What Is Dry Scalp?
Pat pat, scratch, flake, if you’re experiencing these symptoms then it’s possible that you’re experiencing dry scalp
How To Tell If You Suffer From Dry Scalp
Like other forms of dry skin, the symptoms associated with dry scalp can include itching, flaking, and irritation. Hair can also appear drier as the scalp sebum helps to lubricate and condition the hair. If you have dryer skin then you are more prone to experiencing a dry scalp.
Common Causes Of Dry Scalp:
A dry scalp happens because the top layer of skin (the epidermis) lacks moisture (sebum) or hydration (water) needed to maintain adequate moisture levels which keep the scalp lubricated.
Washing Hair Incorrectly
Washing your hair incorrectly can exacerbate dry scalp. Proper scalp care is often overlooked as many people focus on the aesthetic of hair itself to properly remove products, oil, dirt build-up from your scalp. It is good to do a double shampoo when you do wash. Sticking with gentle formulas such as our Strength and Shine shampoo, instead of anything with harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate that can strip the scalp of oils. When washing your hair you should focus the shampoo on your roots and massage gently with your fingertips in circular motions to help properly dislodge debris from the scalp.
The Weather
Environmental factors such as the weather can affect your scalp and cause dehydration and flaking, this is because transepidermal water loss is more prominent in the summer months as the weather is hotter. without adequate water replenishment, the scalp skin can become very dry dehydrated, in the summer months an exposed scalp can also get sunburnt. Therefore a dry scalp tends to be more common in the summer months
Dandruff or Dry Scalp?
Many people think dry scalp and dandruff are the same, and whilst the symptoms may be very similar, the causes of each vary considerably. It can be difficult to differentiate between dandruff and dry scalp, however, the best way to do this is to recognise what may have caused this dryness to the scalp," perhaps your water intake is inadequate or, you have used products which are drying, or the weather is really hot. If you answered yes to these questions then the probability is you have a dry scalp.
However, If your hair is a bit greasy despite the flakes and is there all the time, then it is likely you are suffering from dandruff
Chemical Treatments
Afro hair care products that contain synthetic or harsh ingredients can also lead to dry scalp harsh chemicals for example sulfates such as Sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (sles) are extremely drying and are detergent grade sulfates that attract both oil and water. Sulfates allow grime and dead skin cells to be removed from your skin and scalp. The problem is that sulfates also strip natural oils from the scalp and hair which can make the scalp dry and brittle.
Sunburn
Like every other part of the body, our scalp can be affected by excessive exposure to the sun, even under an impressive fro and this is especially true if we are adorning protective styles such as cornrows, or box braids which leave parting directly exposed to UV rays.
The symptoms of a sunburnt scalp, are very similar to dandruff: and include itchiness and flakes of skin. However, this is not dandruff!
In the case of sunburn, The dry flakes you see are temporary – because the scalp has been damaged, and is in the process of healing itself.
To help alleviate the discomfort it's important to avoid using heavy oils, especially if the weather is still quite hot. Instead, take a cool shower or apply soothing aloe vera gel to the scalp.
Using Wrong Afro Hair Products
When the scalp is dry we can be tempted to use very thick heavy oils as an attempt to lubricate the skin. Whilst this may seem like a good idea it is actually counterproductive. Heavy oils, hair butter or even conditioners will sit on the scalp attracting dirt, grime and environmental pollutants to the scalp which interrupt the delicate rejuvenation process.Best Products For Dry Scalp
Scalp health definitely impacts hair health, the scalp environment is like a mini-ecosystem, that supports your hair follicles, and helps to regulate the body temperature When the scalp is in good condition, your hair has a healthy base from which to growIf your scalp is dry, it's important to seek a very light product with good hydration such as our FLourish Scalp serum which penetrates quickly, lubricating the scalp. It had been designed to support hair growth, soothe irritation and manage dandruff. Our SuperSeed oil is perfect as it penetrates deeply, delivering light moisture without leaving behind any residue.