Scalp Hacks to Advise your Customers

Scalp flaking and itching can flat out ruin a great hair day—not to mention a killer little-black-dress moment. The uncomfortable sensation (physically and emotionally) is most commonly the result of everyday dandruff but seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis may also be culprits. Even more simple, the issue could just be a case of scalp dryness or irritation. But when it comes down to it, all of the associated conditions involve some form of dysregulation of skin cell turnover and low sebum production. For dandruff that could be a yeast or bacterial imbalance, but a dry scalp can result from many things, including using a harsh shampoo, sensitivity to fragrance, low humidity in the air, taking long or hot showers, certain medications, hormonal changes, and advanced age.

Several conditions may appear to be dry scalp but are actually something more serious. If dry scalp is not resolving with over-the-counter treatments, it's important to see a dermatologist to rule out a more serious diagnosis and ensure that whatever is causing the problem is appropriately treated," board-certified dermatologist.

Take Shorter, Cooler Showers
At the end of a long day, a hot shower can be just the thing to help you unwind. It's easy to lose track of time when you're enjoying the soothing heat of a shower, but our experts warn this can be a cause if you're experiencing scalp dryness. Limiting time in the shower and using warm, but not hot water may help. Overly hot showers can exacerbate dry skin, including dry scalp.

Reduce Wash Days
In addition to the temperature and length of  showers, you may also want to evaluate how often hair is washed. If the scalp is extremely dry, it may help to wash less frequently, maybe every other day instead of daily. Consider using a shower cap to protect the scalp and style when you shower and don't plan to wash the hair.

Apply an Oil Treatment
Dry scalps can benefit from added moisture in the form of an oil treatment. Applying an oil, like castor or coconut oil, directly to the scalp can help soften flakes and ultimately help to repair the skin barrier. Coconut oil, in particular, is deeply nourishing to both the scalp and hair. Some hair oils contain ingredients, like rosemary oil, which may also have added benefits like promoting hair growth in addition to hydration.

If you want to maximize the benefits of an oil, try creating a hot oil treatment. To do this, carefully warm the oil before applying it to the scalp (make sure the temperature isn't too hot), then cover the hair with a shower cap and apply heat using a blow dryer or hot steam from the shower. 

Switch to Gentle, Fragrance-Free Shampoo
Dryness, itching, and even flaking can be from irritation. She adds that harsh products with chemicals, excessive sulfates, or fragrances can create dryness and the same effects. Use a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo, as this can help to repair the skin barrier if you have sensitive skin and experience irritation from harsh shampoos and common irritants.

If changing to a gentle shampoo does not improve the scalp irritation or they experience any cracking, bleeding, or scabbing, it's time to visit a board-certified dermatologist. If it's inflamed, red, and scaly, it may be a condition beyond dry scalp. 

Add a Hydrating Hair Serum
Hair serums can treat a variety of hair concerns, some hydrating hair serums may also benefit the scalp. If a product's instructions don't say to apply it to the scalp, it's best to follow this, as it may contribute to buildup. While it may seem harmless, excessive product buildup can create dryness, worsening the initial problem.

Gently Exfoliate the Scalp
Many people love scratching their scalp while shampooing, but this can make flaking worse. Scratching may help to dislodge the flakes, but the damage it causes to the skin barrier will promote the creation of more dry skin as the scalp heals. Instead of using the nails, seek out scrubs and shampoos designed to gently exfoliate the flakes away without causing further damage.

A salicylic acid shampoo can help to loosen flakes, and a gentle scalp scrub can also help to wash them away. A light scrub on the scalp can help to avoid buildup. 

Massage the Scalp
Massaging the scalp can provide many benefits. Scalp massage stimulates blood flow to the area, which is believed to relieve tension and potentially promote new hair growth.


Receive Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy has been used to treat irritation and inflammation in the face, so it's easy to see where it may be helpful for similar scalp issues as well. 

At-home red light therapy machines can be pricey, so consult a dermatologist before investing in one. It's important to ensure you know what you're dealing with, as certain scalp conditions require prescription medication or creams for effective treatment.

A dry scalp can be the result of many things, including using a harsh shampoo, sensitivity to fragrance, low humidity in the air, taking long or hot showers, certain medications, hormonal changes, and advanced age. Scalp dryness can be indicative of more serious scalp conditions, such as everyday dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and more. If your customer is experiencin any cracking, bleeding, or scabbing, it's time to visit a board-certified dermatologist.