Why Is My Scalp So Dry? Understanding the Root Causes of Your Dry Scalp
Every individual admires flawless hair.
It helps to express our inner being and boost our self-esteem.
But it feels annoying to observe those flaky peels over your head.
A dry scalp can be a serious condition for many individuals.
It can make our hair look rough, dull and damaged.
If hair dryness concerns you, we’ll help you remove the dry scalp.
Continue reading this article to identify the underlying causes of the dry scalp and find effective treatments to manage it.
What cause the dry scalp
A dry scalp is caused when the top layer of the skin has less moisture.
The lack of moisture in the scalp cause the outer layer to become dry and flaky.
A dry outer layer can result in itching and redness over the scalp.
In such cases, our scalp does not produce enough natural oil known as sebum.
If you have a dry scalp, you may also experience dryness in other body parts, such as arms and legs.
Sometimes, the leading cause behind this dryness is any allergic reactions caused by some disease.
However, it goes away as soon as the underlying disease gets cured.
Factors that trigger dry scalp
Many factors contribute to a dry scalp. Here we will talk about the possible reasons you might have a dry scalp.
Let’s find out each of them one by one.
Seasonal changes
Too much of sun exposure is not good for our hair health as it can damage the follicles.
Make sure you wear a hat when you go out in the extreme hot temperatures.
The strong winds and dry air sometimes make the hair dry and affect the scalp.
So tie your hair up and cover it during strong chilly winds.
Taking these precautions can help you maintain and nourish your hair and scalp.
Medical issues
Some medical conditions can cause the scalp to give a dry and rough appearance.
Examples of such medical conditions include Scalp Psoriasis and Eczema.
Scalp Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin condition that causes inflammation, burning, and itching in the scalp.
People with Scalp Psoriasis do not shed excess skin cells, which causes them to gather on the surface and make the scalp dry.
Eczema, another medical condition known as Atopic Dermatitis, leads to a red rash burn on different body parts, including the scalp.
Old age
Aging can also influence our scalp health.
Research published by The National Library of Medicine suggests that aging can impact the scalp causing it to become rough, dry, and less hydrated.
Sebum production gradually lowers as we age, leading to hair thinning and dryness.
Washing hair too frequently
A dry scalp might result from washing your hair too regularly.
Washing repeatedly reduces the scalp’s natural oils, resulting in dryness.
To keep a healthy scalp, it is essential to maintain a balance and avoid frequent hair washing.
Use of harsh products
Few hair care products contain harsh chemicals and ingredients that harm our scalp.
Products containing Sulfates, Parabens, Silicones, alcohol, and a few other harsh chemicals can damage the scalp and makes them dry and rough.
It would be better if you apply products which contain fewer chemicals and have more natural ingredients.
Nutritional deficiency
A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can lead to malnutrition.
Due to nutritional deficiencies such as Vitamin D, iron, and B12, the scalp gets affected and becomes dry.
Hereditary cause
Genetics also may influence the scalp.
Doctors often suggest that dry scalp may be due to a hereditary factor.
A study published by The National Library of Medicine revealed that genetic changes could make Psoriasis more likely to develop.
Not only the genes, your dry scalp can be a result of environmental conditions and even your immune system.
Remedies to cure dry scalp
There are various remedies to reduce the dry scalp.
Few of them are explained below:
Gentle exfoliation
A dry scalp can be healed with gentle exfoliation.
Exfoliating is the careful removal of dead skin cells from the scalp in order to make it healthier and cleaner.
Do it with a soft brush or a gentle scalp cleanser.
Excessive exfoliating or intense scrubbing might irritate the scalp even more.
To nourish and hydrate the scalp, apply a moisturizing conditioner or treatment after shampooing.
DIY hair mask
A variety of products are available in the market, but most contain harsh chemicals.
So, try making your own DIY hair mask from natural ingredients you can easily find.
You can apply apple cider vinegar by mixing it with aloe vera or coconut oil.
You can also try out tea tree oil and jojoba oil.
They have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
These oils can help you in calming the itchiness of the scalp and relieving the burning sensation.
This natural hair mask can help prevent the scalp from becoming dry.
Medicated product
Don’t give up if you don’t notice any improvement after trying natural remedies.
You should ask a dermatologist to give you medicated shampoos and lotions for your hair.
They can recommend you better products to relieve dry scalp symptoms.
Oil scalp massage
A dry and rough texture on your scalp can occur because of dehydration.
Massage your scalp with essential oils such as coconut and tea tree oil.
They hydrate the roots of your hair follicles properly.
Nutritional Diet
Consume enough vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, to nourish the scalp and keep its moisture balanced.
Consider antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and green tea to promote scalp health and prevent inflammation.
Avocados, almonds, and seeds such as flaxseeds and chia seeds have healthy fats that can help moisturize the scalp from within.
Avoid eating too much of sugary snacks and drinks.
Conclusion
A dry, flaky scalp is a severe concern for many individuals.
This problem is widespread, but thankfully, it is not dangerous.
The real culprit behind this dry scalp is a lack of moisture and sebum oil production.
So many factors trigger the dry scalp, such as genes, climatic changes, allergic reactions, harsh hair products, overwashing of the hair, and dehydration.
By treating the scalp with essential oil massage, nutrition, lotions, and a well-balanced diet, the dry scalp will disappear.
Every problem has a solution, and by addressing the correct cause, we can manage the situation.
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