Shampoo for Dry Scalp
Dry scalp is a very common condition, experienced by numerous people, especially in cold climates or during the winter season. When the skin of the scalp becomes dry, it feels very tight and itchy. It is seen that when people with a dry scalp, comb or brush their hair, tiny white flakes of dead skin come out. If you scratch, you will find pieces of dry skin in the fingernails, scientifically known as pruritus. There are many hair care products available in the market such as moisturizers, lotions, conditioners and shampoos for dry scalp treatment. Here are a few things that should be considered when buying a shampoo for dry scalp.
Things to Remember
Mild Shampoo
Sometimes dry scalp is caused by using a shampoo or a hair gel which has harsh chemicals. All detergent-based shampoos can be pretty hard on the scalp. If this is the cause, then switching to a mild shampoo will free the person off his problems.
Moisturizing Shampoo
Extremely dry scalp can be treated by using a moisturizing shampoo, followed by a moisturizing conditioner. A moisturizing shampoo will remove the dryness of the scalp and will also make the hair soft and manageable.
Shampoo Ingredients
When buying a shampoo for dry scalp, ensure that it contains such ingredients which are known to remove dryness. For example, shampoos with natural ingredients such as apricot extracts, aloe vera, mint and almonds are especially known to soothe the itchiness caused by a dry scalp, besides removing the dryness. Other ingredients to look for, are those which have "lock in moisture" properties such as sea-buckthorn oil and tea tree oil.
Shampoo for Dandruff and Dry Scalp
It is often seen that this condition is often mistaken for dandruff and the person starts using anti dandruff shampoos to get rid of the dry scalp. Following such treatments can make the condition of the scalp even worse. There are many shampoos in the market today that effectively treat both dandruff and dry scalp together. Anti dandruff shampoos are not that effective as when they are discontinued, the person starts experiencing dandruff again. The best shampoos to be used in such condition would be baby shampoos or some medicated shampoos which will treat both dandruff and dry scalp and would not be as harsh on the skin as the chemically rich anti dandruff shampoos.
Shampoo for Dry Scalp and Color Treated Hair
Mild shampoos that contain tea tree oil are the best, as they do not strip the color off the hair. Sometimes the dry scalp could also be due to a reaction to some harsh chemical in the hair color. So discontinuing hair color for a while and observing whether it gets cured by itself is a good idea too.
Shampoo for Oily Hair and Dry Scalp
It is generally believed that oily hair is due to an oily scalp, but this is far from the truth. In fact, a dry scalp makes the oil glands to produce even more oil. This excess oil on the scalp transfers to the hair, thus resulting in oily hair. So to treat oily hair, curing dry scalp first, is essential. Using mild shampoos, baby shampoos and shampoos with tea tree oil are the best bet.
Homemade Shampoo
Shampoos for dry scalp can also be made at home. Simply buy any mild shampoo and add ingredients such as olive oil, almond oil or jojoba oil to it, as all these oils help in restoring the natural moisture balance. Shampoos can also be mixed with natural ingredients such as catnip leaves, burdock root, peppermint, chamomile, thyme and elderflower, as these too are known for alleviating this condition.
Besides this, certain home remedies for hair care, such as regular oil massages, steaming the hair, using warm water for shampooing instead of hot water, applying a moisturizing lotion, drinking adequate amount of fluids and eating a healthy diet with all the required nutrients, are equally beneficial to treat a dry scalp.
