These Moisturizing Treatments Will Save Your Dry, Flaky Scalp

<p class=”body-text”>So before I get into the best dry-scalp treatments you can buy, I’m breaking down all the need-to-know info about dry scalp: </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What is the main cause of dry scalp?</h2><p class=”body-text”><strong>Dry scalp is essentially caused by lack of hydration</strong>. “Like our skin, our scalp can become dehydrated and get flaky,” explains dermatologist Anar Mikailov, MD. Dry skin on your scalp could occur after something as simple as shampooing without conditioner, washing and shampooing too frequently, or using shampoos that contain harsh, drying ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate (aka sulfates) and synthetic fragrance. You could even experience scalp dryness and irritation from <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g28505937/best-at-home-hair-color-dye/”>hair dye</a> and buildup from too much <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g36131689/best-dry-shampoos-for-hair/”>dry shampoo</a> or hairspray. </p><p class=”body-text”><strong>Scalp dryness can also be a symptom of another bigger scalp concern. </strong>For example, psoriasis (a chronic autoimmune condition) can lead to much thicker scales that are extremely itchy and can cause some inflammation and bleeding if peeled off. FYI, though, if you think you have scalp psoriasis, set up an appointment with your dermatologist, because you’ll likely require prescription medication (like a topical steroid) to treat the scaling. Similarly, dry scalp can be a result of dandruff, which brings us to…</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How do you tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp? </h2><p>The difference between dandruff and dry scalp is that <strong>dandruff is caused by an overproduction of yeast, while dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture</strong>, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. “Dandruff typically results in inflammation and excess oil on your scalp and may appear as thick, yellow-tinged greasy scales that stick in your hair and can sometimes clump together,” she explains, “while dry scalp tends to feel tight, itchy, and irritated, and might have white patches or flakes,” rather than the oily plaques you get with dandruff. </p><p>But keep in mind that <strong>you can have both dandruff and a dry scalp,</strong> which is exactly why a dermatologist is the best person to help you figure out what you’re dealing with. Dandruff with a dry scalp can look like a combination of both: Maybe you’ll have thick, oily scales with an itchy, irritated scalp that feels tight. Or maybe your dandruff swings back and forth between oily and dry, depending on the seasons. That being said, how you treat each concern can be very different. </p><p>“Those with dandruff should consider treatments containing exfoliating ingredients, like <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a30432343/salicylic-acid-for-skin/”>salicylic acid</a>, as well as medicated antifungals, like ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, and selenium sulfide,” says Dr. Garshick. “On the other hand, <strong>for dry scalp, look for soothers</strong>, including <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g27017387/best-aloe-vera-gel/”>aloe vera</a> and centella asiatica, to help with itch; exfoliators—like salicylic acid and salt or sugar-based scrubs—to slough off dead skin; and moisturizers, like <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a40326929/shea-butter-for-hair/”>shea butter</a>, <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a40222342/hyaluronic-acid-benefits-for-hair/”>hyaluronic acid</a>, and glycerin, to hydrate your skin.”</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How do you get rid of dry scalp?</h2><p>To get rid of dry scalp, you’ll need a comprehensive approach including<strong> moisturizing products and some lifestyle changes.</strong> Dr. Mikailov says it could help to cut back your shampoo to only twice per week so you’re not constantly removing your scalp’s natural oils. You’ll also want to avoid any products that can cause dryness, including anything with strong sulfates (sodium lauryl sulfates and sodium laureth sulfates), and fragrances, if you have a sensitive scalp. Dr. Mikailov says for some people, <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a30112068/essential-oils-for-bath/”>essential oils</a> that are common in “natural” dandruff solutions, like peppermint and <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a38369567/rosemary-oil-for-hair/”>rosemary hair oil</a>, can also actually be irritating and lead to more flakes.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>Should I see a dermatologist for my scalp? </h2><p>You should see a dermatologist for your dry scalp if over-the-counter treatments (like the scalp serums, oils, and shampoos I listed below) aren’t relieving the dryness, or if you’re also experiencing itchy, inflamed patches or plaques, says Dr. Garshick. <strong>“Speak to a board-certified dermatologist, as sometimes further evaluation with patch-testing,</strong> in the event your dryness is caused by allergies, or a prescription medication may be needed if you have persistent dandruff or psoriasis,” she says. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What is the best treatment for extremely dry scalp?</h2><p>The best treatment, if you have an ~extremely~ dry scalp, is going to include <strong>cutting out the ingredients that could be drying you out (see: sulfates and fragrance)</strong>, and incorporating moisturizers, exfoliants, and soothers to help calm inflammation and hydrate your skin. Here are my absolute favorites, whether you have dry scalp and dandruff, prefer natural skincare products, or have itchy, flakes: </p>” />