How to Get Rid of a Dry Scalp

A dry scalp can leave you feeling irritated and deflated, but at Absolute Collagen, we’re all about empowering you through your skin. That’s why we’ve pulled together some tips for how to get rid of a dry scalp. 

Whether it be switching to a gentle shampoo or using hydrating oils, you’ll find plenty of remedies to hydrate your scalp and provide relief from itching. And while treatment may depend on the cause, most cases of a dry and itchy scalp can be treated easily at home. 

So, let’s not keep you waiting! Continue reading, below, for common causes of a dry scalp as well as the best dry scalp treatments you can find.

Why is my scalp itchy?

Before we look at how to stop an itchy scalp, let’s first look at why this can happen in the first place.

While certain skin sensitivities and sweat build-up can make your scalp itchy, the most common causes of an itchy scalp are skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dermatitis. Typically, these conditions will need a GP to provide diagnosis and treatment, but they are both still perfectly manageable!

However, if your scalp is itchy, it could simply be the result of infrequent washing. When you don’t wash your hair, sweat and natural oils build up, which can cause itching and dryness.  

You may notice skin flakes alongside a dry and itchy scalp as well – which is known as dandruff. This is caused by a type of fungi that breaks down the oil in your hair, and to help get rid of the fungus, your scalp increases skin cell renewal, leading to those tell-tale flakes.

Dandruff vs dry scalp

While dandruff may look like skin flakes from a dry scalp, dandruff and dry scalps are actually two different conditions. So, let’s take a look at the difference so you get the best dry scalp treatment for you.

First, with dandruff the flakes are typically quite large and have an oily sheen to them. Dandruff flakes may be white or even yellow in colour and your skin can look red, oily, and scaly on the scalp. 

However, dry skin flakes tend to be smaller and dryer, and you won’t get the same red and inflamed skin on your scalp as you do with dandruff. You can take a look at the chart, below, to easily compare the two.

5 ways to get rid of a dry scalp

Now you know the causes of a dry scalp, we can look at some simple home remedies for a dry scalp. 

Thankfully, you can try most of these dry scalp treatments at home. However, if your dry scalp is the result of psoriasis or dermatitis, it’s best to talk to your GP or dermatologist about the best ways to moisturise your scalp.

1. Use a gentle shampoo

While smelling like mystical mango or gentle sea breeze may sound appealing, heavily perfumed shampoos can actually be damaging to your scalp. 

Not all shampoos with a fragrance will make your scalp itchy, but if you notice ingredients such as parabens or phthalates, then you may be best steering clear. These chemicals can strip your scalp of healthy natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and itchy, 

Some of the best shampoos for a dry scalp are ones designed for sensitive skin, as these are less likely to contain skin irritants. However, ingredients such as ginger or aloe vera are ideal for treating a dry scalp. Ginger is a great anti-inflammatory and helps soothe the scalp, while aloe vera not only soothes the area but moisturises the scalp too.

2. Treat the scalp with oils

Applying oils is a simple way to hydrate the scalp when it’s dry and dehydrated. In fact, certain oils can also help reduce the appearance of skin flakes and dandruff too!

If you’re looking to moisturise your scalp, then massaging in coconut oil is a great at home remedy for a dry scalp. And for treating dandruff, peppermint oil has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties to soothe the irritation and reduce inflammation. 

You can leave coconut oil in for as little as half an hour for general treatment, though leaving it in while you sleep can help stop the scalp itching at night. And with peppermint oil, wash it out after 20 minutes, removing it sooner if the tingling sensation of menthol is too much. But with any oil, make sure to thoroughly wash your hair to properly remove the product and avoid excess oil build-up.

3. Try a scalp massaging brush

Not only are scalp massaging brushes a luxurious upgrade to your hair washing routine, but they can also help treat a dry scalp too!

Scalp massagers are great for removing the build-up of old skin cells and can help reduce dry flakes and even dandruff as well. For the best results, simply take the massager and rub it in small circular motions across your scalp at least once a week. 

Using your scalp massager in the shower or bath on wet hair is easier, but you can use it on dry hair too. Feel free to pop a bit of shampoo on the massager for a deeper clean when in the shower, or you can apply oils to the massager for dry hair as well. 

4. Incorporate collagen to your day

Now, it wouldn’t be an Absolute Collagen blog without us taking a moment to talk about collagen. And there are two options available when it comes to moisturising your scalp! 

So, first up is our delightful collagen supplements! From improving skin evenness to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, collagen has a myriad of benefits for the skin - and these results can help the skin on your scalp as well!

However, the star of the show for getting rid of a dry scalp is our collagen shampoo and conditioner! Free of parabens and with a dose of that lovely collagen we spoke about, this shampoo and conditioner avoids irritants and provides enriching oils to moisturise the scalp – plus it’s wonderful for helping to improve hair volume and strength too. Don’t believe us? Check out what our Absoluters had to say!

5. Take cooler showers

Steamy, hot showers may be soothing to the body and mind, but they can actually be quite irritating for a dry scalp. 

Taking very hot showers can dry out your scalp even further, causing it to itch with a potential increase in dry flakes and dandruff. If you’re looking to treat a dry scalp, it’s best to reduce the water temperature so it’s warm but not hot. This will mean the shampoo can still lather, but you won’t be risking a dry scalp alongside it. 

With your at home remedies for dry skin done dusted, you might be on the lookout for other tips on how collagen can benefit your hair. Whether looking to stimulate hair growth or ways to manage thinning hair, head over to our blog.