What To Do With A Dry Scalp Problem

A dry scalp is a bummer. When you think you look absolutely spiffy in that black ensemble, don’t head out the door just yet. Be sure to glance down and check for those little white flakes that can turn to your look from hot to gross in an instant.
A dry scalp often comes with dandruff, psoriasis, and other scalp-y problems; though not all the time. A dry scalp feels tight and may harbour white flakes on the hairline, top of head, and around the base of the hairline near the neck. Although the symptom of skin flakes doesn’t always mean dandruff, it very much mimics the condition. The good news is that a simple moisturizing strategy can set a dry scalp condition to rights once more.

The Difference Between Dry Scalp Flakes and Dandruff

A dry scalp can exhibit itchy, flaky skin especially when it is exposed to irritants like residue buildup from styling products or to medications like minoxidil. These flakes are not necessarily dandruff. Flakes from residue buildup tend to be translucent and cling to hair strands. Those born out of a minoxidil reaction form off-coloured scaly sheets which are confined only to areas where the medication was applied.
Dandruff flakes on the other hand are opaque white and have a heavier texture. These tend to cling to both scalp and hair strands.
Simple flaking from a dry scalp is a simpler condition to treat than that of dandruff. Before bedtime, massage some moisturizing lotion into the dry areas of the scalp. During your morning shampoo, rinse out the lotion well and apply conditioner. If the flaking is not a dandruff issue, this remedy will solve it.
Washing your hair often will reduce hair product buildup and keep your scalp flake-free. It would be best not to minimize using hairsprays, gels, waxes, and other styling products that cause unsightly residue.
Flaking from a minoxidil reaction can be reduced if hair and scalp are washed daily to rinse away every night’s application of the medication.

About Dandruff

Dandruff can be a condition not just of a dry scalp but an oily scalp as well. Dandruff is symptomised by excessive flaking of dead skin cells caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called malassezia. Scientists are not very clear, but it seems that the overgrowth may be caused by:

• A diet high in sodium or sugar. A diet also dominated by spicy food may trigger the problem.
• Lack of nutrients such as Vitamins B or D
• Hormonal changes
• Heredity
• Stress
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
• Infrequent shampooing or cleansing of the hair
• Recovery from a chronic cardiovascular illness
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Changes in the weather

Dandruff Treatments

Anti-dandruff shampoos sold over-the-counter and in groceries may work to control some cases of dandruff. Good choices should contain ingredients such as ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, coal tar, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide. Use anti-dandruff shampoos a few times a week, alternating with your regular shampoo.
For those who want a more natural, organic approach to dandruff control, here are a few tips:

Tea Tree Oil

A few drops of tea tree oil in your shampoo could be an effective way to control dandruff. This oil has antifungal properties so small amounts could also be applied directly to those scaly patches on the scalp. As it is a strong substance, be on the lookout for allergic reactions and use only for short periods.

Aloe

The thick translucent fluid of an aloe vera leaf may reduce itchiness and flaking skin as it does with people afflicted with seborrheic dermatitis, a skin problem that can also cause dandruff. You can rub fresh aloe directly on your scalp.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is so versatile that it can clean your kitchen, whiten teeth, and do a myriad other things including dandruff control. Wet hair and rub some baking soda vigorously onto your scalp. Then rinse it out directly, skipping the shampooing part. Do this several times in the week. Baking soda seems to work on the fungi causing your dandruff misery. Expect your hair to get a bit dry but after some weeks, your scalp will start making its own oils, balancing out your hair’s texture with an added plus of a flake-free scalp.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar balances the pH of your scalp, creating a less friendly environment for the fungi to grow. Spray your scalp with a mixture of equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, wrap it up with a towel between 15 minutes to 1 hour, and then rinse away. Make this a twice a week ritual until the dandruff goes away.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil has both antifungal and moisturizing properties which makes this a great anti-dandruff alternative. Before a shower, massage your scalp with 3-5 tablespoons of it. Leave on your scalp for about an hour or more. Then, shampoo away. You won’t need to use a conditioner as the oil already does the conditioning as well as fight the fungi on your head. Try this treatment for a week or so.
When all else fails, consider visiting a trichologist, a hair and scalp expert. Trichologists can diagnose the cause of the dandruff and recommend the appropriate treatment. Think of them like hair and scalp doctors who can help you bid goodbye to your perennial embarrassing dandruff problem.