Dry Scalp Treatment You Should Try
If you are dealing with a dry and irritated scalp, it’s easy to get frustrated. A dry scalp can cause dandruff, small flakes of dead skin, which can be conspicuous and unflattering. The irritation caused by a dry scalp can also be extremely uncomfortable, and it can be especially hard to deal with during the colder months of the year.
In this post, we’ll be discussing some of the most effective treatments for dryness and irritation of the scalp. Before we get started, though, let’s explore some of the primary causes of dry scalp.
What Causes A Dry Scalp?
There are multiple factors that can lead to dryness and irritation of the scalp. Below are a few of the most common causes of scalp dryness.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment that has been used by many men and women and yielded excellent results. However, minoxidil can have some uncomfortable side effects, including a dry and irritated scalp. If you are dealing with scalp irritation as a result of minoxidil use, the treatments that we will discuss in this article may be extremely helpful for you.
Poorly-Chosen Hair Products
Using the wrong hair products for your hair type, or using products that contain the wrong ingredients, may have a drying effect on your hair. Not all shampoos and conditioners are made with the same standards, and many contain low-quality and potentially harmful ingredients, which can irritate your scalp and leave it dried out. It’s especially important to avoid ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and artificial colors and dyes, all of which can potentially irritate and dry out the scalps of individuals with sensitive skin.
Cold, Dry Weather
The colder months of the year can leave your skin more dried-out, irritated, and flaky. This is partially due to the lower temperatures, but also because of the lower humidity in the air. If you find that you often deal with a dry, flaky scalp during the winter, your skin may be more susceptible to dryness as a result of changing weather conditions.
If you are dealing with seasonal dryness, there are several methods that can be helpful for your scalp. We’ll discuss how to deal with seasonal dryness later in this article, so keep reading!
Dry Scalp Treatment #1: Argan Oil
Argan oil is a powerful, all-natural hair treatment that can be used on its own or found as a main ingredient in hair products like shampoo and conditioner. The oil is derived from the nut-like fruit of the argan tree, which is native to the small North African country of Morocco. Argan oil is made by pressing the kernels of the fruit, and it has long been used by the Moroccan people for both culinary and beauty-related purposes.
Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, making it highly nourishing for your skin and hair. Thanks to its high fatty acid content, argan oil is also a powerful natural moisturizer. You can apply the oil to your face, scalp, and hair for a boost of hydration and nourishment.
This natural oil is an excellent ingredient to use to offset any dryness or irritation caused by topical hair loss prevention treatments like minoxidil. In addition, argan oil can be used to moisturize and nourish any hair types, and is suitable for sensitive skin. The oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it can also be used around acne-prone skin without running the risk of clogging your pores.
You can either use argan oil as a standalone treatment for dry scalp, or you can wash your hair with a shampoo that contains this natural moisturizing ingredient. GroMD’s shampoo and conditioner are made with argan oil, making them the perfect products to add to your hair loss prevention and dry scalp treatment regimen.
Dry Scalp Treatment #2: Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner is a type of hair product that is designed to be massaged into wet or damp hair, then left in the hair as it dries. This type of conditioner often has a rich, creamy texture, and can be used in generous amounts. Leave-in conditioner is intended to prevent issues like frizziness and dryness, and can be helpful in preventing the development of a dry and irritated scalp.
Choosing the right leave-in conditioner is essential for dry scalp prevention. As you now know, some hair products are made with ingredients that have the potential to cause dryness, not prevent it. Look for a leave-in conditioner that is made without sulfates, parabens, and artificial dyes or fragrances, as all of these ingredients can potentially dry out your scalp and cause even more irritation.
Leave-in conditioner is an excellent tool to keep in your dryness prevention arsenal during the colder, drier months of the year. In the same way that you apply moisturizer to your skin to lock in hydration throughout the day, leave-in conditioner can help to keep your hair and scalp from getting dried out in the time in between showers.
To use a leave-in conditioner, massage a generous amount into your fingers, then work it into wet or damp hair. Let your hair air-dry if possible.
In addition, you can use other leave-in hair treatments to have the same effects as a leave-in conditioner.
GroMD’s follicle activator spray is a leave-in treatment that can provide your hair with all-day moisture and hydration. In addition, the follicle activator spray contains our proprietary blend of DHT-blocking ingredients, all of which are scientifically proven to combat the most common cause of hair loss in adults. GroMD’s follicle activator spray works best when paired with daily use of our hair growth shampoo and conditioner combo.
Dry Scalp Treatment #3: Pyrithione Zinc
This common ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos is one of the most effective treatments for a dry, flaky scalp. In some cases, dandruff can be caused by a type of fungus, and using antifungal ingredients like pyrithione zinc may help to prevent this form of dry scalp. However, it’s important to confirm that you are dealing with fungus-related dryness as opposed to a different form of dry scalp before you opt to use a treatment that includes pyrithione zinc.
To determine the cause of your dry scalp, it may be helpful to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. A healthcare professional can help you determine whether your dry scalp is caused by seasonal factors, fungus, topical treatments, or something else.
Choosing the Right Dry Scalp Treatment For You
So, which dry scalp treatment should you use? It depends.
Since multiple factors can contribute to the development of dry scalp, you will need to determine what type of dryness you are dealing with before choosing a specific treatment. However, some treatments, such as argan oil, can be beneficial for any form of dryness. Others, such as pyrithione zinc, are intended to target a specific form of dry scalp.
If you have questions about how to deal with dry scalp, or if you are not getting satisfactory results from your treatment, make sure to consult your doctor or dermatologist.
In addition, if you’re curious about other aspects of the science behind hair care, hair loss prevention, and more, make sure to visit the GroMD blog. There, you’ll find helpful articles related to assembling your own hair care regimen, as well as information about how GroMD products can help you get the hair you’ve been dreaming of.
Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535876/
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/essential-fatty-acids