The 13 Best Shampoos To Treat a Dry Scalp

A dry scalp “is brought on by a lack of the pure oils that moisturize the scalp. This will happen for a myriad of causes,” explains Dr. Rodney. She says elements might embrace a change in your setting (perhaps the climate), stress, growing old, over-washing, contact dermatitis (a response to a product), or a pores and skin situation like eczema or psoriasis. Cohen notes the scalp is commonly dryer through the winter, so choosing hydrating, nourishing merchandise through the colder months is all the time a good suggestion.

Dr. Frey explains a dry scalp is commonly attributed to seborrheic dermatitis, aka our worst enemy: dandruff. Dandruff is mainly brought on by a yeast known as malassezia that happens on the scalp and eats up the wholesome oils, leaving you with a dry scalp and plenty of flakes.

Dr. Rodney says there are some precautions we will take to make sure our scalps keep hydrated and wholesome. She recommends consuming a lot of water, managing your stress ranges, avoiding harsh hair merchandise, utilizing a humidifier so as to add some moisture again into your setting, and if irritation persists or one thing appears irregular, see a dermatologist.

Cohen recommends choosing one thing mild and avoiding harsh sulfates which strip your hair of oils and shine. “Most shampoos on this nation use a detergent-based surfactant system like sulfates or PEGs,” she says. “This sort of cleaning system is what you see in 90s shampoo commercials—extreme lather and that squeaky clear really feel. I do know it could actually make you’re feeling tremendous clear, however it’s over-stripping your scalp of all the nice, wholesome oils within the course of. I like to recommend a naturally-derived surfactant system for cleaning.”

Dr. Frey recommends in search of a shampoo with zinc pyrithione, which helps to cease dandruff in its tracks and take away extra flaking. Dr. Rodney likes formulation with salicylic acid, which “promotes cell turnover, decreasing flaking and redness.” Salicylic acid and different exfoliants like glycolic acid will help to take away buildup on the scalp so you can begin recent. Rodney additionally recommends avocado oil, argan oil, aloe vera, pantothenic acid, and oatmeal to supply a lift of hydration.

“It’s necessary to maintain the scalp hydrated and nourished—like a backyard, you wish to deal with the soil to maintain the setting thriving,” says Cohen. She recommends choosing a hyaluronic acid scalp serum for added moisture and making an attempt out peppermint or tea tree oil for a dry, itchy scalp. Merely apply the oil to your scalp like a spot remedy to assist with irritation.