Suffering From Dry Itchy Scalp? Do These 5 Things Now

Are you suffering from a dry, itchy scalp? Here are a few home remedies for dry, itchy scalp that you can do to take better care of your scalp and alleviate itchiness.

Having a dry, itchy scalp is among the most common hair problems that both men and women experience - in fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, 15% of people will suffer from a dry scalp at least once in their life. But what exactly causes a dry, itchy scalp, and how to fix it?

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the dry scalp, why you may be experiencing it, and how you can treat it effectively. So, if you are looking for more information on the topic, continue reading:

What is a dry scalp?

According to Cleveland Clinic, dry scalp is a condition in which the skin on your head loses too much water or moisture, causing itching, flaking, and irritation as a result.

When the scalp is dry, the skin barrier (stratum corneum) is compromised, which leads to increased water loss from the deeper layer of the skin. 

What causes a dry itchy scalp?

Identifying the cause of your dry scalp is essential in order to find an effective treatment. 

A dry, itchy scalp can be caused by skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, harsh hair products, overwashing, weather changes, dehydration, and stress. These factors strip natural oils, leading to irritation and flakiness. 

Let's take a look at the details:

1. Skin conditions

Skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, can lead to a dry itchy scalp. That's because they cause inflammation and disrupt the normal turnover of the skin cells, making it become more irritated and prone to moisture loss.

The exact mechanism may vary with each condition - for example, eczema leads to dryness and itchiness, while psoriasis can cause thick, scaly patches. Overall, skin conditions disrupt the natural balance and health of the scalp's skin.

2. Weather changes

Another factor that contributes to a dry itchy scalp is weather changes, especially when the air outside in winter is cold and dry. That's because the low levels of humidity during colder months strip moisture from the skin, including the scalp.

When the air is dry, it draws moisture from the closest source - which is quite often your skin. The result is dehydration, dryness, flakiness, and itching. However, a dry itchy scalp doesn't only happen in winter - in summer, hot weather can evaporate moisture from the skin as well. 

3. Excessive hair washing

If you are suffering from dry, itchy scalp, you may be overwashing your hair. If you wash your hair too frequently, this can strip it of its natural oils, which are essential for maintaining a healthy scalp environment. 

This is especially true if you are using harsh shampoos with strong detergents or alcohol - that's why we always recommend washing it with a shampoo without silicones, sulfates and parabens like the NuMe Vegan Hydrating Tourmaline Shampoo. 

So, how often should you wash your hair? The exact answer may vary depending on whether your hair is more or less oily, but the general recommendation is to wash it no more than 2-3 times weekly. 

4. Poor diet

Another main cause of a dry itchy scalp can also be your diet. If you are eating a lot of highly processed foods, your hair and scalp may lack the essential nutrients they need to maintain a healthy scalp environment.

For example, a lack of essential fatty acids can disrupt the oil production and hydration of the hair, while vitamin deficiencies may fail to protect the skin cells from oxidative stress. These deficiencies can lead to dryness, flakiness, and impaired healing.

5. Hair care products 

If your hair care routine consists of harsh products with strong chemicals, this can be another reason why you could be suffering from a dry itchy scalp. 

Some hair products, especially styling products, contain high levels of alcohol, which can quickly evaporate, taking moisture from the scalp with it, and leading to dryness and irritation.

In addition, many shampoos contain strong surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that cleanse effectively but can strip the scalp of its natural oils. This oil (sebum) is essential for keeping the scalp moisturized and protected.

6. Other factors

These are some of the major factors that may lead to a dry itchy scalp, but they are not the only ones. Some additional causes include:

• Dehydration - according to the Mayo Clinic, women should drink about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day, while men should aim for about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids every single day. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which also negatively impacts your scalp.
• Age and genetics - genetics and age are other factors that may contribute to a dry, itchy scalp. As you age, your scalp tends to become drier, mainly due to decreased sebum production and slowed down skin cell renewal.
• Hormonal changes - hormonal imbalances or changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can also affect the skin, as well as the moisture levels of the scalp. 
• Stress - as you may have heard already, stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that disrupts the balance of other hormones in the body. This imbalance may affect the health of your scalp. 
• Heat styling tools - if not done correctly and with the right tools, thermal heat styling may also lead to a dry scalp, especially if you are curling or straightening your hair at very high temperatures.

How do you fix a dry itchy scalp? 5 tips

If you are suffering from dry, itchy scalp, don't worry! There are some things that you can do about it if you are looking for relief and improving your condition altogether. Let's take a look at these dry scalp treatments at home:

1. Use a hair serum

A highly effective way how to treat a dry, itchy scalp is to use a repair serum such as the NuMe Hairology Scalp Serum. Made using the core of four power plants that are scientifically proven to hydrate the scalp and reduce shedding, altering the composition of hair follicles and transforming the hair into its highest potential.

Made with rosemary, malilito, alfalfa and hops, it helps to build a healthier hair environment while forming a protective barrier from the crown of the hair to the ends. 

2. Eat healthy, whole foods

If you are suffering from dry, itchy skin, another highly effective way to ensure a healthy hair and skin environment from the inside out is to focus on eating healthy, whole foods that provide all of the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to your body and hair. 

This includes fatty fish such as salmon and sardines (which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids), nuts and seeds, avocados, sweet potatoes, berries, eggs, whole grains, spinach and other leafy greens. These foods are high in vitamins and minerals, which your scalp will definitely appreciate!

3. Use tourmaline-based products

One of the main reasons behind dry scalp is lack of moisture, and a lot of heat styling tools may contribute to - or exacerbate - your condition, especially if you are using them frequently and applying high temperatures.

That's because the high heat that they generate leads to the rapid evaporation of moisture from the scalp and hair, leaving the scalp dry, itchy, and flaky. In addition, excessive heat can damage the hair shaft and the protective layer of the scalp, disrupting the natural oil production of the scalp. 

That's why we always recommend using heat-styling products made with the gemstone tourmaline, such as the award-winning NuMe Megastar Flat Iron, or the NuMe Signature Hair Dryer. It emits up to 6 times more negative ions than other materials, effectively locking in moisture when styling.

4. Moisturize your scalp

Moisturizers can help restore and maintain the scalp's natural barrier, protecting against irritants and preventing moisture loss. A well-moisturized scalp supports healthy hair growth and prevents flaking and dandruff, which are often associated with dryness.

Sometimes, a dry scalp can lead to overproduction of oil as a response to dryness. Proper moisturization helps maintain a balance in natural oil production.

For optimal hydration, we recommend using a natural conditioner without parabens and sulfates like the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Conditioner, as well as regularly applying a deeply hydrating treatment with the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Mask. 

In addition, argan oil can be highly beneficial for treating a dry scalp - it's rich in fatty acids, particularly oleic and linoleic acids, which help moisturize and nourish the scalp. This hydration can alleviate dryness and reduce flakiness.

5. Limit the frequency of hair washing

As we mentioned earlier, washing your hair excessively can strip away the natural oils (sebum) of the scalp, which are essential for maintaining moisture and protecting the skin. Less frequent washing helps preserve these oils, keeping the scalp hydrated.

Limiting hair washing can also balance your skin's natural pH - the scalp has a natural pH that can be disrupted by frequent washing. Limiting shampooing helps maintain this balance, promoting a healthier scalp environment.

Try to wash your hair no more than 2-3 times per week, unless it's very oily and requires more frequent washing.

FAQ

What is a dry itchy scalp a symptom of?

A dry, itchy scalp can be a symptom of several conditions: dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or an allergic reaction to hair products. It can also result from environmental factors, stress, and poor hair care habits.

What deficiency causes a dry itchy scalp?

A dry, itchy scalp can be caused by deficiencies in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, B (especially biotin), and E, and minerals such as zinc and selenium. These nutrients are vital for maintaining healthy skin and scalp.

Can drinking water fix dry scalp?

Drinking water can help alleviate dry scalp to some extent, as hydration is crucial for skin health. Adequate water intake ensures the body, including the scalp, maintains moisture balance, reducing dryness.

However, it's often necessary to combine this with external scalp care treatments.

Does dry scalp ever go away?

Dry scalp can often be effectively managed and may go away with the right care. Regular use of moisturizing hair products, reducing washing frequency, maintaining a healthy diet, and addressing any underlying skin conditions or lifestyle factors can lead to significant improvement.

Why is my scalp so itchy without dandruff? 

An itchy scalp without dandruff could be due to dry skin, allergic reactions to hair products, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis without visible flakes. It might also be a result of stress, hormonal changes, or environmental factors like extreme weather.