Dry scalp | Everything you should know about dandruff, itchiness and dry scalp

What is dry and itchy scalp?

The top of your head is made up primarily of skin. It can therefore become irritated and start to itch - exactly like the skin on the rest of the body. Therefore, a dry and itchy scalp can occur in the same way as an itchy body.

This could be due to the time of year, for example. In winter, our skin is just more exposed. It comes i.a. of the cold. And of temperature changes when we are first outside, and then we move inside in the heat with the radiator on full blast. In addition, diet, allergies and much more can play a role in relation to dryness.

The bottom line is: itchy scalp is a common problem. But if you often catch yourself scratching your scalp, it's something you should be aware of - and act on. It can often be small things that can make a big difference to your scalp.

Should I be worried if my scalp itches?

Basically, there is no reason to worry. As mentioned, you are far from the only one with the problem, and often you can solve it yourself from home. However, there are some things you need to be aware of and where you might benefit from outside help.

Do you experience, for example, that the scalp itches so violently that you develop sores? Or do you see dry, bald patches on your scalp? Then it is a good idea to have it checked by the doctor. Then you are at least on the safe side. It can be a sign of e.g. psoriasis , scaly eczema or atopic eczema. And it may require medical treatment to get rid of.

Here are 5 symptoms of dry scalp

Not sure if you're suffering from dry scalp or if there's something else going on? Here are five of the most common symptoms of dry scalp. Read through the list and see if you recognise yourself.

1. It scratches and itches on the top of the head

You catch yourself in the fact that your hands are constantly searching up towards your scalp in the hope that with your scratching, you can reduce the itch that has arisen. You sometimes find it difficult to concentrate because you constantly have to scratch your scalp. And you may even find it difficult to wear a hat or elastics in your hair, because it results in even more itching.

2. The skin looks red and irritated

Look in the mirror and check if you have a red scalp. It doesn't have to be all over the place, but maybe just in some places. This can be a good idea to put the treatment in the right places.

3. Small cracks or sores appear at the roots of the hair

Feel under your hair. Can you feel small cracks or scabs? It can both happen because you scratch yourself a lot, but can also occur as a result of the dry skin. If you have many or large wounds, you should consider visiting your doctor.

4. The skin feels tight

Healthy skin generally feels soft and elastic – also on the top of your head. If, on the other hand, it feels tight and stretched out, it may be a sign that it lacks moisture.

5. It sprinkles with white flakes or skin scales

Are your shoulders and sweaters often filled with white flakes? Or does it start snowing with flakes when you scratch the skin under your hair? Then it is also a sign that there is a problem. There are many who also confuse this with dandruff . It can be difficult to tell the difference, but here we give you good advice to find the difference.

Products for the scalp

What is the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?

If you have a very dry flaky scalp, it can be difficult to determine whether you suffer from dandruff or dry scalp. The two things are very similar with dandruff-like white flakes. However, there are three decisive differences between dandruff and dry scalp:

• Too little vs. too much sebum: Your body produces sebum, an oily substance that keeps your skin healthy. If you produce too little, you will suffer from dry skin. If, on the other hand, you produce too much, you may suffer from dandruff and therefore get dandruff. This can cause the skin to not only peel, but also become red and greasy.
• Infection vs. environmental impact: Dandruff often occurs due to a fungal infection from the yeast Pityrosporum. It may require medical treatment. But in many cases you can get rid of dandruff with a specific dandruff shampoo. Dry scalp, on the other hand, occurs due to environmental influences or lifestyle.
• Different types of dandruff: You may also experience dandruff if you suffer from a dry scalp. However, they are different from those you will experience if you suffer from dandruff. Small, dry and white flakes often come from dehydrated skin. If, on the other hand, the scales are large, yellowish and greasy, it is more likely that you suffer from eczema.

What are the causes of a dry and irritated scalp?

There are many different causes of irritated, dry and itchy scalp. Some of them come from your behavior, others from your environment and still others from your genes. And in some cases there is more than one reason. Therefore, it is important that you look at your whole life when trying to find the root of the problem.

In addition, unfortunately, it may also require more than one attempt to find a solution. But it can succeed. And when it does, you won't just feel more comfortable, your hair will also look better and healthier.

Below you can read about the most common reasons for dryness and itching of the scalp:

Alder

As you age, your skin will change. It will become less elastic and produce fewer natural oils, and this can lead to dryness. In addition, hormonal changes such as menopause can also have an impact on your scalp.

Wrong hair products

Not all hair products and shampoos are created equal, and if you have sensitive skin, certain ingredients can do more harm than good. In the next section, you can read about specific ingredients you should avoid in your hair products.

Cost

Hair needs vitamins and nutrients to maintain normal hair and the same applies to the skin. It is therefore important that you eat a healthy and varied diet or possibly supplement with a food supplement.

Gener

Some people are just more prone to skin problems than others. And if you are one of them, it is important that you pay extra attention to your scalp and what you offer it in the form of hair products or other influences.

Stress

If you are stressed, you may experience increased inflammation in the body. It can show itself in several different ways, including in the form of an itchy scalp, despite the fact that there is actually nothing wrong with it. If you have a stressful everyday life, it can be worth its weight in gold to take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for activities such as meditation or yoga.

Temperature fluctuations

Especially in winter, the number of Danes with skin problems increases - also in the scalp. This is due to the constant changes between cold outside and warm inside. The skin finds it difficult to adapt to the changing temperatures, and as a result errors occur in the production of sebum, which must keep the scalp in balance. That is why it is really important to supply the body with enough moisture during the cold months.

Smoking or air pollution

Regardless of whether the harmful substances come through cigarettes or general air pollution, they can have a harmful effect. Like stress, they can cause inflammation, which can dry out your scalp.

Allergies

Perhaps you are allergic to ingredients in your care products, the material in your hats or the like. Many hair care products can contain ingredients that the skin can react to. If nothing else works, consider talking to your doctor about potential allergies.

How can I treat dry scalp?

There are many ways in which you can treat dry scalp, it depends a lot on which factors give you dry scalp. We have collected some of our best advice here, so read on and get a lot of good tools for how to treat or prevent dry scalp.

Avoid these ingredients in your hair products

Do you suspect that your care products are the culprit behind your skin problems? For those of you who suffer from a dry scalp, your shampoo is a good place to start. There are lots of hair products on the market with harmful ingredients – especially if you have sensitive skin. And this applies, for example, to these ingredients:

• Parabens

Methylparaben and ethylparaben are examples of preservatives that may be used in care products. These are parabens, and if you have skin problems, you should avoid them as much as possible – also in your hair products.

• Sulfates

Although they are some of the most common soap ingredients, they can have negative consequences for your skin and hair. This applies, for example, to sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate. The soap substances are so strong that they can completely remove the natural oils from your body. And it can cause dandruff and similar scalp problems in the form of dry scalp.

• Silicone

As it can be difficult to wash out 100%, the silicone can result in dandruff and dryness on the scalp. And if you have curls, it can also make your strands frizzy and electric. Therefore, avoid ingredients that end in -cone or -oxane, as these are often silicone.

Would you like to get rid of the scratch and itch? We have created the Grow and Glow series precisely with the aim of giving you healthy and beautiful hair. Therefore, all the products are free of both silicone, sulfates and parabens. And then you can safely use the products in your hair - even if you suffer from a dry scalp!

Our Grow and Glow contains, among other things, Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate, which creates balance in the skin's microflora. Microflora is the general term for: bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Morinda Citrifolia is perfect for hair problems that rhyme with dandruff, oily scalp and hair , and sensitive scalp.

Hairdresser's advice

Here, hairdresser and salon owner Maja Haldborg gives you the best tips and tricks for oily hair. Check out her instagram here. 

What is your best advice for dry scalp?

- The best advice is moisturise. Dry scalp is caused by an imbalance in your scalp/skin. Don't use products you know will irritate your scalp. Choose a shampoo without sulphates & silicones. Exfoliate/scrub your scalp so it can breathe. Your scalp may be clogged and accumulated with dead skin cells and product residue. Remember not to wash your scalp & hair too often. The optimum is 1-2 times a week. You can choose a shampoo with some form of coconut, olive or tea tree oil. These oils are mild and good for the skin.

What does dry scalp look like?

- Many people can easily confuse dry scalp with dandruff, but most people usually suffer from dry scalp. The way you can tell the difference is that dry scalp is a bit like sprinkling snow. It's very fine, white and very small dry flakes of skin. Dandruff, on the other hand, is more oily and tends to stick to the scalp and the hair shafts themselves. Dandruff can also be more yellowish in colour. Dry scalp is also often characterised by itchiness! This also causes it to drip because you're scratching.

Is there anything you can do in your everyday life to combat dry scalp?

- In your everyday life, you can try to avoid using products on your scalp when it's itchy and dry. Skip wax, dry shampoo, powder wax, etc. Remember that many things can play a role in dry scalp. It can be seasonal, hormonal, stress, diet, etc. In addition, it can be good to think about the temperature of the water when washing your hair. It's great to have a nice hot bath... but unfortunately, your scalp doesn't like it (and actually, neither does your hair). Unfortunately, hot water is very drying to the skin, so see if you can lower the temperature a little.

12 tips to reduce irritated scalp and itching

Would you like to do something about your dryness and itching problems? But don't know where to start? Then we have collected 10 good tips that you can follow

A dry scalp needs to be cared for with a lot of moisture and care. It is important that you do not use products that contribute to further drying out your scalp.

1. Use hair vitamins to maintain normal hair

It is important that you eat a varied and healthy diet. In this way, you ensure that you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to get all vitamins through your daily diet, so you can consider supplementing with a dietary supplement. That is why we have developed our hair vitamins

It's a , vegetarian hair vitamins that taste like wine gums. They include, among other things:

• Biotin: If you want to maintain normal hair, then biotin is a good idea. And here you can get off to a good start with two wine gums a day. Then you also don't have to wonder too much about the fact that you have to include certain foods in your diet to get Biotin in your everyday life.
• Folic acid: Like biotin, folic acid belongs to the group of B vitamins . Folic acid helps to maintain the function of the immune system. In addition, it also plays a role in the cell division process.
• B12: As the name suggests, B12 is also part of the “team” B vitamins. B12 helps to maintain a normal cell division function in the body.

In this guide, we talk about five vitamins that help maintain normal function and normal hair.

2. Choose the right shampoo

As mentioned earlier, it does not matter which hair products you choose. And you can advantageously choose a mild shampoo against dry scalp . But remember to look through the list of ingredients so that you are sure that the shampoo does not contain potentially harmful substances. If you have a dry itchy scalp, it can often be a good idea to change your shampoo. Here, it is especially important to find a sulfate-free shampoo that is moisturizing.

And if you are in doubt, we have developed Grow and Glow Shampoo , which meets all the requirements for a good shampoo against dry and itchy scalp! Grow and Glow is, among other things, enriched with fruit extract, amino acids, aloe vera, olive oil and turmeric.

3. Be sure to also condition your hair

Conditioner is often the alpha and omega to give your hair moisture back. Think of it as a moisturizer for your strands and roots. Conditioner also helps to close the hair strands, so that the care and moisture from shampoo, hair treatment or other things remain in the hair. It can therefore be decisive in reducing the dryness of the scalp.

Choose a conditioner for dry scalp, such as Grow and Glow Balm , which does not contain harmful ingredients, sulphate or silicone. In addition, it contains fruit acids, which help to balance the microflora in the scalp.

4. Stop drying your hair with a regular towel 

A regular towel can result in electric and frizzy hair. So if you would like to have healthy hair, you should consider ditching the traditional towel. Invest in a microfiber towel instead . It is soft, absorbs water faster and is less harsh on the hair strands. In this way, you are also guaranteed more effective drying and a reduction in the period when your scalp is damp.

5. Pamper yourself and your hair with a hair treatment

Just like the skin on your face, the skin under your hairstyle can benefit from a nourishing regimen. So treat yourself to a moisturizing hair treatment at regular intervals. It will boost the hair and you will often notice a difference immediately.

And here we have our Intensive Repair and Growth hair mask for just that purpose. It provides in-depth care and nourishment for both hair and scalp and is perfect for a spa day at home!

6. Stimulate the scalp with a massage brush

Your skin benefits from extra blood supply. It provides more nutrients, keeps it elastic and soft - including the scalp! Therefore, consider adding a scalp massage brush to the care routine. It works well against dandruff, removes dirt and impurities from the scalp, can increase hair growth and feels extremely nice to use! You can possibly read our blog post about scalp massage for more inspiration here .

7. Don't wash your hair too often

It may sound counterintuitive, but too much and too hot water can dry out the skin. It can remove the natural oils from the scalp and cause dryness. You can use the most gentle shampoos for your scalp, but if you shower too often it can be wasted. Therefore, wash your hair only 2-3 times a week. If you play sports, however, you may often need to wash it a little more often. Instead, put it up or use a shower cap when the rest of the body needs a wash.

Dry shampoo can also be an idea to minimize greasy hair between washes. However, you must be aware that dry shampoo is not a real shampoo in the sense that it does not remove dirt, excess sebum or residues from hair products.

8. Be careful about using styling products 

As with shampoo and conditioner, not all styling products are created equal. And in general, it is a good idea to reduce your consumption of styling products. Consider which ones are necessary in everyday life, and look through the ingredient lists thoroughly. Styling products can be difficult to wash out and can therefore accumulate in the hair and scalp. This can lead to the scalp and not least the hair being dry and itchy.

9. Turn down the water temperature

The contrast between heat and cold can have a damaging effect on your scalp. A nice hot bath can be great, especially in the winter months, but it can also dry out your skin and scalp. Therefore, you can advantageously choose to turn the temperature down a little. Although the spa feeling may fade a little, your scalp will be grateful. Therefore, also make sure that you are completely dry before going out into the cold after a bath.

10. Choose the right cover for your pillow

As with towels, plain cotton covers can have negative consequences. Cotton consists of rough fibres, which can create friction when you lie on it. Instead, consider a microfiber, bamboo or silk cover where the fibers are smoother and do not wear out the hair and scalp in the same way - We can recommend our bamboo pillow cover here, which due to its bamboo material has a natural antibacterial and antifungal effect - buy bamboo pillow cover here .

11. Use the right hairbrush

Choosing the right hairbrush plays an important role in maintaining a healthy scalp. Some of the best brushes for dry scalp include those with soft, natural bristles or brushes with soft plastic tips. These brushes are less likely to scratch or irritate the scalp.

To avoid irritation, it's also important to know how to brush your hair properly. Always start by brushing gently from the tips and work your way up towards the roots. Avoid pulling or banging the brush through the hair as this can cause damage and increase the chance of a dry scalp. Regular brushing helps to distribute the natural oils from the scalp to the ends, which can improve the condition of the scalp.

12: Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells

Exfoliation is an effective way to remove dead skin cells and improve a dry scalp. You can exfoliate your scalp in different ways. Using specialised products to exfoliate the scalp is a common method. These products contain small exfoliating particles that are gently massaged into the scalp to remove dead skin cells. Choose products that are gentle on the scalp.

An alternative method is to use a gentle brush or comb to exfoliate the scalp in circular motions. Be careful to avoid irritation. Regardless of the method, exfoliation should be done with caution, no more than once a week or as needed. This will help to improve scalp health and reduce dryness and itchiness.