Has your scalp been acting some type of way this winter? Don’t worry! You are not the only one. I cannot remember how many times I mentioned shedding around this time last year. It looks like it is happening again. If you are like me, chances are your scalp feels dryer during the winter. I could not understand what was going on with my head a few weeks ago. I could feel my scalp tightening up. It was itchy, and even felt irritated at one point. The idea of buying a humidifier even danced in my head.
When the sebaceous glands (the glands that produce the natural oil for the hair and the skin) are dehydrated, the scalp does not get enough oil to keep it moisturized. This condition can lead to serious shedding or breakage. While dry scalp mostly happens during the winter for some, it can also be a chronic condition for those who suffer from skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Dry air, not drinking enough water, and some sulfate shampoos can worsen the condition. If your scalp feels dry, or if you see white flakes when styling your hair, there are oils or other steps you can take to reduce the severity of the problem.
- Clean your scalp
The number one thing to do is to start with a clean scalp. Steaming your hair during your normal washing session can help remove product build-ups, dirt, and also help with blood flow and circulation. A clean scalp will help with the distribution of your hair’s natural oil.
Make both carrier and essential oils work for you.
Jojoba oil is very close to the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands. It can help in providing moisture to the scalp. Tea tree and Jamaican black Castor oils are known for their anti-fungal properties. They reduce shedding and promote hair growth. Peppermint oil relieves itchiness associated with dry scalp. It also removes dandruff. And Argan oil, also known as “liquid gold” can also help when it comes lubricating the scalp and providing scalp relief. If Jamaican black Castor oil irritates your scalp, you can mix it with coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil to make it work for you.
- Skip sulfate shampoos whenever possible
Using a shampoo that is not sulfate-free does not only dry out your ends. It can also cause scalp irritation, especially during the cold season. Applying coconut oil to your scalp and your hair before using shampoo can lessen the effect of the sulfate on your scalp.
- Try a DIY spritz
Make your own scalp moisturizer by mixing a generous amount of glycerin oil with some distilled water and spray it on your scalp. Mixing the glycerin oil with water is very important because glycerin attracts moisture to itself.
Dealing with dry hair is not an easy thing. Having to deal with a dry scalp while trying to keep the hair moisturized can be frustrating. Remember you have to start from roots to ends when it comes to providing proper nutrition to the hair. Drinking enough water and following a healthy diet plan can also help in addition to the tips provided above.
