and to no surprise always ending up with another disappointment.
One thing leading to another and here you are looking for a way to enjoy a day without an itch or a white flake. To get started, you must first begin by reading the problem and its symptoms correctly. Every time you see tiny white flakes on your clothes, or realize that your hair and scalp is unusually dry does not mean you have dandruff issues. Normally, what you are going through is dry scalp. If you have never considered dry scalp as an entirely different problem then now is definitely the time to do it.
To be fair, dandruff and dry scalp do have the same main issue, which are itchy heads and white flakes all over the place, still they are separate conditions.
How to tackle dandruff problem
When you have problems with dandruff, you will have an oily head with large white or yellow flakes, which leave behind red scaly and itchy scalp. On the other hand, if you have dry scalp then your hair won’t be oily. Rather it will feel tight and dry combined with small dry flakes on a very itchy scalp. In extreme cases, once you have dry scalp, other parts of your body will also exhibit dryness.
For the most part, you get dry scalp when your skin has too little moisture. This makes the skin on your scalp become flaky and irritated. Some other factors that can trigger this issue include:
Arid atmosphere
During colder and drier seasons, the air becomes less humid and it naturally strips off all the moisture from your both body and scalp. This is why many people experience dry scalp in winter months.
Exposure to hard water
Under unavoidable circumstances you might have washed your hair with hard water several times. This can ruin your hair in numerous ways, and causing dry scalp is exactly one of them. Once you find an alternative for hard water, you will immediately notice improvements in your scalp condition.
Washing your hair with hot water
Using hot water will open up the scalp pores and immediately strip off your essential hair oil and consequently damage the hair cuticles. The lack of natural hair oils, which are responsible for locking in moisture into the hair is gone, you will get a dull and dry hair scalp.
Continuously washing your hair
While you are concerned with hygiene, regularly washing your hair will not do you any good. Every time you wash your hair, the natural oils will be removed and your hair will become dry. Ultimately, giving you issues with dry scalp.
Bad reaction to hair products
Many hair products like shampoo and conditioner contain sulphate for deep cleansing purposes. You can remove excess hair gunk with products containing sulphate however, overtime your scalp will become irritated, dull and extremely dry. This is because sulphate should only be used for heavy duty cleanse and not for regular wash.
Using too much shampoo
Always use an adequate amount of shampoo for your hair length, if you use a lot of shampoo for a single wash, it can remove the moisture from your hair. Thereby, resulting in dry scalp problems.
Unsuitable facial cleansers
While washing your face with a cleanser, you might have left some residual soap near the ears and hairline. The type of facial cleanser you use can also have a direct impact on the hairline scalp. If you use a product with drying chemicals, your hairline will become dry and itchy.
Exposure to sunlight
A major factor influencing dry scalp is overexposure to sunlight. Every time you bask under the sun, the harmful UV radiation damages the hair and scalp. Additionally, the hot climate makes the scalp dry and irritated.
Hormone fluctuation
Similar to hair loss, your hormonal imbalance caused by high levels of stress could play a part in the oil secretion of the scalp. Even the slightest change in your scalp’s natural moisture regulation could affect the issues like hair loss, Dry scalp and dandruff.
Diet and nutrition
What we consume can also play a very important role here, as does water intake. If you do not have sufficient vitamins and minerals in your diet, or even an adequate amount of water, you could suffer from dry scalp and other hair related issues.
Medical issues
Finally, your dry scalp could be an indication of another underlying skin condition as eczema, atopic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis, in which case you should seek clinical help.
If you know why you are experiencing a dry scalp near your hairline, it’s time to get rid of it immediately with these following treatments.
Humidifier
To combat the arid atmosphere, you can get a humidifier at home. This therapy adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness that can cause irritation in many parts of the body. Humidifiers can be particularly effective for treating dryness of the skin, nose, throat, lips and scalp.
Water softener or drinkable water
Use a water softener to create conducive water conditions for your hair and skin. This is a cheaper alternative to using drinkable water for washing your hair.
Lukewarm water wash
Using lukewarm water is better than hot water. It will keep the pores tight while removing dirt and grime from your hair.
Wash your hair once or twice a week
Washing your weave hair daily can backfire; eventually your scalp and hair will become dry and lackluster. It is highly recommended to wash your hair two to three times a week. As for the days in between, you can simply rinse the hair with water alone.
Use the right hair product
Find hair products suitable for your hair and scalp. Avoid using hair products with sulphates.
Exfoliate your scalp
Consider exfoliating your scalp as a part of your daily hair care routine. For this, you can mix beneficial hair oil with sugar and gently remove unnecessary buildup in your hair or scalp. The organic mixture will also provide moisture to your scalp.
Cover your head
Covering your hair and scalp is a good way to protect it from any airborne particles that could be toxic and harmful. It also keeps the UV radiation away.
Shampoo correctly
Use the adequate amount of shampoo for your hair length. Gently massage your roots with your fingertips and avoid damage by scratching. This prevents scalp aggravation.
Eat healthy
The most natural way to reduce hair fall or dry scalp is with a balanced diet. The good that you put inside will come through on your skin and hair. It is imperative to know that just like any other body part, our hair and scalp requires a certain amount of vitamins and minerals. Here are 6 essential vitamins to prevent dry scalp.
- Vitamin E
Improves circulation in the scalp and promotes hair growth. Sources are almond oil, olive oil, butter and sunflower oil.
- Vitamin A
Supplements antioxidants and supports hair growth. Sources are carrot, chicken liver, paprika and butter.
- Vitamin D
Reinforces hair follicles without the need to stay outside for long. Sources are fish, cheese and eggs.
- Iron
Transports oxygen and enhances circulation for strong hair follicles. Sources are soybeans, spinach, pumpkin seeds and chocolate.
Oil treatments
Hair oils are packed with many nutrients and vitamins helpful for the hair and scalp. Gently massaging the oil into your hair boosts blood circulation in the scalp and gives it nourishment. Here is a list of beneficial hair oils to help your dry scalp problem:
Olive oil
- Reduces daylight and pollution damage (Contains protective layer of vitamin E)
- Removes dandruff.
- Relieves Scalp itch.
- Softens hair strands.
- Treats scalp eczema
- Strengthens the hair strands
Coconut oil
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Packed with fatty acids which enters deep into hair follicles and promotes hair growth.
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Perfect moisturizer for dry and frizzy hair.
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The best highlighter for your hair. (Leaves your hair soft and shiny)
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Improves scalp condition to prevent dandruff and lice.
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Reduces unwanted split ends.
Almond oil
- Prevent scalp infection and inflammation
- Creates softer and shiny strands
- Reduces hair fall and split ends
Castor oil
Retains moisture and reduces frizzy hair.
Enhances hair colour.
Prevents scalp infection and hair loss. (Contains antifungal properties)
Tea tree oil
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Treats cradle cap and oily scalp
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Stimulates healthy hair growth
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Prevent scalp infection
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Hair fall remedy
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Hair mask treatment
Indique hair masks are good for your hair and the environment. The raw materials used for this hair product makes it free of chemicals and harmful materials. Try out any one of these organic hair masks for healthy beautiful hair and scalp!
Ginger mask
Take 1 tablespoon of ginger juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 2 drops of olive oil. This mask will strengthen your hair strands to combat hair loss and restore moisture. It is an ideal option to reduce dandruff and Dry scalp.
Banana mask
Blend a banana with 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and an egg yolk. This mixture can improve hair moisture, shine, protect hair’s natural elasticity and prevent breakage. It is perfect for dry and frizzy hair
Yoghurt mask
Beat two egg whites, add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of yoghurt. The protein present in the yoghurt strengthens hair, hydrates the hair and scalp by clearing away ■■■■ skin cells.