Now that we’re in the cold winter months, a dry and flaky scalp can become more prominent than normal.

Not knowing what products or treatments to do for a dry scalp can make these issues much worse.

And we don’t want it to be snowing from our scalp now do we?

In today’s blog post we’re going to talk all about how to fix dry scalp, how to exfoliate scalp, how to moisturize scalp, and much more.

After reading this post you will understand the correct steps to achieve a hydrated scalp and locs this winter season!

Table Of Contents

What Are The Differences Between Dry Scalp vs Flaky Scalp?

Although dry scalp and flaky scalp are often used interchangeably, they refer to different conditions that can sometimes overlap.

Dry Scalp

• Cause: Occurs when the scalp lacks moisture. Some factors includes; cold weather, low humidity, harsh shampoos, dehydration, or skin conditions. These would be considered environmental factors.
• Symptoms:
  • Itchiness
  • Tight or rough-feeling scalp
  • Dry, flaky skin on the scalp
• Appearance: The flakes from dry scalp tend to be smaller and whiter and are often not greasy.

Flaky Scalp

• Cause: Flaky scalp refers to visible flakes of skin that are shedding from the scalp. Although flakes can occur from several factors including dry scalp, they can also be a result of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or fungal infections.
• Symptoms:
  • Visible flakes of skin in the hair or on clothing
  • Itchiness
  • Redness or irritation
• Appearance: Flakes can be larger and may be yellowish or oily, particularly in dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. The scalp may also appear greasy or inflamed.

Here’s How To Fix Dry and Flaky Scalp

Fixing these issues won’t happen overnight. It will require a true lifestyle change, hair care tweaks, and hair treatments. There are several steps you can take to choose which will be best for you.

• Switch Shampoos

Shampoos with sulfates, alcohols, or artificial fragrances can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to severe dryness.

But before switching shampoos, are you even shampooing correctly?

Most people don’t know that you should be using two types of shampoos; clarifying and hydrating.

Clarifying shampoo is designed to remove buildup from the hair and scalp. It works by using stronger  ingredients than hydrating shampoos, which strips away our natural oils.

Best Shampoo For Dry Scalp (Clarifying):

Difeel Sulfate Free Shampoo Peppermint Scalp Care Shampoo 12 oz.

Once you have used your clarifying shampoo, you’ll then follow up with a hydrating shampoo.

Hydrating shampoo helps to moisturize and nourish dry hair by adding back moisture that may have been stripped away. It contains ingredients that hydrates both the scalp and the hair shaft.

Best Shampoo For Dry Scalp (Hydrating):

ORS Shampoo Olive Oil Sulfate-Free Hydrating 12.5oz

• Shampoo less frequently

Most people think the more you wash the better, but it’s actually the opposite.

Over-washing your hair can dry out your scalp, making these scalp issues become much worse.

Try washing your hair every other week or month, depending on your lifestyle.

Consider adding in a steamer to your wash routine as well as it increases moisture retention and enhances scalp health.

• Use a Scalp Moisturizer

Instead of constantly applying oils, try aloe vera gel as a pre wash or a daily scalp moisturizer.

Aloe vera gel has soothing properties and can help reduce irritation and moisturize dry scalp. The great thing about aloe vera is that it doesn’t cause any build up, so you can use it everyday without irritations.

Recommended Blog Post: Here’s Why Aloe Vera Gel Should Be Your Only Retwist Product

• Dry Scalp Treatment

Doing monthly scalp treatments like a hot oil deep condition, can increase scalp hydration.

An easy DIY deep conditioning treatment you can try at home will consist of:

• Aloe Vera gel
• Taliah Waajid Green Apple & Aloe Nutrition Leave-In Conditioner
• Lemongrass oil
• Tea Tree oil
• Rosemary oil

Mix and apply to your scalp and hair shaft, then apply a shower cap. Sit under a hooded dryer for 30 minutes if you have one for maximum absorption, then rinse with cold water.

Proper Hydration

Hydration starts from the inside. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to support overall skin health, including your scalp.

For a daily hair mist, opting for rose water instead of plain water will increase hydration as well.

Recommended Blog Post: Rose Water vs Plain Water? | Which is Best For Your Locs?

• Exfoliate Scalp

Exfoliating your scalp can help remove dead skin cells and product buildup that might contribute to dryness.

Adding a scalp exfoliation brush or a scalp scrub/mask to your wash routine can improve scalp health and product absorption. This great for the much needed moisture a dry scalp will need.

Best Oils That Are Good For Dandruff

When researching for oils that will help with dandruff, you want to look for oils that are low in oleic acid and rich in linoleic acid.

Oils high in oleic acid can worsen dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis by feeding the fungus.

Oils that are rich in linoleic acid are more effective for fighting Malassezia.

Malassezia is a type of fungus that naturally lives on the skin that can become problematic when it overgrows, leading to various scalp and skin conditions such as excessive dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

The best oils to fight against Malassezia  are:

• Tea tree oil
• Lemongrass
• Rosemary Oil

Reccomeneded Blog Post: How To Oil Locs The Right Way

Don’t fight against dry scalp this winter—take control of it. Try out these easy tips for a healthy hydrated scalp!

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