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Do you sometimes experience itching and discomfort on your head? The reason might be a dry scalp. In this article, we will have a look at the symptoms and causes of a dry scalp as well as what you can do to get rid of dry scalp.
What are the symptoms of a dry and itchy scalp?
The scalp is more densely covered with hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sweat glands than the rest of the body. Sebum and sweat form a protective oily film on the scalp. If the natural moisture balance of the scalp is disturbed, less sebum is produced, which also disturbs the balance of the protective film. This in turn can lead to a dry, itchy scalp.
A dry scalp also frequently occurs as a result of skin ageing or skin diseases. The symptoms can vary in severity. If itchy scalp becomes a constant burden, it can restrict the quality of life. With a suitable scalp treatment for dry scalp, you can rebuild the protective barrier of your scalp and effectively counteract dry, itchy scalps.
If you suffer from this condition, a special scalp treatment for dry scalp is a very good option. There are many different things you can use. We have summarized some of the best of them for you in the following.
Dry scalp: Causes
Our skin is protected by a so-called acid mantle (hydro-lipid layer). It is created when moisture from the skin pores combines with the sebum (lipid). If there is too little lipid or moisture, this can lead to dry skin and a dry scalp. The consequences: Itching and dandruff. Those affected also often complain that the skin on their heads burns and feels tight. Even the hair is often affected by extremely dry scalps. It can become dry, brittle, and straw-like.
But how does it happen that moisture and sebum become so imbalanced, that the scalp dries out? Here are a few possible causes:
1. Overly frequent hair washing;
2. Water that is too hot when washing hair;
3. Frequent blow-drying or straightening;
4. Intensive colouring;
5. Unsuitable hair care products (e.g. heavily perfumed);
6. Poor diet;
7. Too little fluid intake;
8. Dry air (especially in winter).
A good treatment for dry flaky scalp can help!
Scalp treatment for dry scalp
The scalp is very different from other areas of skin on the body. Not only is it thicker, but it also has a particularly large number of sebaceous and sweat glands as well as hair follicles. The glands release a secretion onto the surface of the skin, where it melts into a protective film. The oily film keeps the skin supple and delicately coats each individual hair.
If the sebaceous and sweat glands do not produce enough secretion, the so-called acid mantle becomes thin and patchy - the scalp dries out. Skin irritations such as dandruff, itching and redness then often appear. Straw-like, brittle hair can also be the result of a scalp that is too dry. In rare cases, hair may fall out more frequently.
Shampoos with sulphates lather well, but they can also irritate your skin. If your scalp is itchy, use a moisturizing, sulphate-free shampoo.
Dandruff treatment for dry scalp - important ingredients
A good dandruff treatment for dry scalp should contain one or more of these scalp-friendly ingredients:
1. Scalp treatment for dry scalp - Aloe Vera
It is proven that Aloe Vera extract helps to reduce skin inflammation. It contains soothing enzymes, plant sterols and carbohydrates. Treatment for dry scalp flakes
2. Best treatment for dry scalp - Olea Europaea fruit oil
Olea Europaea fruit oil has a very strong moisturizing effect when it comes to moisturizing the scalp.
3. Scalp treatments for dry itchy scalp - Acai extract
Thanks to its rich content of plant sterols, antioxidants, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals, Acai is considered a superfood. When applied to an itchy scalp, acai extract provides healing and repair. It can also help to protect an itchy scalp from further irritation.
Best treatment for dry itchy scalp
If you are looking for a solution for a dry and at the same time itchy scalp, then an apple cider vinegar rinse might also be a very good option. An apple cider vinegar rinse can provide quick relief, but masks with yoghurt (4 teaspoons), honey (1 teaspoon) and olive oil (3 teaspoons) can also soothe itchy scalps. If your hair is dry, oil treatments with olive, coconut or argan oil can also help.
Oil treatment for dry scalp
You can treat dry scalp naturally with olive or coconut oil. Simply massage a few drops into the irritated scalp and do not wash the oil out. The oil has a moisturizing effect, moisturizes, and also cares for your hair. You can also use a hot oil treatment for dry scalp.
Tips and home treatment for dry itchy scalp
In addition to using suitable care products, you can also establish small habits in your everyday life to protect and care for your scalp:
Tip 1. Don't wash your hair too often
Give your scalp a break and don't wash your hair every day if possible
Tip 2. Use mild shampoos with ingredients that are suitable for the needs of itchy scalps
These are mainly shampoos with urea to restore and maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Tip 3. Avoid heat on the head
This includes water that is too warm when showering and bathing, as well as hot air when blow-drying. Ideally, use lukewarm water when washing your hair. Try to blow-dry your hair as rarely as possible and let it air dry instead. If you do use a hairdryer, set the appliance to the coldest setting.
Tip 4. Reduce stress
Try using relaxation and meditation techniques to give yourself breaks from everyday life.
Tip 5. Olive oil as a home remedy for itchy scalps
Treat your scalp to a weekly oil treatment to moisturize and nourish stressed skin. To do this, apply olive oil to the scalp and massage in. The treatment should be left on overnight. Wash out the oil the next morning.
There are many different options when it comes to scalp treatment for dry scalp. However, in order to treat it with the correct method, it is very important to recognize the actual cause.
Last words
Ever felt the discomfort of an itchy scalp? Dryness might be the culprit. Explore symptoms, causes, and effective scalp treatments for relief. Learn about the impact of imbalanced moisture and sebum, leading to dryness, itching, and even brittle hair.
Discover causes like frequent hair washing, hot water, and harsh hair care products. Embrace scalp treatments with Aloe Vera, Olea Europaea fruit oil, and Acai extract. Consider natural remedies like apple cider vinegar rinses or oil treatments with olive or coconut oil. Adopt habits like reducing hair wash frequency and avoiding heat for a healthier, itch-free scalp. Treat your scalp right and bid farewell to dryness.
