Estimated Read Time: 4.5 minutes

Summary: In this blog we learn all about dry scalps – what causes them, how to tell if it's dandruff or not and what's good to use on a dry scalp for relief and improvement...

So, you have a dry scalp. Or, so you think because the symptoms are really similar to dandruff! It’s important to know the difference between the two, so you can treat each condition effectively and relieve yourself from discomfort!

Let’s take a look at the symptoms of a dry scalp, how they differ from dandruff, and learn what’s good for a dry scalp treatment…

Dandruff Vs Dry Scalp

In dandruff, the skin flakes due to too much oil or product build-up being present on the scalp. It causes the skin cells to clog up and ultimately shed.

In a dry scalp, the skin comes away from the head due to irritation, usually because of a lack of moisture, rather than too much.

A good way of being able to tell if your scalp is dry, rather than the victim of dandruff, is to check other areas of your body for dryness, like your face, legs, elbows, and hands.

Dandruff flakes are typically large, yellow or white and oily in appearance, and a dry scalp develops smaller flakes in comparison.

Both dandruff and a dry scalp can cause it to itch. 

What causes a dry scalp?

• A cold, dry environment (is it winter? Is your air-con on high?)
• Ageing and hormonal changes
• Contact dermatitis, which is typically caused by skin’s reaction to a product/ingredient

If you think it’s contact dermatitis causing your dry scalp, cease using the suspected product immediately.

So, what should I use for a dry scalp? 

Thankfully, there are many ways you can naturally support your scalp throughout this period of dryness!

Coconut Oil

100% natural, virgin coconut oil works wonders for dry scalps. You simply need to massage it into your scalp and cover your hair strands from root to tip. Keep the hair wrapped in a towel for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Or, if you want a deeper experience to help your scalp rehydrate, really massage a light amount of coconut oil into the skin and sleep in it before washing thoroughly the next morning, with a gentle sulphate and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner.

Cel Pro Tip: Massaging the scalp will also help stimulate the hair follicles (where the root of your hair grows from) and help promote new hair growth!

Read more on How To Stimulate Your Hair Follicles here.

Switching Up Your Shampoo

If you think you may be developing a dry scalp because of a sensitivity to a product you're using, look to incorporating more natural-based haircare products to your regime, in particular your shampoo and conditioner.

Cel’s natural Microstem Shampoo and Conditioner set is suitable for all hair types, is hypoallergenic, and will gently clean your scalp and tresses, leaving your locks and head feeling healthy and hydrated.

Mashed Bananas

Yes, you read that right! Mashed up bananas can make a great treatment for dry scalps. They’re a natural antimicrobial, and organically nourish and moisturise. Simply mash up a banana and mix together with a few tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil and massage it into the scalp.

Leave your yellow fruit mixture in for around 15 minutes before washing out with your hypoallergenic, scalp-friendly shampoo!

Alternatively, you can also use avocado! This popular green fruit contains monounsaturated fats, that can actually protect and hydrate your scalp and skin topically! Or, for a fuller effect, use both an avocado and banana together, mashed up with a carrier oil in a mixture for your scalp, and reap the benefits of both at the same time!

In the United States, food waste is estimated at between 30-40% of the food supply. Your softening bananas could be used in other ways, like soothing and helping your scalp, whilst helping out the environment! So, it’s worth investigating what other fresh food produce can help your hair, scalp, and skin topically!

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has been popular throughout the ages as a herbal medicine, as it is touted to reduce inflammation and believed to calm itchy skin and be a natural skin soother. So, witch hazel could help your dry scalp out!

Use a liquid witch hazel (found in most health stores!) and mix a few drops with a carrier oil (coconut oil, olive or almond perhaps?). Massage it gently, but thoroughly, into the scalp and let it sit for several minutes before washing your hair with your favourite shampoo and conditioner.

Final Thoughts…

The good news about having a dry scalp is that it’s likely to be temporary and can be easily treated with natural, non-medicated products.

If your dry scalp persists for a long period of time, check-in with your doctor.

Related Reads

Our Complete Guide To Essential Oils & Your Hair

Home Scalp Treatments Could Be The New Skincare Regime

Sudden Dandruff Got You Down? Learn How To Get Rid Of Sudden Dandruff