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What is Dry Scalp?

Most people often have the impression that dry scalp and Seborrheic Dermatitis are same conditions because both share the characteristics of scalp flaking and scalp itchiness. Although the symptoms are fairly similar, they are both very different conditions indeed and so are the treatment methods.

If you are currently treating this particular condition with treatments meant for Seborrheic Dermatitis, you are likely to find that the treatments might not work effectively and it’s likely to aggravate the symptoms.

Dry scalp is a relatively common skin condition where it is caused by over dryness of the scalp due to several internal and external factors. When your scalp is too dry, it can lead to flaking and itchiness. Lack of moisture can cause your hair and scalp to look pale and lifeless and your hair can end thin and weak.

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What Causes Dry Scalp?

To keep the scalp and hair moistened and fresh, little oil glands (sebaceous glands) that are located near your hair follicles excretes adequate amounts of oil consistently. The oils act as a natural lubricant that keeps your hair and scalp from looking lifeless and also acts as a protective layer.

For any reasons that the oils are insufficient or stripped out, your scalp and hair will start to dry. Prolonged drying will deprive your hair and scalp its natural protective barrier and exposing them to dryness. There are many possible reasons for this but some of the most prevailing causes of dry scalp are due to

• Frequent Shampooing
  If you shampoo your hair too frequently, you can end up removing too much oil from your scalp.
• Harsh or Unsuitable Shampoo
  Another common cause of scalp dryness is using a strong or unsuitable shampoo. Some shampoos can be quite unforgiving to your scalp especially if you are using conventional shampoos that contain lists of harsh chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulfate which can strip your hair and scalp of all its natural oils.
• Too much heating
  Blow drying your hair everyday might be a fast way to keep your hair dry but going overboard is one of the fastest ways to blast off all the moisture and oils from your scalp. Consistently using other heating devices like curling and flat irons can also affect the amount of moisture on your hair.
• Washing with Hard Water
  In certain places, you might be encountering a water source that is insufficiently filtered. These are most probably due to a direct supply from a nearly lake or river without going through a treatment plant first. This water is known as hard water because it can contain high concentrations of solid minerals like Calcium and Magnesium that can accumulate on your scalp and hair. Over time, these minerals can suck off the moisture and oils from your scalp and hair.
• Poor Diet and Nutrition
  Not drinking enough water and not pounding in the right nutrition can hamper the normal oil secretions from your sebaceous glands. This can cause your scalp and hair to dry if it’s not noticed early.
• Sprays and Styling Creams
  Many styling products that you use daily might be a contributing factor to the condition. Regular contact with chemicals and addictives from these products can dry your scalp and build up residue.
• Dry Weather
  During winter and dry seasons, your scalp and skin tend to lose moisture faster than normal. If you do no keep them properly lubricated, they are going to dry out pretty fast.

There are a plenty more reasons for the cause of dry scalp like prolonged exposure to the sun and a polluted working environment. It’s fairly important to know about it so you can try to avoid some of the causes if possible.

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Medical Symptoms

Dry hair and scalp symptoms do share a close resemblance to other dandruff conditions like Seborrheic Dermatitis and Scalp Psoriasis. Some of the common signs of dry scalp are

• Itchy scalp
• Scalp and hair dryness
• Dry and brittle hair
• Flaking
• Increased rate of hair loss

It’s important that you properly identify the symptoms of dry scalp and do not associate it with other dandruff conditions because the treatments might contradict each other. If you scalp and hair are oily most of the time, you are most probably facing the opposite condition instead known as Seborrheic Dermatitis.

So do a brief check by placing your finger tips on the scalp to see whether it’s dry or oily. If, it’s dry, then you know what you are facing, if not...click here.

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Treating Dry Scalp

Like most other scalp flaking conditions, there are no permanent cure for scalp dryness mainly because it’s caused by several factors that cannot be totally avoided. Actually around 70% of the people face with some sort of scalp dryness time and time again.So the best possible treatment for dry scalp is to avoid making common mistakes that cause it. Some preventive measures you should consider are

• Use mild or organic shampoos
  Mild shampoos are usually lesser harsher on your hair and scalp as they do not strip off too much oils away. A good organic shampoo can also reduce the chemical footprint on your scalp, as some chemicals can cause dry scalp and other related conditions.
• Shampoo your hair only
  Avoid getting the shampoo to your scalp too frequently but instead only apply it to your hair. You can do that by applying the shampoo to your hands instead directly to your scalp. The less contact the shampoo has with your scalp, the lesser chance it can remove the much needed oils.
• Drink more water
  Plenty of water keeps your skin fresh and the electrolytes in your body functioning. In turn it will also keep your scalp and hair fresh and hydrated. To keep your body moistened, drink at least 8 cups of water everyday and cut down on caffeinated drinks.
• Cut down the frequency
  Over-washing your hair is a common mistake most people make that will eventually cause your scalp and hair to dry out. Frequent washing and shampooing will also wash away the oils and moisture from your hair and scalp. Unless totally necessary, you might want to cut down on the washing.
• Slow down the heat
  If you have to blow dry your hair, the least you can do is to use cold air and turn down the blower’s speed. Besides that, do not point the blower directly to your scalp and keep it at least 5-6 inches away from your hair.

These are a few preventive methods that can help keep your scalp from drying unnecessarily. However, if your scalp is really dry, you might consider going for some serious treatments like the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Dry Scalp Soothing Shampoo.

I haven’t used it personally but I’ve received rave reviews from consumers and other popular beauty websites. You might want to check it out from your local drugstore.

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Essential-izing the Oils!

What else you can do? A lot more actually! There is a wide range of herbs and natural ingredients at your disposal to help cut down the symptoms and the annoying flaking of dry scalp.

Herbs like Peppermint, Rose, Tea Tree, Chamomile and Myrrh are complimentary yet effective remedies for treating dry scalp. One of the best ways to apply these herbs and essential oils is making a hot oil therapy right from the comfort of your own home. Let me show you how you can make a deeply soothing hot oil treatment!

First you will need to use a carrier oil like coconut, castor or evening primrose oil that is suitable for dry scalp. As for me, I still prefer Olive oil due to its beneficial qualities on the hair and scalp and it has great absorption rate as well.

1. Add around three table spoons of olive oil to a saucepan.
2. You can add in 3 drops each of Tea Tree, Rosemary and Lavender Essential oils into the saucepan.
3. Stir and boil till the mixture is warm and settled for 10 minutes.
4. Avoid wearing clothes because the oil can stain it.
5. Dip your fingers into the oil and massage it on the scalp and hair for 15 minutes.
6. Take a towel and warp around your hair for 30 minutes while watching your favorite TV show!
7. Shampoo and towel dry and you are done.

In addition to this standard treatment, you might also consider applying a few drips of Shea Butter oil to your hair and scalp after applying the treatment. Shea butter has great moisturizing qualities and can penetrate deeply into your scalp and skin. Do this treatment twice a month and your dry scalp problems should be gone in no time.

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