Dry Scalp – How To Fix It
A dry scalp isn’t the end of the world. It is very common among both women and men and should be taken seriously before it results in hair loss. In fact, according to scientific studies, you can achieve healthy hair in no time by nourishing your dry scalp. Hydration can be done in several ways like with the skin and we will go over it in detail later in this article.
To begin, natural sebum is produced by glands all over the body to protect against dryness. The scalp in particular needs to maintain a certain bacterial ecosystem or microbiome, and these glands go to work to balance it. Here is everything you need to know to treat a dry scalp and make it go from flaky and itchy, to healthy.
What is a Dry Scalp and How do you Know you Have a Dry Scalp?
A dry scalp is not dandruff which requires a different treatment. It is simply about being insufficiently hydrated, hindering hair growth. An extremely dry scalp will manifest with redness and irritation. By contrast, dandruff entails dead-skill cells that need exfoliation. It is related to a dry scalp in some cases, but these dead cells will not adhere to the scalp if enough sebum is produced.
What are the Causes of Dry Scalp?
Anyone can experience dry scalp due to environmental, hormonal, and medical issues. Here are the main causes of a dry scalp:
- Sometimes just a weather change will do it so it may appear in the winter, for example, but not in other seasons. Travelers often note the onset of dry scalp with wind, cold, and sun exposure.
- A poorly balanced diet is often the culprit along with insufficient hydration by drinking enough water as it will affect sebum production.
- Another important factor resides in your toiletries. The negative effects of beauty products containing sulfates are huge and should not be overlooked. Sulfates improve foaming and cleansing action but otherwise are very drying and create an imbalance scalp. Avoid them like the plague if you want to avoid a dry scalp.
- People who wash their hair often or do not rinse well will notice the same dry condition.
- Shampooing can remove too much sebum and irritate a sensitive scalp. The cure is easy. Stop shampooing more than twice a week.
- Hormonal changes are common during pregnancy and while aging, which takes a toll on the skin and scalp, upsetting the microbiome. Skin conditions will surely manifest dryness so those with seborrheic dermatitis (SD) or psoriasis are likely to experience a dry scalp.
- Certain medications and health conditions affect sebum production as well.
How to Treat and Prevent Dry Scalp
- If your lifestyle is a major factor, you can deal with a dry scalp by simply changing your routine. Stress can be reduced and you can avoid certain external stimuli so as dry weather.
- Also, avoid excessive hair drying with a hot appliance.
- Hydration is the key word so keep a bottle of water handy at all times. Go for eight glasses for the best results. Hydration also comes in the form of nourishing hair oils which we will cover later in this article.
- Stay out of the sun! Protect your scalp from UV rays by applying special hair and scalp sunscreen.
- Above all, eat the right nutrients such as salmon, a fatty fish laden with omega-3 fatty acids that stimulate oil glands. Vitamin A from root vegetables like carrots and pumpkins is essential for sebum production. The required nutrients will boost the overall health of your hair.
- Another important factor is to be choosy about these hair products and read the labels to avoid sulfate. Use a mild non-drying shampoo and conditioner. The words “for a sensitive scalp” tell the tale.
- After trying all the remedies, if the dry scalp persists, see a dermatologist for advice and topical treatment. A nutritionist can also recommend a naturally balanced diet.
Argan Oil to Help Treat Dry Scalp
One of the most used and popular products to treat dry scalp is argan oil. This magic oil – also called ‘’liquid gold’’ – is packed with nutrients and vitamins, making it perfect for treating many hair and scalp conditions. The benefits are backed up by science. The best argan oils to use were extracted in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, following traditional extraction techniques, preserving the nutrients and vitamins in this precious oil.
To treat your dry scalp with argan oil, it is better to use this oil as a pre-shampoo treatment. Gently massage a few drops of the oil on your scalp and leave it for an hour to deep penetrate your scalp. You can even use it on your hair as an oil mask, your hair will be healthier and shinier. It is recommended to use a premium argan oil from Morocco that was extracted following traditional techniques to preserve all the oil nutrients and benefits, like this argan oil from Morocco.
To wash your hair, use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and let it air dry. Repeat this one or twice a week, and you’ll be amazed at the results.
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PREMIUM COLD-PRESSED ARGAN OIL FROM MOROCCO – $23
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