Unless you’re hitting the slopes,
cold winter weather usually isn’t much fun. When it’s causing dry, itchy skin,
though, it becomes a serious pain.
Because let’s face it – whether
you’re dealing with a parched face, scaly legs, or rough elbows, dry skin can
be really uncomfortable.
But when you find yourself with
dry skin on your scalp, it’s not just about discomfort – it can be embarrassing
too. I mean, no one wants unsightly white flakes on the shoulders of their
coat, sweater or shirt, right?
So if you’re battling a dry scalp
this winter and want to get rid of it as quickly as possible, here are some key
tips for maintaining a healthy scalp no matter how cold it might be outside.
1. Find the Cause
When your scalp starts to get
dry, itchy, and produce those hard-to-miss flakes, you probably suspect
dandruff. But dry scalp and dandruff aren’t the same thing – and dry scalp is
usually more common. It occurs when the skin lacks moisture, while dandruff is
a fungal condition. Both can cause itching and dry flakes, but the flakes
associated with dandruff tend to be larger, yellowish in color, and greasy.
With dry scalp, flakes are typically small and white.
Your scalp can become dry for
several reasons. As with the skin on the rest of your body, cold winter air can
rob your scalp of moisture and leave it itchy and flaky. But you aren’t only at
risk for dry scalp in cold weather. Excessive heat styling, harsh, clarifying
shampoos, and styling products that tighten as they dry can all do the trick
too. Try to figure out the culprit behind your dry scalp so you can address the
problem right away.
2. Get Your Scrub On
Just like with dry skin anywhere
on your body, exfoliating often helps with a dry scalp. By removing the top
layer of dead skin, you’ll get rid of all those annoying flakes and prepare the
area to absorb any moisture that you apply. Create a paste with several
tablespoons of brown sugar and some olive oil, and use it to scrub your scalp
in a circular motion when you’re in the shower. Rinse your hair thoroughly and
follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
3. Boost the Moisture
Dry skin lacks moisture, so it
needs a serious dose of hydration to get back to normal. If you’ve been using a
strong clarifying shampoo or a formula designed for dandruff control to get rid
of your flakes, you’re actually doing more harm than good. Instead, switch to a
moisturizing shampoo such as the Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Moisturizing
Shampoo or the Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize Shampoo to ensure that your scalp is
properly hydrated.
If you’re using a moisturizing
shampoo and your scalp is still dry, try a hot oil treatment like the L’Oreal
Paris Hair Expertise Oleo Therapy Self-Heating Hot Oil for more intensive
hydration.
4. Cool Off
When you’re dealing with dry
scalp in the winter, it’s probably hard to think of too much heat as a bad
thing – but it can dry out your skin big time, so it’s best to reduce the
amount that your scalp receives. That means cutting back on blow drying as much
as possible. One way to limit your need for a dryer is to wash your hair every
other or every few days. Not only does it stop you from having to blow dry your
tresses every day, it allows the natural oils in your scalp to build up and
keep the area moisturized.
But when you do wash your hair,
don’t use hot water. Opt for cool or lukewarm water that won’t strip the skin
and leave it dry.
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