Just like temporary hair loss, a dry flaky scalp can be caused by a number reasons.
Too much of the wrong shampoo, psoriasis, eczema, and not drinking enough water can all cause an unhealthy scalp and dry flakes.
So today you're going to learn exactly what you can do to help nourish your scalp properly so that you can reduce the chance of having a flaky dry scalp. You'll also learn how changing just a few things can help to reduce or eliminate the flakes.
What causes dry flaky scalp?
According to Web MD no one knows exactly what causes dandruff or dry scalp but there are many issues that CAN cause it.
When your scalp is not properly moisturized it gets dry and starts to flake. That's the simplest explanation and the easiest to treat. If that was the only reason it would be a quick fix but the flakes can also be there from other more serious issues, too.
Scalp Eczema is a skin condition that that can make the scalp itchy and flaky. The cause of this is also unknown but using a moisturizing dry scalp shampoo or steroid creams can help relieve symptoms. Also refraining from scratching and stopping the use of harsh shampoos and cleansers can also help.
Scalp Psoriasis can also cause dandruff like itching and flaking but it's not dandruff. Psoriasis happens when too many skin cells grow on the scalp. This is triggered by the immune system. If you think you may have psoriasis you should see a dermatologist.
Dandruff (Seborrheic dermatitis) can be the cause of your flaking, but this can also be treated easily with over the counter shampoos or in more severe cases prescription strength medicated shampoos. Lastly, hormonal changes can also be linked to flaky scalp for example hormone production can cause dandruff and dry scalp during pregnancy.
In this article we'll cover the best ways to moisturize the scalp and hair to reduce the dryness and flakes. Treating the simplest cause to start is a great way to get a handle on the problem or learn if there is something else you need to take care of with your dermatologist. If proper moisture levels don't help the situation you may have a fungal or hormonal issue and should see a physician.
How do you get rid of a dry scalp?
Proper Cleansing & Moisturizing
This first step can either help take care of your issues, or it can make them worse. So it's important to get it right.
What you want to remember is that you need to cleanse your scalp while not drying it out by robbing it of natural moisture. You also have to make sure to not irritate the scalp with harsh cleansers. If you miss the mark on either of these two things you can totally make things worse.
First try to avoid shampoos with harsh cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate, these types of cleansers can dry out and irritate the scalp making your problems worse. Even medicated over the counter shampoos that have harsh cleansers can make issues worse.
Don't be fooled by green washed ingredients either, sometimes manufacturers will use an ingredient with a fancy name or one that has a natural sound to it like: Sodium Coco Sulfate. While that sounds pretty and like it may be natural, it is just as drying as sodium lauryl sulfate.
the best Dry scalp shampoo
RevuCell Organics Shampoo is a natural and organic based alternative to medicated dry scalp shampoos. While it is not meant for dandruff, it is naturally great for dry scalp. So it is a great first choice when trying to find out what your particular issue might be. Use it for 1 month to see if your dry scalp issues subside. The best shampoo for dry scalp. RevuCell products are all rich in aloe vera. Aloe vera gel has antibacterial and antifubgal properties to cleanse and treat your scalp.
If your issues persist, you may need a medicated shampoo with zinc or over the counter shampoo with many of the other medicinal ingredients. Consult your dermatologist for a recommendation.
Dry Flaky scalp treatment
To help to cleanse and moisturize the scalp you may want to try a scalp serum. RevuCell Organics Rejuvenating Scalp Serum can help to moisturize and soothe the scalp without making hair greasy or oily. It's rich in Aloe Vera, Pea Sprout Extract, Tea Tree and Lavender to help cleanse and revitalize the scalp. Use once daily after you shampoo.
How do i nourish the scalp?
Follow these quick tips and you will be on your way to a healthier scalp. And if your issues with flakes are just due to dry scalp you will be happily surprised at how these little tips will make a huge difference.
- Wash you hair often, this will make sure your scalp stays clean and that any build up is washed away.
- Don't use so much shampoo, using too much shampoo can build up in your hair, so make sure you don't use too much and make sure you wash everything out completely.
- Exfoliate the scalp, while washing your hair make sure to gently exfoliate the scalp to remove excess build up from the scalp.
- Reduce your amount of time with a hot blow dryer, blow dryers can dry out the hair and scalp causing you more issues.
- Scalp Massages, gently massage your scalp daily to increase blood flow and nourishment to the hair and scalp.
- Apply a non greasy scalp serum to help moisturize the scalp
- Stop Stressing, Stress can drive you crazy and it can also contribute to a flaky scalp.
Do yourself a favor stop stressing and take a first step towards a solution. Most times people complain about their dry scalp and wonder about all the things that could be causing it, but never do the simplest thing like change their shampoo or make sure they wash everything out of their hair. Take the first step it could be that easy of a solution. Just make sure you switch to something that uses organic ingredients and is sulfate free. Use it for at least 1 month to see the change. Then if that works no need to take another step but if it doesn't then try a medicated shampoo and repeat the process. Dry scalp and flakes are totally manageable you just have to do what you have to do.
Dry Scalp and hair loss?
Dry scalp is not directly related to hair loss.
However they share certain characteristics. For example dry scalp produces flakes, excess sebum, and fungal issues. Temporary hair loss can be due to an unhealthy scalp, clogged pores, stress, etc... so while no one can say dry scalp causes hair loss, you can make the inference that the issues people have with dry scalp can be present in those suffering hair loss. So why take the risk. Get your flakes under control. And if you'd like to learn more about hair loss or receding hairline make sure to visit our hair loss section.
how to moisturize the scalp without making hair greasy
Oily skin and scalp is due to an over production of sebum in the sebaceous glands. You can try to control this by providing the hair and scalp with a proper moisture level.
At times people treat oily skin with products that are harsh and drying to the skin, but in reality this just causes the sebaceous glands to produce even more sebum exacerbating the problem.
To moisturize your hair without making it oily use a mild and gentle shampoo without sulfates to help regulate the moisture production while thoroughly cleansing the scalp. Wash your hair daily to keep it clean and to keep the scalp free of any issues. Products that are rich in Aloe Vera or Tea Tree Oil can help with dry scalp as well. They are ingredients that are both anti fungul and antiseptic. Giving the scalp a fresh clean feel.
Whether you use a medicated shampoo or a natural remedy we believe you should test all new products on your skin and scalp to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients whether they be natural, organic, or medicinal.
Dry scalp vs dandruff
Dry Scalp can be easily treated by rehydrating and nourishing the scalp. As you've learned this can be a process that you do at home using organic or natural products that are gentler and less irritating to the scalp.
Dandruff may need medicated shampoos or other prescription level products to treat. But don't be fooled, some medicated treatments can make the dryness worse. So while the medicated shampoo deals with a fungus, the dryness of the product causes flakes for other reasons.
You can see a nice breakdown of dry scalp vs dandruff over at healthlines web site.
Dry scalp Home remedies
You can take a look at Dry Scalp and Dandruff home remedies over at wikiHow. They have a nice collection of what they think are the 23 best natural methods for getting rid of dry scalp. They cover everything from lemon juice to coconut oil for dry scalp.
