How to Hydrate and Soothe a Dry Scalp

Many of us experience a dry scalp occasionally, like during the frigid winter months or after a particularly intense bleaching session. But if your dry, itchy scalp is a persistent concern, it could be a good idea to investigate what’s causing the issue in the first place. The thing is, doing so can be tricky, as many things—some within your control, others out of it—can contribute to scalp dryness. The good news is that regardless of the cause, there are things that you can do to find relief.

Ahead, we’ll break down some of the most common dry scalp causes, explain how scalp dryness differs from similar concerns such as dandruff, and reveal what can help a dry scalp feel more balanced, hydrated, and comfortable.

What Is a Dry Scalp?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a dry scalp occurs when the scalp lacks sufficient moisture to stay balanced and hydrated (if that sounds familiar, that’s because dry skin is defined the same way). If your scalp is dry, it may feel tight or itchy. A really dry scalp can also result in discomfort, sensitivity, and visible flaking. And even if you’re not experiencing flaking, research shows that your scalp’s condition can affect how your hair looks and feels—an imbalanced scalp could contribute to breakage, roughness, and split ends.

Dry scalp vs. dandruff

Having a dry scalp isn’t necessarily the same thing as having dandruff, although they can appear similar. A dry scalp, as mentioned, simply results from a lack of moisture. It can result in flaking, but that’s not always the case. Dandruff, meanwhile, is a condition that causes persistent flaking. It can be caused by excess oiliness, dryness, a reaction to haircare products, or even certain skin conditions, per the Mayo Clinic. If you have dandruff, it likely comes and goes and may flare up during periods of stress. You may also experience similar flaking on your eyebrows or, if you have a beard or mustache, beneath your facial hair.

What Causes a Dry Scalp?

There are a number of factors that can cause or contribute to a dry scalp. These include:

• Having dry skin: If you have dry skin on your face, there’s a good chance you’ll experience a dry scalp at some point, too. Dry skin typically occurs when your skin doesn’t produce enough oil to maintain an adequate moisture balance. This lack of oil can affect the scalp, too, leading to the tight, uncomfortable feeling characteristic of a dry scalp.
• Taking long, hot showers: Steamy showers may feel relaxing, but hot water can strip the skin of moisture and exacerbate dryness. To avoid causing or worsening dry skin, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends bathing with lukewarm water and limiting your time in the shower to five minutes, when possible.
• Very cold or dry weather: The environment can affect how your scalp (and the rest of your skin) feels. According to the Cleveland Clinic, spending time in cold, dry climates may contribute to scalp dryness.
• Your haircare routine: Your haircare habits and routine can also affect how your scalp feels. Haircare products that strip your hair of its natural oils can likewise strip your scalp, leaving it feeling dry and itchy. If your dryness is due to your haircare routine, swapping out your shampoo and conditioner and adding nourishing dry scalp treatments to your routine may help hydrate and restore your scalp.

How to Care for a Dry Scalp

Knowing what causes a dry scalp is useful, but we’re assuming you’re here to learn how to get rid of a dry scalp. The thing is, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as different approaches may be required depending on the underlying cause. That said, there are some things that you can do to help hydrate your scalp and prevent excessive dryness. Learn more about what to do for dry scalp relief ahead.

1. Exfoliate regularly

Just as exfoliating your face can help remove dry, dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, using a scalp exfoliant can help remove impurities, flakes, and buildup from a dry scalp. This can, in turn, make your scalp feel more balanced and comfortable—and help ensure that whatever dry scalp treatments you use work as intended.

Scalp scrubs are one option, but for a more gentle approach, we suggest using a chemical exfoliant. If you feel like your scalp could use some love, try using the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Oil Erasing Serum for Oily Hair before shampooing. The liquid formula helps remove scalp residue to leave the scalp feeling pure and refreshed. And if you’re worried about it making your scalp or strands drier, don’t be—the hyaluronic acid-infused formula provides up to 72 hours of hydration and is suitable for all hair types.

2. Use hydrating haircare products

Harsh haircare products can strip your scalp and strands of oil, which may exacerbate dryness. If you suspect your shampoo is to blame for your dry scalp, try swapping it out with a hydrating shampoo, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo. The rosemary-infused formula gently cleanses without stripping the hair of essential moisture. It’s suitable for all hair types (even color-treated hair) and is made without harsh salts or surfactants. For the best results, we recommend using the coordinating L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Conditioner after lathering up—just be sure to apply your conditioner only to your mid-lengths and ends to avoid ending up with greasy-looking roots.

3. Limit chemical treatments

We know better than anyone how exhilarating it can be to try out a new hair color—but if your scalp is feeling dry or tight, you may want to put your plans on hold for the time being. Hair dye can be drying or irritating, and if your scalp is already off-kilter, you could run the risk of worsening irritation. In the meantime, update your look by experimenting with different hairstyles or using a temporary color spray to add a vibrant tint to your strands, sans irritation.

4. Use a dedicated scalp treatment

If your scalp is in need of some serious TLC, consider picking up a leave-in scalp serum or oil designed to help combat dryness. These often function similarly to a moisturizer and can be useful if the cause of your dryness is environmental or due to your haircare routine. Just be sure to read the instructions on your chosen product thoroughly and use it as intended to yield the best results.

5. Avoid hot showers

As we mentioned earlier, those long, steamy showers could be harming your skin more than helping it. Hot water can dry out your skin on both your body and scalp, leading to more flakiness and an inability to retain moisture. If you want to reduce or prevent developing a dry scalp, keep your showers at a lukewarm temperature to avoid scalding your skin.

6. Minimize heat styling

If you use your blow dryer and other hot tools quite frequently, you can possibly irritate and dry out your scalp. Per the AAD, heat—like that from open flames or electric heaters—can dry out your skin. It stands to reason that the same could be said of hot tools and your scalp. To avoid drying out your tight, flaky scalp, it may be a good idea to put a pause on the heat styling and rely on heatless hairstyles until your scalp regains its moisture balance. If you do need to blow dry your hair, be sure to prep your mane well with a heat protectant, such as the L’Oréal Paris Sulfate Free Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner for Dry Hair.

7. Consult a dermatologist

If you’ve updated your haircare routine, took a break from coloring and heat styling, and still aren’t noticing an improvement in your dry scalp symptoms, it may be a good idea to visit a board-certified dermatologist. They can help you get to the root (pun intended) of the problem and offer advice on how to manage your scalp woes.

Next Up: 8 Conditioner Mistakes To Avoid

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris