If you experience dry scalp, you know how annoying and sometimes embarrassing it can be. In addition to the discomfort, seeing little white flakes from your scalp on your clothing and sitting in your hair can be awkward to say the least. A lot of people experience dry scalp and there is a solution!
Dr. Dominic Burg, Chief Scientist and Hair Biologist for évolis Professional, spoke to Elle to share his six tips for eliminating dry scalp for good:
1. IDENTIFY THE CAUSE
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The first step in finding out what causes your dry scalp is to determine what skin type your scalp takes after. Yes, just like you face and body, your scalp has a skin type as well. Dr. Burg says a person’s genetics and/or hormones can influence the oil levels produced on the scalp. Environmental factors can also play a role in the changes you see with your hair.
"The air in winter is particularly dry, as is the air from air conditioners in the summer," Dr. Burg said. "This can lead to drying of the skin, leading to sensitivity, itchiness, prickliness, and flaking that many people experience in the winter months."
Also, according to Livestrong, it is important to identify what causes your dry scalp because if left untreated, flaking skin could clog your hair follicles and lead to unwanted hair loss.
2. AVOID HARSH CHEMICALS
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Switch to sulfate-free products and avoid silicones because they are drying and can suffocate your hair follicles! Dr. Burg suggests products that include natural ingredients and are gentle to use. Also, add oils and other products to your routine that can help lock in moisture.
3. NO EXCESSIVE WASHING
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Washing your hair too often can add to your scalp irritation. Dr. Burg says washing your hair two to three times a week is plenty, and the American Academy of Dermatology suggests African Americans only shampoo once a week with a dandruff shampoo of your choice if you are experiencing dandruff.
“The scalp actually has a population of billions of good bacteria from hundreds of different species. The microbes help balance pH and actually work to out-compete the bad microbes for nutrients and by producing special defense molecules," Dr. Burg shared with Elle.
Also, in terms of washing your hair, avoid putting conditioner on your scalp, instead focus it on the ends of your hair to avoid the conditioner from coating your scalp and leading to dryness.
4. SAY NO TO SCRUBS
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"Heavy scrubs can cause more irritation to dry and unhappy scalps, so if you want to use a scrub to clean up excess skin, make sure that it contains moisturizing ingredients as well," Burg advises.
5. GET A HAIR SUPPLEMENT
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Taking supplements with the right ingredients can help promote a healthy scalp. Essentials like zinc, iron and biotin are great for this!
"As the scalp is similar to the rest of the skin, the same principles apply. Look for supplements with key ingredients such as Omega 3 oils and Vitamins A, C, and E which are great for helping skin maintain is structure and moisture,” Dr. Burg said.
6. KNOW WHEN TO SEEK A PROFESSIONAL
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“When shedding is excessive and visible, it may be a sign that there is some other underlying issue," Dr. Burg continues, "Excess flakiness or dryness may be caused by things such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis and if you have itchiness, redness, sores, broken skin or areas where there is associated hair loss, it might be time to see a dermatologist."
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