A dry scalp occurs when the scalp does not produce or hold enough moisture or oils. Sebaceous glands attached to hair follicles release a fatty substance called sebum into the follicular duct and to the surface of the skin. Sebum is composed of keratin, fat and cellular matter. Combined with sweat, sebum forms a moist oily acidic film that is mildly antibacterial and antifungal and protects the skin against drying.
People with dry skin are more prone to dry scalp. This means that many of the things that cause dry skin can also cause a dry scalp including: dry air, particularly during the colder months, excessive washing, especially when coupled with hair products that contain aggressive chemicals and medical conditions such as eczema or hormone imbalances. Flaking can occur with a dry scalp but the flakes are smaller and whiter as opposed to dandruff flakes which tend to be yellow-tinged and are oily, sticking to the scalp.
If you suffer from a dry scalp then it’s critical to nurture your scalp as part of your ongoing weekly hair care regime. The consequences of not caring for your scalp could lead to inflammation, infection and potential hair growth problems.
5 Tips to treat a Dry Scalp
- Use the Holistic Hair Scalp Treatment Oil once a week.
- Use Pure shampoo or Hydrating shampoo formulated to gently cleanse and replace lost moisture and nutrients. Or purchase the Dry Scalp Dry Hair Collection.
- Shampoo only when your scalp feels dirty.
- Avoid hot water on the scalp aim to use lukewarm to cool water when shampooing.
- Eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin Bs and iron.
5 Steps to using the Scalp Treatment Oil correctly
As a weekly treatment to calm the scalp and remove flakes and build-up
- Apply the oil the night before the morning you intend to wash your hair.
- Part your hair into sections, apply the oil using the dropper, sufficient to lightly cover the scalp.
- Massage in & leave for as long as possible, preferably overnight.
- Wash out using a Holistic Hair Shampoo. Prior to introducing water, massage some of the shampoo through-out the scalp. Then add the water to activate the lather. This allows the shampoo to more effectively remove the residual oil.
- Allow your hair to air dry instead of using a blow dryer which can aggravate the scalp.
As an everyday leave-in moisturiser
- Use sparingly and only on affected areas to moisturise and protect the scalp.
As a scalp massage oil to restore scalp & hair health
- Apply the oil using the dropper
- Use sufficient to form a light film on the scalp.
- Gently massage the scalp for a minimum of 5-10 mins, longer if possible, to encourage blood flow to the follicles.
- Following the massage wash out using a Holistic Hair Shampoo. Prior to introducing water, massage some of the shampoo through-out the scalp. Then add the water to activate the lather. This allows the shampoo to more effectively remove the residual oil.
- This massage treatment can be done as often as desired.
Read The 7 Benefits of Scalp Massage with Scalp Treatment Oil
