Two of the biggest "crimes" you can commit in connection with dry hair are: that you use shampoos and conditioners that contain certain sulfates and silicones. The two ingredients are not only out to damage your hair, but they also have good intentions because they thoroughly clean your hair of oil and dirt. Read more about what sulfates and silicone are and how you can avoid them.
Dry scalp can be expressed by scaly flakes from the scalp that sprinkle onto your clothes or settle on your hairbrush. It is especially when you shake or brush your hair that dandruff really shows up. In some cases, your scalp isn't just dry, it's also annoying because it itches.
In this guide, we serve six ingredients to you. They all intend to give your hair more moisture and care.
The reason why many suffer with a dry scalp is primarily connected to the use of hair products with all kinds of chemicals. These are unhealthy chemicals that change the natural balance of the hair roots. When your scalp becomes dry, it is because there is a lack of sebum in your scalp. And it comes from your sebaceous glands not producing sufficient amounts of natural fat.
We would like to help you in the right direction when it comes to choosing pure and genuine ingredients in hair care such as shampoo, hair mask, etc.
Shampoo for dry scalp? 6 ingredients to look for.
by Lotte Lindgren on Mar 19, 2022
Read through by Dorthe Kristensen
Hairdresser and former co-owner of the award-winning hairdressing chain Zoom by Zoom
With many years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Dorthe has advised many customers about hair and hair care. Dorthe has read through this blog entry to ensure high quality and professionalism. This blog post is professionally updated on August 25, 2024.
Table of contents
What should you look for when choosing a shampoo for dry scalp and hair?
Why do I get a dry scalp?
Dry scalp, also known as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to become dry and scaly. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including weather conditions, hormones, stress levels, irritants in shampoos and conditioners, lack of moisture and even an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia.
Weather changes such as cold or dry climates can cause scalp dryness due to low humidity, which strips the skin of its natural oils. Drastic hormone fluctuations or imbalances can also cause the scalp to become dry and flaky. Stress is known to trigger or worsen many different types of skin disorders, including seborrheic dermatitis.
In addition, the use of harsh chemical-based products such as shampoos and conditioners can strip the hair of its essential oils, resulting in a dry scalp. When not enough moisture is returned to the hair, it remains dry, leading to dandruff-like symptoms. Overuse of shampoos and hair products: Too much shampooing or using products like gels and styling creams can strip your scalp of natural oils, leaving it feeling tight and flaky.
The importance of using shampoo for dry scalp
Using the right shampoo for dry scalp can be a crucial factor in alleviating symptoms and improving scalp health. A suitable shampoo can help restore the scalp's moisture balance, relieve itching and flaking, and reduce redness and inflammation. It is important to choose a shampoo that is specially formulated for dry scalps and contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients.
How to choose the right shampoo for dry scalp
When choosing a shampoo for dry scalp, there are some important factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you find the right shampoo:
- Look for shampoos that contain natural soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile or oat extract, as these can relieve itching and soothe the scalp.
- Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals such as sulfates and parabens, as these can strip the scalp of natural oils and exacerbate dryness issues.
- Choose a shampoo that is specially formulated for dry scalp or dandruff, as these often contain active ingredients that can target dryness and relieve the symptoms.
- Also consider your hair type and needs when choosing a shampoo for dry scalp. If you have colored hair or a sensitive scalp, choose a shampoo suitable for these specific needs.
- Read reviews and ratings from other consumers to get an idea of the effectiveness of the shampoo and whether it suits your needs.
How to use shampoo for dry scalp correctly
Once you've chosen the right shampoo for dry scalp, it's important to use it correctly to achieve the best results. Here are some steps to follow when using shampoo for dry scalp:
- Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly with warm water.
- Apply an appropriate amount of shampoo to the palm of your hand and massage it into the scalp in gentle circular motions. Remember to focus on the areas that are most dry or irritated.
- Leave the shampoo on for a few minutes to give the active ingredients time to work.
- Rinse thoroughly with plenty of warm water to remove all shampoo from the hair and scalp.
- Repeat if necessary, depending on the instructions on the shampoo or your own experience with the product.
It is important to avoid using too hot water as it can dry out the scalp. It is also recommended to avoid using your fingernails or coarse towels to scrub the scalp, as this can further irritate the skin.
After rinsing out the shampoo, you can apply a conditioner or hair treatment specially designed for dry scalps to further care and moisturize the hair and scalp. It may also be a good idea to avoid using hot styling tools such as hairdryers, straighteners or curling irons, as the heat can further dry out the scalp and hair.
6 ingredients to look for in shampoo for dry scalp
If you want to avoid dry hair and dry scalp or are currently struggling with dry hair, the following six ingredients can do wonders for your hair and scalp health.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the first ingredient that you will encounter. On the outside, Turmeric may look like ginger at first glance, but inside it has an energetic, orange color. Turmeric is a wonder in food, tea, nutritional supplements and cosmetic products.
Effect against dry hair
Do you feel like your hair is as dry as sandpaper? Turmeric is made for you who want fresh and energetic hair. Turmeric also helps those with delicate hair. Delicate strands of hair are characterized by the fact that they break when you: wash it, set it and save it.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a clear gel that comes from the aloe vera plant. The clear gel comes from the center of the leaf and has long been used for the skin. Aloe vera is most often mixed into creams and ointments, especially for the cooling element that the natural gel contains.
Aloe vera is full of good properties. And what kind of powerful properties are these? These are: enzymes, minerals, amino acids and several types of different vitamins.
Effect against dry scalp
Aloe vera's properties rhyme with moisture, care and shine. Aloe vera is complete when it comes to solving various hair problems. Greasy hair, dry hair, frizzy hair, irritable and red scalp, etc. To maintain a healthy scalp, aloe vera can help you maintain the normal PH value, which should be 4.5-5.5.
To treat a dry scalp, dry scalp shampoos and hair serums with aloe vera can be of great help. Aloe vera both moisturizes and cools the skin on the scalp, and can also keep the scalp moist. In addition, aloe vera can also relieve itching and can reduce inflammation.
It's obvious why your hair loves aloe vera. When you choose hair care with aloe vera in it, you welcome healthy, shiny and delicious hair.
Amino acid
Amino acids are the body's building blocks. They are involved in the formation of proteins. These can help strengthen the body and maintain cells and bones. It is fundamental for all people to get amino acids, as not all types of amino acids can be produced naturally by the body.
Effect against dry scalp
You can use amino acids to treat a dry scalp. If you buy a shampoo with amino acids, the amino acids will moisturize your hair. Your hair is strengthened and the surface of the hair strands is repaired. In addition, amino acids supply nutrients to the cells both in your skin and in the hair follicle.
Pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract
In the majority of all Danish homes you will find apples in the fridge or in the fruit bowl. And there's a reason for that: apples are healthy for you. They have a positive influence on your body. Whether it comes to weight loss, better digestion, healthier teeth, stronger hair, apples may be the answer you need to turn to. But when it comes to caring for your hair in the best way, there must be apple extract in the product.
Pyrus malus is a fruit extract that comes from apples. This fruit extract is rich in antioxidants, which can protect the skin and add strength and smoothness to the skin.
Effect against dry scalp
To treat a dry scalp, you can look for shampoo with apple fruit extract. The apple juice is both moisturizing and softening, so it conditions (cools) your scalp. The natural fruit acids gently exfoliate the scalp so that dead skin cells are removed.
Mango Butter
You will find it in poke bowls, salads, spring rolls, ice cream, dry snacks, smoothies - and in hair care. Mango is an exotic and aromatic fruit which is the main ingredient in many dishes. In India, the fruit has been given the royal title of "king of fruits". That says something about the quality and popularity of the mango.
Effect against dry scalp
Shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter all have effective properties against dry hair. Hair care enriched with Mango Butter gives your hair strands moisture, strength - and activates new hair strands.
Oil from sachi inchi - Inca inchi oil
From the seed of the Sacha inchi plant, which originates from Peru, comes nourishing inca inchi oil. The oil can be characterized as Gourmet oil, due to the high content of Omega 3. You will find, among other things, Omega 3 in fish oil capsules or fish (salmon, mackerel, herring and tuna) and in flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, rapeseed oil and more.
Effect against dry scalp
Hair care equipped with Inca Inchi oil repairs fragile and dry hair. After continuous use, your hair will be supplied with plenty of moisture, which nourishes your hair. And makes your hair look soft and well-groomed.
3 ingredients you should avoid in your shampoo
To take better care of your scalp, it is important that you avoid the following ingredients in your hair products.
Parabens
Parabens are a preservative that has been used in cosmetic and care products for longer shelf life. Parabens have since been classified as hormone disruptors - and thus they can lead to irritation for your scalp.
Sulfates
Sulfate is a sulfuric acid. Sulfates are used in shampoo to clean your scalp - and to make your shampoo lather. Sulfates can dehydrate and dry out your hair and scalp. Therefore, it is best to avoid sulfates in your shampoo, as you otherwise risk an irritated, dry and itchy scalp.
Silicone
Silicone is a polymer that is water-repellent and chemically resistant. Shampoo with silicone can prevent moisture. In addition, silicone can prevent ingredients, as usual, from penetrating and carrying moisture to dry areas.
Shampoo against dry scalp: Try Grow and Glow
If you suffer from a dry scalp, you should try Grow and Glow. This sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo contains fruit extract, which with natural fruit acid gives you a mild exfoliation on the scalp. Grow and Glow is a shampoo against dry and itchy scalp.
The shampoo contains amino acids, which moisturize your scalp and add good nutrients for cells in the hair follicle. Aloe vera gives your scalp care and adds moisture to your scalp. It is also the best shampoo for dry hair as your hair is infused with moisture from the aloe vera.
Grow and Glow is also enriched with olive oil and turmeric, where the turmeric makes a big effort when it comes to strengthening your hair. Strong hair stops your hair from breaking along the way and splitting.
Hair mask and hair serum against dry scalp: Repair and Shine Hair Serum and Intensive Repair and Growth Hair Mask
Inca Inchi oil kicks off your hair's natural production of oil, at the same time as it works with the "damage" that your hair has received. You will find Inca inchi oil in our Repair and Shine Hair Serum and Intensive Repair and Growth Hair Mask.
Our hair mask from Repair and Care is also provided with mango butter. When your dry hair and scalp get the pleasure of a shampoo against dry scalp, which, among other things, is stuffed with mango butter, your hair will appear from a new and better side. You will find that your hair shines.
Good products for dry scalp
Tips for using shampoo against dry scalp and hair
To get the ultimate care for your hair and scalp when you use shampoo for dry scalp, make sure you use the shampoo correctly.
Rinse out all product
It is always important to make sure: to rinse all dry scalp shampoo out of the hair. Shampoo residues can settle on the scalp and cause irritation.
Use lukewarm water instead of hot water
Your hair and scalp get dried out when you bathe in too hot water. Therefore, make sure to wash your hair in lukewarm or cold water instead.
Avoid dandruff shampoos unless you really have dandruff
We recommend that you avoid dandruff shampoos unless you have dandruff. Dandruff shampoos often contain formulas that have a drying effect on the scalp. And thus we do not recommend that you use it against dry scalp. If you suffer from both dandruff and dry scalp, you can find specific shampoos against dandruff and dry scalp.
Dry Scalp Shampoo FAQ
Can I use regular shampoo for dry scalp?
It is recommended to use a shampoo specially formulated for dry scalp, as it contains active ingredients that can help relieve dryness and itchiness of the scalp. Regular shampoos can contain harsh chemicals and sulfates that can worsen scalp dryness. It is best to choose a mild and moisturizing shampoo specially designed for dry scalps to achieve the best results.
How should I wash my hair if I have a dry scalp?
When you wash your hair with a dry scalp shampoo, it's important to gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to stimulate blood circulation and remove product residue and excess oil. Avoid using your fingernails or rough towels to scrub the scalp as this can further irritate the skin. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water to remove all shampoo and conditioner.
Can I use a dry scalp shampoo every day?
Yes, you can use dry scalp shampoo every day as long as it doesn't irritate your scalp.
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