Dry scalp: causes, symptoms and a gentle care routine

When should you see a doctor?

Mild dryness can often be managed by adjusting your hair care routine.

However, if you experience, for example:

• severe or persistent itching
• sores on the scalp
• obvious inflammation
• patchy hair loss
• very severe flaking
• symptoms that do not improve

you should have your scalp assessed by a doctor.

In some cases, scalp symptoms may be caused by skin conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, which may require treatment other than standard cosmetic hair care.

5 typical signs of a dry scalp

1. An itchy scalp

Itching can be a sign of irritation or dryness.

Try to avoid scratching too hard, as this can further irritate the skin.

2. Scalp feels tight

A dry scalp may feel tight or less supple, for example after washing your hair.

3. Small dry flakes

Dry skin can flake off as small white flakes.

This may resemble dandruff, but a dry scalp and dandruff are not necessarily the same thing.

4. Mild redness or irritation

A sensitive or dry scalp may react to products, hair washing or mechanical irritation, for example.

5. Small sores caused by scratching

If you scratch a lot, small scratches or sores may develop.

If you have larger or persistent sores, you should contact a doctor.

What is the difference between dandruff and a dry scalp?

A dry scalp and dandruff can look similar, as both can cause visible flakes.

However, they may have different causes.

With ordinary scalp dryness, the flakes are often small and dry, and the skin may feel tight.

Dandruff can, amongst other things, be linked to a change in the scalp’s environment and often occurs alongside oilier or yellowish flakes.

It can be difficult to tell the difference yourself.

If the symptoms are pronounced or persistent, it may therefore be a good idea to speak to a doctor or dermatologist.

What can affect a dry scalp?

There isn’t necessarily a single cause.

Season and climate

Cold air outside and dry, heated air indoors can affect the skin during the winter months.

This also applies to the skin on the scalp.

Hair washing

Very hot water or a hair-washing routine that isn’t suited to your scalp can, for some people, contribute to a dry or tight sensation.

Hair products

Some people react to specific ingredients or product formulations.

This does not necessarily mean that the ingredient is generally ‘harmful’, but that the specific product may not be suitable for your skin or scalp.

Styling products

Dry shampoo, hairspray, wax and other styling products can build up on the scalp if they aren’t washed out thoroughly.

Heat

Very hot water and high heat directed at the scalp – for example, from a hairdryer – can feel drying for some people.

Allergies or sensitivity

If you consistently react to a particular product, you should stop using it.

If you suspect an allergy, a doctor or dermatologist can help assess the cause.

Should you avoid sulphates, silicones and parabens?

Not necessarily.

It is an oversimplification to describe sulphates, silicones or parabens as generally harmful ingredients.

These ingredients serve different functions in cosmetic products, and whether a product is suitable for you depends on the overall formulation and your own skin and hair type.

If you find that a particular product makes your scalp feel dry or irritated, it may be worth trying a different formulation.

People with a sensitive scalp often prefer milder cleansing products, but this does not mean that everyone necessarily needs to avoid certain groups of ingredients.

How to care for a dry scalp

If you experience general dryness without symptoms requiring medical treatment, you can try adjusting your routine.

Which shampoo should you choose for a dry scalp?

Look at the whole formula and how your scalp responds, rather than choosing by one ingredient or a promise of fast relief. Follow the instructions and rinse well. A shampoo for cosmetic cleansing and a medicated dandruff shampoo serve different purposes; a pharmacist can advise if you suspect dandruff.

2. Tailor your hair-washing routine to your needs

There isn’t just one ‘correct’ frequency for washing your hair.

Some people need to wash their hair frequently, whilst others fare better with fewer washes.

Wash your hair as often as your scalp and lifestyle require.

If your scalp consistently feels tight after washing, you can experiment with the water temperature, how often you wash, or the shampoo you use.

3. Use comfortably warm water

A very hot shower can feel drying on the skin.

You might want to try a slightly lower temperature if your scalp often feels dry or tight after washing your hair.

4. Use conditioner

Conditioner is primarily designed to nourish the hair strands.

It can make your hair softer, reduce friction and make the lengths easier to detangle.

Follow the specific instructions for use. Some conditioners are intended for the lengths, whilst others can also be applied closer to the scalp.

5. Use a hair mask as needed

A hair mask may be useful if your hair feels dry or needs extra care.

A cosmetic hair mask does not treat medical scalp conditions, but can provide nourishment, moisture and a more well-groomed appearance to the hair itself.

6. Gently massage your scalp

A scalp massage can be a pleasant part of washing your hair.

Use your fingertips or a Deep Scalp Brush and massage gently in circular movements.

Among other things, the brush can be used to distribute shampoo and loosen product residue whilst washing your hair.

Scalp massage should not be regarded as a treatment for a dry scalp or as a proven method for increasing hair growth.

7. Avoid vigorous scratching

Although it may be tempting to scratch, vigorous scratching can further irritate the skin.

If the itching is so severe that it is difficult to resist, you should consider having your scalp assessed.

8. Be mindful of styling products

If you use a lot of dry shampoo, hairspray, wax or other styling products close to the scalp, make sure you wash them out thoroughly.

If a particular product causes irritation, you should stop using it.

9. Limit direct exposure of your scalp to high heat

If you blow-dry your hair, avoid directing very high heat directly onto your scalp.

If necessary, hold the hairdryer a little further away and use a temperature that feels comfortable.

10. Dry your hair gently

You don’t need to rub your hair vigorously with a towel.

Gently pat or squeeze the water out.

A microfibre towel can be used as an alternative to a traditional terry towel.

This is primarily relevant for handling your hair gently – not as a treatment for a dry scalp.

11. Choose a comfortable pillowcase

A soft pillowcase may feel comfortable against your skin and hair. Choose one you like and keep it clean as part of your usual laundry routine.

12. Clean your hairbrush

Hairbrushes can collect hair, dust and product residue.

You should therefore clean your brush regularly, especially if you use a lot of styling products.

What about exfoliating the scalp?

Exfoliation can be used to remove dead skin cells and product residue.

However, it should be done with care.

If the scalp is already very irritated, red or has sores, it is not necessarily a good idea to scrub or exfoliate the skin further.

Use a product intended for the scalp and follow the instructions for use.

Is there a link between a dry scalp and hair loss?

It is important not to automatically link a normal dry scalp to hair loss.

Hair loss can have many different causes.

If you experience sudden, significant, patchy or persistent hair loss, you should therefore contact your doctor to have the cause assessed.

Itching can in itself lead to excessive scratching of the skin and mechanical stress on the hair, but this is different from saying that a dry scalp generally causes biological hair loss.

Dry scalp and hair growth

A cosmetic scalp routine should not be described as something that makes hair grow faster.

The biological growth of hair is influenced by many factors.

Shampoo, conditioner, scalp brushes and standard cosmetic scalp products can be used for their respective cosmetic purposes, but they should not automatically be credited with promoting hair growth.

Does hair type matter?

Hair type and scalp are two different things, but your hair type can influence how you structure your routine.

Curly hair

Curly hair often requires more care along the lengths, as the scalp’s natural oils do not necessarily distribute as easily along the curly hair shaft.

However, this does not automatically mean that people with curly hair have a dry scalp.

Straight hair

With straight hair, sebum can move down the hair shaft more easily.

However, this does not rule out a dry or sensitive scalp.

Wavy hair

Wavy hair lies structurally between straight and curly hair and can have many different needs.

Your scalp care routine should therefore be based on how your own scalp feels, rather than solely on your hair type.

Dry scalp in children

Children can also experience a dry or irritated scalp.

As skin problems in children can have various causes, you should be extra cautious about self-treatment.

Use mild products designed for children, and contact your doctor if the symptoms are persistent, severe or accompanied by sores, inflammation or other symptoms.

Myths and facts about a dry scalp

Myth: Everyone should wash their hair less often

Fact: The right frequency of washing varies from person to person.

Myth: A dry scalp is caused by poor hygiene

Fact: Dryness can have many causes and does not necessarily indicate poor hygiene.

Myth: A dry scalp is always dandruff

Fact: Dry skin and dandruff can look similar, but are not necessarily the same thing.

Myth: Sulphates, silicones and parabens are always harmful

Fact: Whether a product is suitable for your scalp depends on its specific formulation and your individual skin.

FAQ on dry scalp

How often should you wash your hair with a dry scalp?

There is no fixed schedule for everyone. Base it on your scalp, hair type and styling routine. If washing leaves your scalp tight, consider changing the shampoo or water temperature. Do not automatically stop washing to deal with flakes.

Why do you get a dry scalp?

There can be various causes, such as climate, hair care routine, products or individual skin type.

Skin conditions can also cause symptoms similar to those of a dry scalp.

What can you do about a dry scalp?

For general dryness, you can try adjusting your shampoo, water temperature, how often you wash your hair, and other products in your routine.

If symptoms are persistent or severe, you should contact your doctor.

What is the difference between dandruff and a dry scalp?

A dry scalp is often associated with small, dry flakes and a tight sensation, whilst dandruff can have other causes and may appear differently.

It can be difficult to tell the difference yourself.

Can stress affect the skin?

Stress can affect the body in many ways.

However, if you experience persistent skin or scalp problems, you should not automatically assume that stress is the cause.

When should I see a doctor?

Contact your doctor if, for example, you experience severe or persistent itching, sores, obvious inflammation, patchy hair loss or symptoms that do not improve.

Choosing products for your scalp

For cosmetic hair and scalp care, compare the intended use and instructions of each product. Choose products that suit your routine and stop using anything that irritates your skin.

Brief summary

A dry or irritated scalp can have many different causes.

A good routine may include, amongst other things:

• a shampoo that suits you
• an appropriate frequency of washing your hair
• moderate water temperature
• gentle massage
• thorough rinsing
• careful drying
• being mindful of products that irritate your skin

It is also important to distinguish between general cosmetic care and the treatment of skin conditions.

If you experience severe, persistent or unexplained symptoms, you should contact your doctor.