Do you suffer from a dry scalp in winter?
That cold, dry air can dry out not only the skin on your face, hands and lips, but also your scalp.
That leads to dryness, itching and other uncomfortable symptoms. It can also make your hair look dull and dry.
Find out if you may be suffering from a dry scalp in winter and what you can do to fix it.
What is a dry scalp in winter?
A dry scalp in winter is just like dry skin. It’s just that we don’t often think about the fact that the skin on our heads needs moisture.
But the scalp is just like the rest of our skin when it comes to moisture loss in winter. The air is drier and cooler than normal, which means it more easily draws moisture from your skin, including the skin on your head.
Keep in mind that dry scalp is different from dandruff. The symptoms are sometimes the same, but the causes are different. While dandruff is often caused by excess oil and sometimes yeast overgrowth on the scalp, dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture.
Symptoms of a dry scalp include:
- Dry, itchy scalp
- Sometimes small flakes of dry skin
- Irritation
- Dry, dull looking hair
- Hair that is weak and brittle and falls out more easily
What causes a dry scalp in winter?
You may be using the same shampoo, conditioner and other hair products that you used in the summer and still experience a dry scalp in the winter. Here are some of the reasons why.
1. Lack of moisture
As mentioned above, the cold, dry air in winter is more likely to suck moisture from your skin. Although you may not be able to see the dry skin on your scalp, you may notice a general feeling of tightness under your hair, or other symptoms such as itching and flaking.
2. Indoor heat
Central heating feels great in winter, but worsens the flow of dry air. This can make it harder for your scalp to retain all the moisture, worsening the symptoms of dryness.
3. The wrong hats
It is common to wear hats in winter to stay warm. But some hats can make your dry scalp worse. Hats made from synthetic materials can irritate your skin.
Those who are sensitive to certain fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, rayon and nylon will find that wearing hats made from these materials irritates a dry scalp. Wash your hats if necessary and choose hats made of breathable materials whenever possible. These include cotton, linen, silk and hemp.
4. Bad weather
High winds combined with cold air can aggravate your dry scalp. Just as a strong wind can make your lips chapped within an hour, it can just as easily dry out your scalp.
5. Hot showers
Hot water feels great after you get in from the cold, but it strips your skin of its natural oils, drying it out even more.
6. Hot styling tools
Blow dryers, straighteners, curling irons and other high-heat styling tools expose your scalp to more heat and dryness. They can also damage hair that is already dry and weak, leading to increased hair loss.
7. The wrong shampoo and conditioner
Several ingredients commonly found in shampoos and conditioners can dry out your scalp. Some of the worst offenders include:
Common sulphates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are detergents that give shampoos their foam. They can be harsh and drying on the scalp.
Phthalates are a type of chemical used to make plastics more flexible, but they are also used as solvents and fragrances in hair care products. They can remove moisture and the natural oils necessary for healthy hair growth. (Listed as DEP, DBP, DEHP or DMP on the label.)
Alcohols in shampoos are also very drying. Look for cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Silicone in shampoos and conditioners give the product a smooth texture. But they dry the scalp and also coat the hair, preventing the natural oils from penetrating through. Look for dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and cyclopentasiloxane.
Synthetic fragrances make a product smell nice, but they are usually a combination of chemicals that can be too harsh on the scalp.
How does a dry scalp in winter affect my hair?
If you notice that your hair looks dry and dull in the winter, or if it feels like you are losing more hair than normal, this could also be caused by a dry scalp.
Your hair is usually conditioned by the natural oils in your scalp. Just as the skin on your face has pores that produce sebum (skin oil), so does the skin on your head. This sebum consists of fatty acids, wax esters and lipids that naturally condition the hair, making it soft, shiny and bouncy.
However, if your scalp is dry, your hair will quickly become dry as well. Without treatment, dry hair becomes weak and falls out more quickly than soft, healthy hair. And although a dry scalp does not directly cause hair loss, it can worsen the hair loss you are already experiencing.
How to keep your scalp hydrated and healthy
Follow these tips to keep your scalp hydrated and your hair looking great this winter.
1. Change your beauty routine.
You probably already change your skin care routine during the winter. For example, you can switch to a heavier moisturizer and a gentler cleanser to ensure your skin stays hydrated.
Make it a habit to do the same for your scalp. When the dry air comes, add a better scalp routine to your day. That may mean replacing your hair care products and applying a moisturizing step to the scalp.
2. Choose the right hair care products.
Avoid products with harsh sulfates, phthalates and the other drying ingredients mentioned above. Look for fragrance-free products that contain natural moisturizers such as shea butter, natural oils (grape seed, jojoba, argan), vitamin E, aloe vera, coconut oil and provitamin B5 (panthenol).
In general, you can look for moisturizing products whose ingredient lists are more similar to your skin care lotions than your standard shampoos and conditioners.
3. Minimize heat.
Because heat makes dryness worse, try to minimize the amount of heat you expose your scalp to. Use the medium setting of your hairdryer instead of the high setting. Avoid soaking your scalp in hot water while showering or bathing. And avoid heated styling tools as much as possible. If you do need them, consider adding a heat-protective styling product to your hair first.
4. Moisturize the scalp.
This is a simple way to combat winter drought, but if you’ve never done it before, it may feel a little strange at first.
What you want to do is deeply moisturize the scalp. Our Calming Moisture is formulated not only for the face and neck, but also for the scalp. Apply some to your fingers and then rub your fingers over your scalp, gently rubbing the lotion into it. It is best to do this before going to bed and then let the lotion work overnight. Wash your hair as usual the next day.
You can also treat dry areas with a cotton swab. Reapply during the day. Calming Moisture is lightweight yet deeply hydrating. It helps balance and restore the skin barrier, reducing dryness and flaking. It is clinically proven to soothe and improve sensitive skin problems such as chronic dryness, eczema or psoriasis.
5. Soothe the itching.
It is best not to scratch an itchy scalp as this increases the risk of bleeding, infections and hair loss. If your scalp is itchy, grab your Rescue + Relief Spray and spritz some on the affected area. It will immediately cool and soothe the itching, then tame any inflammation and moisturize the scalp. If you have a travel version, take it with you and use it any time of the day to suppress the itching.
6. Use a humidifier.
If the air where you live is dry, consider using a humidifier in your room at night. It pumps moisture into the air, making it less likely to suck that moisture out of your skin.
7. Eat healthy.
What you eat also affects the moisture in your skin! Make sure you get enough healthy fats to replenish skin moisture and prevent your scalp from drying out. Good options include oily fish, olive oil, walnuts, flax, avocados and sunflower seeds.
How do you deal with a dry scalp in winter?
Featured image courtesy of Freepik.
