How to Hydrate a Dry Scalp – Tips From the Experts
Dry scalp getting you down? That tight, itchy feeling and those unwanted flakes can make it one of the most frustrating hair concerns to deal with. But in learning how to hydrate a dry scalp, you can keep symptoms of dehydrated skin at bay. And if you’re a hairdresser, helping your clients calm and soothe their scalp means they’ll leave the salon feeling more confident than ever.
So, let’s look at the best ways to level up scalp hydration. Whether you’re treating your own hair or advising one of your clients, these are the tips you need to know…
First, What Causes a Dry Scalp?
Just like dry skin on any part of your body, a dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture. If the follicles aren’t producing enough of the natural oils that keep hair healthy, tightness and itchiness can take hold. There are a few reasons this can happen:
Over-Washing
Shampooing is essential for clean, healthy hair, but you can overdo it. Whether you’re washing locks too often, or not using the right shampoo for your hair type, a dry scalp may be a sign that it’s time to reassess your care routine. Try spacing out hair wash days by an extra day, and switch to a shampoo that’s dermatologically tested. You should also look for words like ‘nourishing’, ‘hydrating’ or ‘moisturizing’ on the shampoo bottle.
Product Build-Up
Daily stylers like dry shampoo, hairspray and gel can build up on the scalp if they’re not shampooed out. So, if you suspect product build-up is at the root of a dry scalp, make sure you’re really massaging shampoo in and rinsing thoroughly. You may even want to hit ‘reset’ with a clarifying shampoo (we love INVIGO Aqua Pure Purifying Shampoo), which you can alternate with a moisturizing shampoo to maintain perfect balance.
Not Drinking Enough Water
It’s true that hydration starts from the inside out – and so does dehydration. If you’re not drinking enough water, it can start to show on your skin and scalp. Water is needed to aid the production of collagen, replenish skin cells, and support vitamin and mineral absorption, so if your scalp is feeling dry, it may be time to up your water intake.
Cold, Dry Weather
Does your scalp seem drier in the cooler months? It’s no coincidence. Icy temperatures and harsh winds can damage the protective layer of the scalp, so it’s more vulnerable to irritation. Add in central heating, and you’ve got even more dry air wreaking havoc on your skin, leading to flaking, itching and irritation from head to toe.
Eczema or Psoriasis
If you suspect a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis is giving you a dry scalp, speak to your doctor or dermatologist to find a solution. They’ll be able to recommend medicated products that will soothe and calm inflamed skin, so you can reduce flakiness and enjoy a healthy, nourished scalp once more.
How to Hydrate a Dry Scalp
1. Switch Shampoos
The right shampoo won’t just target your hair type, but it will maintain scalp health too. So, if you’re dealing with a dry scalp, look for calming, nourishing and moisturizing formulas. INVIGO Senso Calm Sensitive Shampoo is our go-to if your scalp is delicate, as it’s fragrance-free and infused with allantoin to soothe and calm the skin. It’s also kind to locks from root to tip, leaving lengths feeling clean and cared for.
If the lengths of hair are as dry as the scalp, you could also try ULTIMATE REPAIR Shampoo, which is infused with a skincare-inspired blend of Omega-9 and AHA. Follow it up with ULTIMATE REPAIR Conditioner, then apply Miracle Hair Rescue to towel-dried locks repair damage in 90 seconds*. This dermatologically tested combination leaves hair 12x smoother** with 99% less breakage***.
2. Wash With Lukewarm Water
Cold water won’t rinse out shampoo thoroughly enough, but hot water is drying on the scalp. So, to keep hair and skin healthy, you should always wash with lukewarm water. As tempting as it is to turn up the temperature – because let’s face it, nothing beats a hot shower – your scalp will thank you for turning down the heat. Try it on your next hair wash day.
3. Exfoliate the Scalp
If your dry scalp has led to flakiness, and you’re treating skin to a hydrating treatment, make sure you exfoliate first. This will allow your scalp mask or serum to absorb deeper. You can simply massage your scalp with fingertips to slough away dead skin cells. Or you could also use a soft bristle hairbrush, gently moving it in circular motions to loosen flakes. Do this at least once per week before moving on to the next soothing step.
4. Apply a Calming Mask
Hair masks aren’t just for the lengths (although if locks are stressed, we rate ULTIMATE REPAIR Mask). You can also treat your scalp to a deep treatment, like INVIGO Senso Calm Sensitive Mask. The fragrance-free cream alleviates itchiness and nourishes the skin, yet it's weightless enough to be used on even fine or oily hair. Massage it directly onto the scalp, allow it to absorb for five minutes, then rinse out thoroughly. Finish with your favorite hair mask through the mid-lengths and ends for root-to-tip care.
5. Prime Skin Before Coloring
Shoutout to hairdressers: if you’re coloring a client’s hair and they have a dry scalp, prep with a scalp primer first, like Marula Oil Blend Scalp Primer. It creates a protective layer on the scalp in the face of demanding salon services, whether you’re applying lightener close to the root or transforming locks with all-over color. Simply use the precision tip on the bottle to apply the oil to the scalp, and massage it in with fingertips. Then leave it in while you color – it won’t impact the outcome, but it will keep the scalp protected.
And if you’re not a hairdresser, you can still request Marula Oil Blend Scalp Primer at your next color appointment. Simply use our Salon Finder to find your nearest Wella Professionals salon, then ask about the primer during your consultation.
6. Drink More Water
There are endless benefits to drinking more water – better sleep, better skin and better mood, to name a few. But, did you know? Staying hydrated from within can be good for your hair too. So, if you’re suffering from a dry scalp, make sure you’re drinking at least eight glasses of water each day. Also add water-filled fruits and vegetables to your diet, such as cucumber, watermelon, celery and peaches.
Dry Scalp FAQs
Why Does My Scalp Itch After Washing My Hair?
There are a multitude of reasons why your scalp might feel itchy after washing, but one that’s often missed is shampoo build-up. If shampoo isn’t rinsed out thoroughly, you may feel it on your skin. So, make sure you’re getting the lather out with lukewarm water. A few extra seconds under the tap or shower head may be all that’s needed to ensure roots are residue-free.
Can a Dry Scalp Cause Hair Loss?
A dry scalp won’t directly cause hair to thin or fall out, but if you’re scratching it due to itchiness then you may find you shed more strands than usual. Certain skin conditions that occur on the scalp, such as seborrheic dermatitis, can also lead to hair loss. That’s why, when skin is persistently dry, sore and irritated, you should speak to a dermatologist to find a solution.
What Does a Dehydrated Scalp Look Like?
It’s easy to confuse dandruff for a dry scalp, so if you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, make sure you read our ‘what’s the difference between dandruff and a dry scalp?’ guide. A dry scalp is usually accompanied by small, white, dusty flakes and a tight sensation. If you have dry skin on other parts of your body, you’re more likely to experience a dry scalp too. Meanwhile, dandruff is caused by an excess of oil and an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, leaving you with bigger flakes that can feel sticky and look white or yellow in color.
Does a Dry Scalp Ever Go Away?
With the right care routine, you can soon get your scalp back to its healthiest state. The trick is to act fast when you see flakes or feel tightness, so you can hydrate a dry scalp before it gets worse. The same goes for skin conditions on the scalp; the sooner you seek help, the sooner you’ll see results. Many fungal infections won’t go away without treatment, so
How Often Should You Shower if You Have a Dry Scalp?
It’s all about getting the balance right. You don’t want to wash too often, as this can make your scalp even drier, but you still want to keep your hair clean and fresh. So, what’s the solution? We recommend washing every three to four days, depending on what best suits your hair type. If, despite the dryness, your hair is also oily, you may want to stick to three days. But if you can bridge the gap for longer, aim for four days in between washes.
Looking for more ways to care for hair? Discover our complete collection of Hair Care Guides, featuring tips for every type and concern.
