A Guide on How to Moisturize Your Scalp

By Tiffany Walker

Wondering the best way to hydrate your scalp?Healthy hair begins at a healthy scalp, so if you have ever experienced dryness, itchiness, or an irritated scalp, then you’re in the right place. A dry scalp can be super annoying, but it can be pretty easy to fix with the right routine and products. To learn how you can moisturize your scalp to better prevent irritation and promote healthy hair growth, continue reading.

What is Dry Scalp?

To be able to start treating your dry scalp, first, it’s important to understand exactly what dry scalp is! Dry scalp is a condition when the skin on the scalp doesn’t have enough moisture and starts to become dry.

Do I Have a Dry Scalp?

Not sure if you suffer from dry scalp? Here are some signs that you might be experiencing dry scalp: 

• Have a dry skin type or experience dryness in other areas of the body 
• Small, white flakes form in the scalp
• Mild itching 
• Tightness of the scalp
• Redness or irritation 

What Causes a Dry Scalp?

If you’re curious what causes dry scalp and its symptoms, here are some possible reasons you’re experiencing them:

• Environmental factors: The climate you live in can impact the health of your scalp. Extreme cold or hot weather can lead to some irritation and dryness.

• Hair products: The hair products you’re using might contain ingredients that are harsh on the hair and strip it of its oils, causing it to dry out. 

• Hormonal changes: Experiencing any type of hormonal changes due to menopause, puberty, pregnancy, etc., can contribute to drying the skin and scalp. 

• Diet changes: The food we eat is super important to our overall health and the state of our scalp. If you aren’t getting enough fatty acids in your diet, you might experience scalp irritation or an itchy scalp.

• Excessive washing: Over washing your hair removes the natural oils your hair needs to stay hydrated and can lead to scalp issues. 

• Genetics: You may have a vulnerability to experiencing dry scalp if people in your family have experienced dry skin, dry scalp, or dandruff. It’s important to also understand the difference between dandruff and dry scalp so you can properly treat it.

• Other skin conditions: Having a skin conditions like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis may leave you more open to experiencing dryness or flaking of the scalp. 

Treating a Dry Scalp 

Now that you know what a dry scalp is and what might be causing it, we are here to give you all the tips and tricks to bring the moisture back to your curls and learn how to hydrate your scalp.

• Switch Up Your Shampoo

Dry scalp can be a result of using shampoos that contain chemicals and harsh ingredients. Harsh shampoos can strip your hair of the natural oils it needs to stay hydrated. If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms of a dry scalp, try switching up the shampoo you use. Try a moisturizing shampoo that explicitly says “gentle,” and doesn’t contain any alcohol. Try our Hawaiian ginger shampoo to get the results you’ve been searching for!

• Wash Your Hair Less

If you’re noticing dry scalp or dry hair, you may be washing your hair too often. Frequent washing can dry out your hair and scalp. It is recommended to wash natural hair every 2-3 weeks unless it’s in a protective style. 

• Use a Scalp Oil

These days they have an oil for your skin, body, hair, you name it. Try using a scalp-specific oil or hair moisturizer that will nourish your hair and lock in moisture. Tea tree oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil are great anti-inflammatory products to help remove any flakes or scalp dryness you have. Another great product we recommend is our rosemary mint hair oil. This hair oil will prevent dry scalp and smooth split ends, not to mention it smells amazing! 

• Massage Your Scalp

Need something free of charge? You deserve a scalp massage. Use your fingertips as you are cleansing your hair or doing a hot oil treatment or scalp mask for at least 5 minutes. Massaging your hair will create blood circulation that our hair needs to grow. Try using the moisturizing scalp treatment while you're giving yourself a scalp massage.

• Stay Hydrated 

Drinking water is the best thing we can do for our bodies and the overall health of our hair. Water will replenish the moisture your hair loses. Therecommended amount is about 8 cups per day. 

Keeping Your Scalp Hydrated

With these remedies, you will be able to hydrate your scalp and treat any dryness, irritation, itchiness, or flaking properly. So, if you’re looking for how to get rid of scalp build-up or irritation for good, our natural hair products are for you. Dry scalp can usually be treated with the tips we’ve listed, but if irritation continues, please see a doctor. A healthy scalp is what creates the environment for hair to be healthy and grow, so we look forward to seeing those luscious curls very soon!

References:

1. Everyday health. 7 Dry Scalp Treatments. https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/dry-scalp-treatments.aspx
2. Mind Body Green. 7 Easy Ways To Moisturize A Dry Scalp From Derms & Hairstylists. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-moisturize-your-scalp