What to do about a dry flaky scalp

Suffering with a dry and flaky scalp? Itchy and uncomfortable, a dry scalp can cause a number of issues, from visible flakes to tightness and tingling. Fortunately, though, there are some effective dry scalp remedies which can help to soothe and revive dry scalps.

And if after following these steps your scalp problems don’t improve, book an appointment with your doctor, who will be able to prescribe the right course of treatment.

What causes dry flaky scalp?

If your scalp tightness is accompanied by white flakes, then it may be a sign that you’ve got dandruff. Dandruff causes the skin cells on the scalp to shed too quickly, which is why these flakes (which are actually dead skin) appear. Bad reactions to hair products and heat styling can also irritate your scalp, as can environmental factors like cold weather and humidity.

5 Steps for how to treat dry scalp

If your scalp tightness is accompanied by white flakes, then it may be a sign that you’ve got dandruff. Dandruff causes the skin cells on the scalp to shed too quickly, which is why these flakes (which are actually dead skin) appear. Bad reactions to hair products and heat styling can also irritate your scalp, as can environmental factors like cold weather and humidity.

Step 1: Swap your shampoo

One of the first things to look at when you’re thinking about how to get rid of dry scalp is what shampoo you’re using. some shampoos can be too stripping for sensitive scalps, so your first step should be to find a moisturising dry scalp shampoo. The CLEAR Complete Soft Care Anti-dandruff Shampoo is a great choice, as its moisture-rich formula nourishes the scalp as it cleans, soothing inflammation and tightness.

Step 2: Exfoliate

When we exfoliate our face and body, we slough away dead, scaly skin cells and clarify our pores. The same method can also be used to help prevent and remove dry patches of skin from the scalp. Scalp scrubs contain tiny exfoliating grains (often made from sugar or salt), which help to buff away stubborn flakes, sebum and product build-up for a clear and healthy scalp. Just be careful not to scrub too hard and cause irritation.

Step 3: Scalp massage

Head massages don’t just feel nice, they can have restorative benefits, too. Stimulating the hair pores helps to relax scalp. This ensures that essential nutrients (like oxygen and proteins) are reaching the scalp, which can also help enable “good soil” for healthy looking hair. Try heating up some oil (coconut, olive and avocado all work well) and massaging it into your roots with your fingertips or a scalp massage brush for a nourishing DIY hair treatment. Just make sure you rinse it off completely to ensure no built up.

Step 4: Avoid build-up

Addicted to dry shampoo? Product build-up can cause all sorts of problems, including dullness and blocked scalp pores, so it’s important to thoroughly cleanse your scalp regularly. If your regular shampoo doesn’t leave your hair feeling as clean as you’d like, a clarifying shampoo CLEAR Complete Soft Care Anti-dandruff Shampoo will provide a more powerful clean. Just be careful not to over-use clarifying or detox shampoos, as they can make your hair feel dry if used too frequently 

Step 5: Conditioner

If you don’t currently use a conditioner after washing your hair, this is an easy change that you can add into your routine immediately. Think of conditioner as the scalp equivalent of your face moisturiser – it adds moisture where you need it, which is especially important if your scalp isn’t producing enough natural oils of its own. If you have a dry scalp, you should use conditioner every time you shampoo your hair and apply a more intensive conditioning mask once a week for extra nourishment. 

If you found these dry scalp remedies helpful, you can read more about how to keep your scalp healthy here.