Treatment FAQ

what kind of hair treatment do i need for a dry itchy flaky scalp

by Prof. Eveline Koepp Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
  • Aloe Vera
  • Lemon Juice
  • Olive Oil Treatment
  • Coconut Oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Honey
  • Yoga, Tai Chi and Other Forms of Exercise
  • Don’t Use Chemicals on Your Hair

Baking soda and olive oil
The baking soda and olive oil combination is a good choice if you have dandruff alongside dry scalp, as the moisture, exfoliation, and antifungal properties combined can treat those itchy white flakes. Where to buy: You can purchase both baking soda and olive oil at a grocery store.

Full Answer

What is the best thing for a dry flaky scalp?

The 23 Best Scalp Products & Treatments of 2021 to Soothe Dryness & Irritation

  • Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Nighttime Scalp Tonic Lotion. ...
  • Act + Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox. ...
  • Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Soothing Serum. ...
  • Kiehl's Magic Elixir. ...
  • Aveda Invati Advanced Intensive Hair and Scalp Masque. ...
  • Biolage All-In-One Shampoo Scrub. ...
  • The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Scalp Scrub. ...
  • Hair Rituel by Sisley Soothing Rebalancing Cure. ...

More items...

How to cure dry flaky scalp naturally?

What to do:

  • Take an avocado and smash it to make a fine paste.
  • Apply this paste on the scalp and hair thoroughly as a mask.
  • Leave it for at least an hour so that the pulp will get well absorbed into the scalp.
  • Finally, wash your hair with a mild shampoo and lukewarm water.

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What is the best home remedy for itchy scalp?

Top 10 Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp:

  1. Coconut Oil: Did you know the humble coconut oil is a wonderful natural treatment for itchy scalp? ...
  2. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from a plant called Melaleuca Alternifolia, which is native to Australia.
  3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider Vinegar or ACV offers instant relief from itchy scalp. ...

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How to moisturize a dry and itchy scalp?

Sometimes dogs get dandruff because of common health issues, like dry skin or allergies ... to be suspended throughout the shampoo,” Schaefer said, which makes it more moisturizing. “Another great ingredient to look for is zinc pyrithione ...

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What is the best scalp treatment for itchy scalp?

Dove's DermaCare Scalp Dryness & Itch Relief Conditioner helps nourish and soothe itchy and dry scalps. A standout product within the collection is this anti-dandruff conditioner formulated with active pyrithione zinc, which effectively tackles flakes and won't leave your scalp feeling terribly dry.

What is the best scalp treatment for dry scalp?

Best for Dry Scalp: Living Proof Scalp Care Dry Scalp Treatment. Best for Oily Scalp: Moroccanoil Oily Scalp Treatment. Best for Dandruff: Nioxin Scalp Recovery Serum Soothing Serum. Best for Itchy Scalp: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Tea Tree Cooling Hydration Mask for Dry, Itchy Scalp.

Which type of product is appropriate for a dry scalp treatment?

Humectants are the only moisturizing ingredient that increases the water content in skin tissues, so humectant shampoos or conditioners should be the first choice in treating dry scalp.

What's the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?

With dry scalp, your skin gets irritated and flakes off. With dandruff, the cause is too much oil on your scalp along with an overgrowth of yeast, called Malassezia, that's already on your skin. That excess oil causes skin cells to build up and then shed.

How do you moisturize severely dry scalp?

Here are some common ways to treat a dry scalp:Moisturising shampoo.Exfoliating scalp masks.Post-shower hair tonic.Coconut oil.Essential oils like tea tree and jojoba.Aloe vera gel or aloe vera-based products.Home remedies such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar.

How do you get rid of dry itchy scalp and dandruff?

Home remediesBaking soda. Gently rub it into your scalp in the shower and rinse after a few minutes.Apple cider vinegar. Mix 1/4 cup with a 1/4 cup of water. ... Coconut oil. Rub 3–5 teaspoons into your scalp and leave for 1 hour. ... Lemon juice. Rub 2 teaspoons into your scalp and rinse out. ... Aloe vera. ... Olive oil.

How do I get rid of flaky scalp?

For mild dandruff, first try regular cleansing with a gentle shampoo to reduce oil and skin cell buildup. If that doesn't help, try a medicated dandruff shampoo. Some people can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, with regular shampooing on other days if needed.

When should you not perform a scalp treatment?

DO NOT massage a client's scalp if abrasions are present. Scalp treatments and massage may be performed before a shampoo if a scalp condition is apparent or during a shampoo after the conditioner is applied for relaxation. mixing solution as well as other functions.

Why does my scalp feel itchy?

Frequently Asked Questions. An itchy, dry, flaky scalp is a common complaint. A frequent cause of it is a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, also called seborrheic eczema, dandruff, or, in babies, cradle cap. 1 It's not contagious, it doesn't indicate poor hygiene, and it doesn't cause serious damage to your hair or scalp.

What is the difference between dry scalp and dandruff?

The main difference between dandruff and dry scalp is that dandruff is caused by excess production of oils on the scalp that causes skin cells to build up before they're shed, while in dry scalp, the skin gets irritated and flakes off.

What is the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis?

If OTC shampoos don't work, you doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal shampoo, such as: 1. Nizoral (ketoconazole) Loprox (ciclopirox) In most cases, you'll use it a few times a week until your scalp clears up, then use it less often to keep symptoms from coming back.

How to prevent seborrheic dermatitis?

However, you can reduce your risk of flares, and possibly of developing it in the first place, by: 4. Getting enough sleep. Managing stress in healthy ways.

When to see a doctor for sebhorreic dermatitis?

When to See a Doctor. If you haven't been previously diagnosed with or treated for sebhorreic dermatitis or any other skin condition, you should see your doctor about an itchy, dry scalp if your symptoms: 4. Are severe. Impact your sleep or daily life. Spread beyond your scalp.

Why do I have small flakes on my scalp?

When more severe, the flakes can be thicker, and are often yellowish or greasy as well. If you have silvery scales on your scalp, it may be from an overlap with psoriasis , a condition sometimes referred to as sebopsoriasis.

Can seborrheic dermatitis be itchy?

Seborrheic dermatitis may or may not be itchy. When it does itch, it can be mild or intense. Some people say the itch bothers them the most at night, and some may wake up scratching. Irritated, itchy skin may also be red, even if you haven't scratched it.

What can a dermatologist prescribe for hair?

A dermatologist can prescribe topical steroid medicines —liquids or foams that dry quickly and don’t tend to weigh down your hair—that can be very helpful in controlling dryness, itching, flaking, irritation, or rash.

Why does dandruff look like dry scalp?

And while seborrheic dermatitis might look like dry scalp, it’s actually due to having too much oil. “Dandruff is caused by an overproduction of oil or other secretions in your skin, or an increase in normal skin yeasts,” says Carlos Wesley, M.D., a cosmetic surgeon and hair-loss specialist in New York City. The oil on your scalp blocks dead skin cells from shedding as they normally would, and in turn these dead cells become more apparent—hence the flakes that pop up along your hairline.

How to get rid of dandruff after washing?

If it’s after not washing enough, try to shampoo more regularly—but if you’re already washing every day, try cutting back to every other day. Incorporate more scalp products into your routine, whether that’s an anti-dandruff shampoo, a hydrating coconut oil mask, or a calming scalp serum. Drink enough water.

What happens if you don't have dandruff?

If you don’t have dandruff, your hair styling products or habits could be to blame. “Some gels, creams, balms, pomades, and sprays can build up on your scalp and form tiny flakes and itching,” says Geraghty. (Dry shampoo overuse ring a bell?) “Other products contain ingredients that may cause a contact dermatitis rash from irritation or allergies. For example, there’s a hair dye ingredient called paraphenylenediamine, or PPD, that’s a common cause of skin and scalp allergies.”

Why is my scalp so dry?

There are several reasons you could be dealing with a dry scalp, including: 1 Sebhorrheic dermatitis (a.k.a. dandruff) 2 Hair products and styling habits 3 Psoriasis 4 Eczema 5 Allergies

How to treat dandruff on the face?

The Treatment. If you’re prone to dandruff, try cutting back on carbs and sugar to see if you notice a difference. You can also take fish oil supplements, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and known to help fight dryness. Zinc, along vitamins A, B, and C, can also help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Can you use anti-dandruff shampoo?

You can try anti-dandruff shampoos or switch up your hair-care routine, but at some point you might want to see a professional. “If scalp dryness is very itchy, feels irritated or uncomfortable, or is causing a lot of flaking, it’s worth a trip to a dermatologist to find out what’s going on,” says Geraghty.

What is the best treatment for itchy scalp?

The best treatment for itchy scalp is a good scalp exfoliator. Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub is a detoxifying treatment made with Sea Salt to calm your irritated scalp and help bring it back into balance. Scrubbing your scalp can really help improve the condition of your hair.

What is the best scalp treatment for dandruff?

Dandruff can ruin your day. If you’re looking for a dry, flaky scalp treatment that takes a gentler, more holistic approach to treating dandruff, you’ll love Weleda Wheat Balancing Shampoo.

What is the best shampoo for dandruff?

We recommend trying one or several products in the category best describing your own scalp. If you have a dry, itchy form of dandruff, try: Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo, which blends two antifungal ingredients, piroctone olamine and climbazole, with exfoliating salicylic acid. If you have an oily scalp with dandruff, try:

What does it mean when your scalp is dry?

A dry, itchy, flaky scalp can only mean one thing: dandruff. Maybe you've experienced dandruff for as long as you can remember. Or perhaps you've recently self-diagnosed the symptoms. Whichever camp you fit into, the solution is the same.

What is Hauschka's scalp tonic?

Designed to benefit people suffering from dandruff, Dr. Hauschka Revitalising Hair & Scalp Tonic works to soothe your dry, itchy, flaky scalp. It also helps reduce excess oil at the roots of your hair.

Can you use dry shampoo on your scalp?

Dry shampoo is a modern haircare hero, but if you’re always spritzing and rarely wet-washing, extra bacteria could be building up on your scalp. Fortunately, we've rounded up the best dry scalp treatments that you can add into your hair care routine, to help you restore your hair and scalp back to balance.

Does chamomile oil help with scalp?

The Chamomile in the blend soothes an irritated scalp. Sweet Almond Oil hydrates the hair and stops it from becoming brittle and dry. If you’ve been looking for a solution to your hair and scalp care woes, Kérastase Specifique Cure Apaisante is a great option for you.

How to treat dry scalp and dandruff?

To relieve your itchy scalp, you can either purchase an over the counter anti-dandruff shampoo or anti-fungal treatment, or go the more natural route and try some of these home remedies for dry scalp: 1. Baking soda.

What is the best treatment for dandruff?

Apple cider vinegar remedy for dry scalp. Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the best home remedies for dandruff because it has probiotics and anti-inflammatory properties that kill viruses and yeast that cause itchiness on the skin.

What is dandruff on the scalp?

Dandruff refers to the dead skin cells that flake off of your scalp and appear around your scalp and in your hair as white flakes. This typically occurs when your scalp is irritated, or you are suffering from a skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis.

Why does my scalp flake off?

While dry scalp occurs when your scalp lacks moisture, dandruff refers to the visual dead skin cells that flake off of your scalp due to infection, irritation or other skin conditions. According to Healthline, Men develop dandruff more frequently than women.

Why is my scalp dry?

Age: As your skin ages, it tends to get drier, which is why dry scalp is common among older people. Dry Climate: Just as the winter air dries your hands and lips, it also can dry out your scalp. Dry scalp is a common winter hair problem that many face every year.

How to get rid of tea tree smell on scalp?

Massage it well into your scalp and then rinse thoroughly with water. The smell of tea tree oil is a little bit strong, so you may want to do this before going to sleep or on days when you’re at home.

How to get rid of stings on scalp?

Massage fresh lemon juice onto your scalp and leave it in for 5 minutes. We recommend testing a drop of lemon juice on a small part of your scalp first—if it really stings, then dilute the juice with water.

Why does my scalp itch?

Your doctor may say you have neuropathy (neu-rop-ah-thie). It’s the medical word for a problem along a nerve due to damage, disease, or an abnormality in the way the nerve works .

Why does shampoo make my scalp itch?

Leaving some shampoo on your scalp can irritate it. If you have an itchy scalp and a rash, you may have a condition called allergic contact dermatitis. This is common among people who dye their hair. Often the culprit is an ingredient in the dye called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in black hair dyes.

What does it mean when you have hives on your scalp?

When hives form on the scalp, you'll often have a rash of itchy red bu mps that look like the ones shown here. Head lice. An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of head lice. If you suspect that head lice are causing the itch, ask someone to closely examine your scalp and hair for signs of these tiny bugs.

How to get rid of scalp psoriasis?

How to get relief: There are many treatments for scalp psoriasis. Some people get relief from a medicated shampoo or other treatment that you can buy without a prescription. You can find out more about treatment options at, Scalp psoriasis: Shampoos, scale softeners, and other treatments.

What causes bumps on the scalp?

Ringworm. This 4-year-old girl has scalp ringworm, which is a fungal infection that can cause pus-filled bumps, hair loss, and an intensely itchy scalp. Scalp psoriasis. About 50% of the people who have plaque psoriasis experience a flare-up on the scalp at some point.

Why does ringworm itch?

Ringworm isn’t caused by worms. It’s an infection caused by a fungus. If you get ringworm on your scalp, you’ll likely have a red and intensely itchy rash. How to get relief: To get relief, you need an accurate diagnosis and treatment for ringworm.

Does itching stop when you get itchy?

You may feel that the itch will never stop, but relief is possible. Getting rid of the itch begins with finding out why your scalp itches. Here are 10 reasons for an itchy scalp along with dermatologists’ advice on what can bring relief. Dandruff.

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Symptoms

Causes

  • Seborrheic dermatitis has many possible causes and triggers. Among the causes are:3 1. Overgrowth of Malasseziayeast, which may trigger skin inflammation 2. Overactivity of sebaceous glands, leading to oily skin and possibly skin inflammation 3. Increased levels of androgen hormones 4. Immune system defects 5. High levels of stress 6. Nutritional deficiencies involvin…
See more on verywellhealth.com

When to See A Healthcare Provider

  • If you haven't been previously diagnosed with or treated for sebhorreic dermatitis or any other skin condition, you should see your practitioner about an itchy, dry scalp if your symptoms:4 1. Are severe 2. Impact your sleep or daily life 3. Spread beyond your scalp 4. Aren't improving with OTC treatments If you're already being treated for it, you should talk to your healthcare provider if you…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Treatment

  • You have a lot of treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis. The first one many people turn to is OTC dandruff shampoos. Look for ones that contain ingredients that may help address the underlying cause(s) of the condition, including: 1. Zinc/pyrithione zinc: Believed to have beneficial effects on nutritional deficiency, fungus, inflammation, and...
See more on verywellhealth.com

Prevention

  • If you're prone to seborrheic dermatitis, you probably won't be able to prevent it entirely. However, you can reduce your risk of flares, and possibly of developing it in the first place, by:4 1. Getting enough sleep 2. Managing stress in healthy ways 3. Avoiding intense or prolonged sunlight but getting a few minutes of sun exposure daily
See more on verywellhealth.com

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?
    The main difference between dandruff and dry scalp is that dandruff is caused by excess production of oils on the scalp that causes skin cells to build up before they're shed, while in dry scalp, the skin gets irritated and flakes off.
See more on verywellhealth.com

A Word from Verywell

  • The visible flakes and itching from seborrheic dermatitis can be annoying and embarrassing. Fortunately, you have plenty of treatment options that are likely to control it pretty well, so don't think you just have to live with it! It's simple to start working toward managing the condition, and if you need something more than what's available without a prescription, talk to your healthcare pr…
See more on verywellhealth.com

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