How to Get Rid of a Dry Scalp in 9 Soothing Steps

To treat a dry scalp, you first need to identify if you’re dealing with dryness or dandruff. Select a shampoo for your scalp or hair type. For a dry scalp, use scalp treatments, drink plenty of water and avoid hot showers. For dandruff, use an anti-dandruff shampoo and scalp- balancing products.

Here we delve into how to get rid of a dry scalp in nine soothing steps, plus all the ways you can prevent further irritation. These are the tips to share…

Dry Scalp vs. Dandruff: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse a dry scalp with dandruff, but these issues require different treatments:

• Dry Scalp - Caused by lack of moisture. Common symptoms include small, dry white flakes, tightness, and itchiness.
• Dandruff - Caused by excess oil and a yeast-like fungus (Malassezia). Common symptoms include large, yellowish, or oily flakes as well as persistent itching.

What Causes a Dry Scalp?

A dry, irritated scalp happens when the skin loses too much moisture, and there could be a number of culprits causing that tight, itchy sensation. These include:

• Extreme weather. Especially when it’s very cold and dry outside, the environment can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving the scalp feeling tight and stressed.
• Too-harsh hair care products. If shampoos and treatments contain irritants or exfoliants, they could be putting extra strain on sensitive scalps.
• Genetics. Put simply, some people are just more prone to dry skin than others and may need to add extra moisture into their everyday routines to maintain hydration.
• Applying products incorrectly. It’s important for you to always follow instructions for your products, so you don’t overwork delicate follicles.

So, What is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of a Dry Scalp?

1. Check Whether the Scalp is Dry or Dandruff Prone

Is it a dry scalp or is it dandruff? While flakiness might make you think your skin is dry and dehydrated, it could actually be a sign that you're dealing with dandruff. Check whether the flakes are sticky, and if they are, a sebum-balancing approach is best. Dandruff thrives in oily environments, so you might need to use a deeper cleaning shampoo, or to wash your hair more frequently.

Elements Purifying Pre-Shampoo Clay is a great product to add to this routine, harnessing Kaolin clay to absorb excess oil and leave the scalp feeling purified. All you have to do is massage it into the roots of dry hair, leave it on for five minutes, then emulsify with water before rinsing thoroughly. Follow with Elements Renewing Shampoo for an ultra-clean look and feel.

2. Adjust Your Hair Wash Schedule

If it’s not dandruff, but a truly dry scalp that you’re dealing with, think about how frequently you’re washing your hair. If you are lathering up daily, or every other day, you should try waiting at least one more day between each shampoo. Simply adjusting your wash schedule could fix dryness if you have a sensitive scalp, as it means you’re not constantly removing your hair’s natural oils.

3. Turn Down the Tap Temperature

Water that’s too hot can cause further irritation to a dry, flaky scalp, so wash your hair with lukewarm water.That doesn’t mean you should use cold water, as some warmth is needed to get their hair truly clean. But, in order to avoid stripping away essential oils, lukewarm is always the way to go.

4. Wash Hair with a Nourishing Shampoo

Another wise switch for hair wash day: using a soothing shampoo. For very dry, irritated scalps, INVIGO Scalp Balance Sensitive Shampoo offers gentle yet effective cleansing. The fragrance-free formula is infused with allantoin, an emollient that nourishes and calms the skin, so you can wash your sensitive scalp without stripping away moisture.

If your hair is also dry, ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo is the perfect pick, with a de-stressing blend that’s kind to hair and dermatologically tested to be gentle on skin. It features a skincare-inspired blend of AHA and Omega-9, alongside a luxurious lather that bestows locks with instant deep nourishment and vitality.

5. Treat the Scalp to a Caring Mask Treatment

Skin-soothing masks aren’t just for your face. INVIGO Enrich Deep Nourishing Mask is a deeply nourishing mask that replenishes dry and stressed hair. Apply the mask after shampooing, on days when their scalp feels extra irritated, then leave it on for five minutes to reap the rewards.

It’s not just for the root area; you can also smooth the mask through the lengths of your hair for light nourishment, before rinsing it out thoroughly to reveal fresh, clean hair. Or you could multi-mask, meaning applying the mask to your scalp only, but reaching for a more intensive hair conditioner, like ULTIMATE REPAIR Conditioner, to treat damaged hair through the mid-lengths and ends.

6. Drink Plenty of Water

Hydration starts from within, so it’s important to drink plenty of water each day in order to care for your skin and their scalp. We recommend around eight glasses (or 2.5 liters) per day to keep moisture levels topped up.

7. Massage the Scalp to Remove Flakes

Whether you’re working in your shampoo or applying a scalp mask, give yourself a gentle scalp massage each time you wash your hair. These massages aren’t just relaxing, they can also help to ease away and remove any dry flakes.You need to simply use your fingertips or a soft bristled brush to gently encourage flaky skin to loosen. Remember not to rub or scrub too hard; excess friction can have the opposite effect, leaving your skin feeling more stressed out.

8. Apply a Scalp Primer Before Coloring Hair

If you have sensitive skin and want to color your hair, a scalp primer is a must. When it’s likely that the color or lightener will touch your scalp, apply a lightweight primer to reduce any scalp discomfort and to add a protective layer that prevents moisture loss.

9. Speak to a Dermatologist

If adjusting your hair care routine isn’t working out, then your dry, itchy and flaky scalp could be a sign of an underlying skin condition. In this case, speak to your doctor or dermatologist who may prescribe a medicated treatment to soothe any sensitivity. You can still make use of the tips above to maintain a healthy scalp, while getting the extra care needed to make dryness a thing of the past.

FAQs for Dealing with a Dry Scalp

What’s the best shampoo for dry scalp?

Look for fragrance-free, sulphate-free shampoos with hydrating ingredients like glycerine, aloe vera, and allantoin.

Can dandruff shampoo help a dry scalp?

Not always. Anti-dandruff shampoos can sometimes be drying so it’s best to use a moisturizing shampoo instead.

How do you prevent dandruff naturally?

Wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo, reduce stress, eat a balanced diet and avoid heavy product buildup on your scalp.

What’s the fastest dry scalp treatment?

Switching to a nourishing shampoo and scalp mask, lowering your shower temperature and staying hydrated.

Looking for more ways to help you care for your hair? Discover our complete collection of Hair Care Guides, featuring tips for every type and concern.