How to Take Care of Dry Scalp in Winter

The problem of dry scalp differs from dandruff and eczema. Dry skin does not cause such intense itching, but nevertheless, it is easily peeled and irritated, and severe dryness weakens hair and enhances hair loss. Everyone faces this at some point in a light or moderate form. In winter, the skin becomes drier, so anyone can benefit from our recommendations.

Preparing for washing

Massage your hair with a brush. A brush with soft natural pig bristles will work the best for this procedure. Clean your hair with clean bristles. If the hair is down to your shoulders or lower, start from the tips and move to the roots. The brush clears the scalp from dead flakes and evenly spreads sebum over the skin and hair.

Washing hair

Shampoo. Look for products without sulfates, parabens, or flavors. The best options are professional or medical shampoos prescribed by a dermatologists, as well as organic cosmetics.

You might need a detox shampoo for deep cleansing, and a moisturizing shampoo. It is convenient that many brands offer humidifying shampoo with the matching conditioner or a balm with the same properties. When used together, they provide better results.

Water temperature. The water should be warm, not hot. Hot water completely flushes the protective fatty film from the skin.

Drying. After washing and all the treatment procedures (see below), carefully wrap the hair with a thick towel. Try not to rub your skin or twist your hair, just gently squeeze them. Avoid the dryer completely if you are using a cool or warm drying mode.

Aftercare

Oil mask. Vegetable oils are an effective therapy for your skin. For example, coconut oil – either pure or mixed with honey. The mask should be applied to the hair, covered with a shower cap and left for 45 minutes. Olive oil, jojoba, or argan can also be used like moisturizers. Normally, masks are applied after washing the hair with shampoo, but some of them need to be washed off with cleansing products afterwards.

Other methods. You can sprinkle your hair with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water and leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Use household masks with oily, gentle ingredients or choose special remedies recommended for dry scalp.

Rinsing your hair in herbal decoctions and infusions is another method of home therapy. Of course, the herbs should be chosen particularly for dry skin. Good choices are chamomile, lemon balm, jasmine, and rose petals.

Hair lotion. There are lotions that can be used on a daily basis without being washed off. They contain natural, antibacterial, calming components: for example, calendula, melissa leaves, and nettle.

Ointments and creams for very dry skin. Intensive care products for dry face skin and hands can be applied to the scalp under the hair in extreme cases.

Lifestyle and diet

Diet. Dry skin needs essential fatty acids (walnuts, flaxseed, salmon, and tuna), laminaria (sea cabbage) with a high iodine content (with the approval of a doctor). Sufficient hydration is also recommended by every nutritional specialist: two liters of water (eight glasses a day). Most of us are not used to the normal consumption of water. Plus during the winter, you normally want to drink less.

Hats

Don’t neglect wearing hats in bad weather (frost, wind with snow). But if your head is sweating, it is not necessary to suffer: the sweat can result in even more severe scalp irritation. It is better to choose a hat with a natural heating layer and a lower cotton lining.

The air is in the room. Air, over dried by heating devices or split systems, is one of the main causes of increased dryness of the skin. By using a humidifier in the bedroom and at work, you will easily achieve a 50% moisture level (even the simplest hygrometer will help you to retain this number). By taking this simple measure, you will reduce almost half of all possible problems of dry skin and mucous membranes.

Styling, dyeing, etc. If it’s possible, try to avoid torturing the dry scalp with all sorts of beauty procedures, especially dyeing. It is better to use professional hair colors. Find out if your beauty salon is selling any professional products for treating dry scalp.

Small precautions, the right choice of care products, and using the correct technique will help your skin stay hydrated and healthy, even during the winter.