Do you suffer from a dry and flaky scalp? Is it itchy, irritated, or even painful? If so, then you’re not alone. Many women experience scalp problems that cause discomfort and affect the health and appearance of their hair.
In order to correct the issue, you have to know what’s causing the dryness in the first place. Here are 5 reasons why your scalp is dry and what you can do about it:
1. You Don’t Wash It Often Enough
The skin on your scalp is divided into layers. The outermost layer of the scalp–the epidermis–is very similar to the skin on your face. It needs moisture and its follicles can become clogged with dirt and oil that act as a barrier against water.
In order to keep your scalp healthy and prevent dryness, you should wash it at least once a week. This will replenish moisture and remove the dirt, dead skin cells, and hardened sebum that accumulates on the surface of the scalp.
2. You Have Product Buildup
If your scalp is dry, it may be from the products you are using on your scalp. If you use heavy, petroleum based products on your scalp like grease or edge control, the ingredients in these products can clog your hair follicles and suffocate the scalp.
Product buildup prevents water from accessing your scalp. Without adequate amounts of water, the scalp will become dry.
Be sure to apply conditioner to the ends and middle of your hair. Avoid the roots and never apply conditioner to your scalp. Keep your scalp clean and free of any products. You should only apply a light, all natural oil to your scalp after it’s been cleaned and moisturized. Otherwise, you’ll just be sealing in dirt and causing your scalp to become even more dry.
3. You’re Dehydrated
Our bodies are amazing. We use water to support many of the primary bodily functions that sustain our lives. Water helps you regulate your body temperature, carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells, protect your internal organs, lubricate your joints, and so much more.
Your body also supplies water to the innermost layers of your skin. That moisture rises to the top layer of your skin, the epidermis, before evaporating.
This means that if your body doesn’t have enough water to support your essential organs, then it’s not going to send any to your scalp. Your scalp will be dry.
To keep your scalp hydrated, you should drink adequate amounts on a daily basis. This will not only help your dry scalp, it’ll improve your overall health as well.
4. Your Environment Is Drying It Out
Cold weather and areas with low humidity can dry out the scalp and cause it to be irritated. In this type of environment, the air becomes dry and can suck the moisture out of your skin.
To fix this, try using a humidifier in your home. This will add moisture back into to the air and make it easier for your scalp to retain adequate moisture levels.
5. Your Hormones Are Affecting Things
A healthy scalp produces a substance called sebum, which is comprised of fatty acids, cholesterol, and other nutrients that moisturize the skin and act as a barrier to prevent moisture loss (Davis- Sivasothy 2011).
There are a number of things that can diminish sebum production, including hormonal fluctuations due to menopause, stress, certain medications, and even a vitamin deficiency.
If you are experiencing stress or going through menopause, try to participate in stress-reducing activities like exercise, eat a healthy diet rich in micronutrients, and talk to your doctor about any side-effects your medications are causing.
Scalp Health Is a BIG Deal
A healthy scalp is necessary for healthy hair growth and scalp health is often an indicator of your overall well-being. Chronic scalp issues can often be a sign of hormonal imbalances, poor gut health, and dietary deficiencies.
If you are suffering from a dry scalp, identifying the root cause of the dryness is the first step to finding a solution that will provide relief.
Our VoiceOfHair PureRelief Scalp System can help cleanse, detoxify, exfoliate, and replenish moisture to your scalp.
Brandelyn Green is the Founder of VoiceOfHair, a platform to help women of color find the best hair care products, regimens and hairstyles! Since starting VoiceOfHair in 2014 she has grown the social media platform to over 1MM+ on Instagram and Facebook. As a natural who is also a salon goer, she wanted to create a platform where people could find the best products, hairstylists, advice and trends.
